1. Prof. Thomas Luhmann
High-Accuracy Close-Range Photogrammetry – From Requirements to Systems and Solutions
Abstract
Accuracy, reliability, automation and validation are among the most important issues in close-range
photogrammetry when it is applied to industrial, medical or other critical applications. After an introduction
to various accuracy aspects and a historical review of important developments, the keynote will focus on
fundamentals on photogrammetric accuracy, quality parameters and validation standards. Special
emphasis is given to camera calibration as one of the key impacts to high accuracy. Subsequently, some
examples of high-performance systems and applications are presented. Finally trends in industry are
discussed, follows by some recommendations about educational needs in higher education.
2. Prof. Roman Shults
Remote Sensing at the Intersection: Environment, Hazards, and the AI Frontier
Abstract
This keynote synthesizes research at the convergence of Earth Observation, environmental monitoring,
and GeoAI. It spans dryland ecosystems, where multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data discriminate vegetation and
desert dynamics; atmospheric and climate processes, including satellite quantification of methane and
aerosol optical depth; natural hazards, where machine learning and multi-sensor fusion support landslide
monitoring and post-disaster flood assessment; and coastal-marine systems, from mangrove detection to
UAV–satellite fusion for seawater monitoring. Drawing on projects across the Middle East, the talk
highlights how integrating multi-temporal Earth Observation with geospatial data science and AI advances
environmental change detection, risk quantification, and decision support.
3. Prof. Milan Konečný
Digital Twin: Potential for Solving Global Problems in Managing Large Territories.
Abstract
The work deals with the importance of modern cartography and digital twins in the management of large
territories at the level of cities, regions and states. It focuses on the use of geographic information systems
(GIS), information modeling, remote sensing of the Earth and digital spatial data models to solve global
environmental and infrastructure problems. The aim is to present the principle of the functioning of the
digital twin and analyze its benefits in landscape monitoring, transport infrastructure planning, natural risk
management and support for public administration decision-making processes. The work also includes
examples of the use of this technology in large states with a large territory, where digital twins contribute to
more effective management of natural resources, environmental protection and sustainable development.
The work shows that the connection of modern, progressive cartography with digital technologies, in
connection with the new concept of Digital Earth, represents an important tool for solving current global
challenges.
4. Seredovich V. A., Vach K.
The Evolution of Laser Scanning Technology
Abstract
Laser scanning (LiDAR) is a revolutionary spatial data acquisition technology that has significantly
transformed the approaches to geodesy, architecture, construction, design and facility management, real
estate transactions, environmental management, transportation, mining, oil and gas production, utility
networks, territories, and sectors of the economy based on comprehensive and reliable data.
Assessment of the technology evolution for the development of modern engineering solutions and analysis
of the current state and advanced trends of laser scanning technology are considered. An overview of
historical materials is given along with basic technical specifications, practical applications, and current
technology trends. There is a variety scanning diversity and a wide range of its applications in various
industries, as well as the integration with BIM technologies, and advanced use of artificial intelligence in
data processing.
The main problems of laser scanning and a wide range of its applications in the real life and in such fields
as data processing automation and training of specialists, etc. are discussed.
Nowadays, laser scanning has become a key tool for spatial data acquisition and their use in modern world.
The laser scanning technology continues to be evolved, shifting the focus from simple measurement to
generation of digital facility models and their digital twins.