Autonomous Mapping and Visual Intelligence
GeoTalks Webinar Series: December 9, 2020 – Dr. Mozhdeh Shahbazi
GeoTalks is a biweekly virtual seminar series organized by Geomatics Engineering at York University and the Canadian Institute of Geomatics – Toronto Branch. The series features industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Geomatics as it explores geospatial science and engineering.
On December 9, 2020, we welcomed Dr. Mozhdeh Shahbazi to speak at our GeoTalks webinar and discuss the topics of autonomous mapping and visual intelligence.
Dr. Shahbazi believes that to chart the environment autonomously, you must be smart about interacting with it. In her talk, she explored various tools that make this possible, from sensors that gather data to platforms that move sensors around.
Examples included multicamera systems, synchronized arrays of cameras each collecting data from a narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the unmanned drones such arrays are attached to. Dr. Shahbazi explained how data collected from different kinds of sensors can be combined to provide greater insight into a mapped area.
In addition to pursuing and buying the best technology, the Centre de géomatique du Québec, where Dr. Shahbazi serves as lead research scientist, also helps clients by understanding and optimizing commercial software for their needs.
Dr. Shahbazi also covered a number of practical applications related to autonomous mapping. Data collected can be used to make predictions – for example, the ideal time to pick white blueberries – that have real market implications. Additionally, she discussed how damage assessments can be conducted to keep infrastructure safe.
About Dr. Shahbazi
Dr. Mozhdeh Shahbazi received her PhD in applied geomatics from Université de Sherbrooke in 2016. She is now an assistant professor in the Department of Geomatics Engineering at the University of Calgary, where she established the Autonomous Mapping Lab. She has served as lead research scientist at Centre de géomatique du Québec since 2019 and is the vice-president of the Canadian Remote Sensing Society.
Her current research revolves around ranging and imaging technologies; mapping using unmanned aerial systems; and the applications of such systems in infrastructure inspection and monitoring, precision agriculture and mining.
Watch Dr. Shahbazi’s GeoTalks Webinar to learn more.