The Fifth Asian Conference on Remote Sensing
Kathmandu, Nepal 15-18 December, 1984

Introduction

H. E. late J.R. Jayardane, the President of Sri Lanka opening the fourth ACRS

The Fifth Asian Conference on Remote Sensing was held at the Hotel Shankar, Kathmandu, Nepal from 15-18 December, 1984. It was organized by the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS) and sponsored by Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Soil Conservation & Watershed Management Department, Nepal Remote Sensing Centre, Japan Association of Remote Sensing (JARS), Tokai Research and Information Centre, Tokai University (Japan), Japan Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (JSPRS), Remote Sensing Technology Centre (Japan) and International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS).

Objectives

The objectives of the Second ACRS were:

1. To discuss Asian problems in Remote Sensing,
2. To exchange academic and technical information,
3. To promote operational applications

Formal Inauguration by H.E. the Prime Minister of Nepal by Garlanding the Portraits of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen of Nepal.

Opening Session

His Excellency the Prime Minister of Nepal was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the fifth ACRS. Prof. S. Murai, General Secretary of AARS delivered the keynote address. Mr. M. D. Joshi, Director General, Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, welcomed the guests and participants of the conference and the vote of thanks was offered by Mr. K. B. Malla, Project Chief, Nepal Remote Sensing Centre. The opening session was attended by a large gathering of over 200 elites. It included senior officials of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, members and officials from the Planning Commission and other relevant scientists in the country, as well as all the participants of the ACRS.

A cultural activity in progress during the 5th ACRS. Prof. Konecny and Prof. Sakata are seen among the performers.

Delegates:

A total number of 171 delegates from 15 Asian non-Asian countries/organization participated in the fifth ACRS. The countries present were Bangladesh, China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, West Germany, and Representatives from FAO and UN/ESCAP.

Scientific Deliberations

A total of 11 national reports were presented during the conference. These reports described the overall remote sensing and related activities and application in each country.

Technical sessions were separated into four A, B, C and D. The session A dealt with forestry and agriculture. The session B was on Landuse/cartography and session C dealt with water resources /oceanography and session D on other topics. Altogether 71 papers were presented. The technical papers dealt with research and development works in remote sensing with special reference to its application in field of natural resource such as forestry, hydrology, geology and its monitoring. There were four papers as special topics. Most of these papers were of general interest for example FAO's remote sensing activities in Asia. But some of them were of more specific interest, such as the use of infrared photography in archaeology.

Posters Session

Similarly the posters exhibited were divided into three sessions (P Q and R). Altogether 44 different posters were exhibited during the conference. These posters highlighted the application of remote sensing in the study of rocks, evaluation of landuse, classification of soils and image processing of automated of forest land cover. These posters added additional attractions to the participants and other observers.

Other Activities

There was a session on technical information. Three papers were presented. These papers dealt mainly with image processing system and application of airborne multi-spectral Scanners. Besides these, a total of nine papers were presented on the subject of data processing. A cultural show was organized in honour of the delegates. A technical visit to Nepal Remote Sensing was organized on that occasion.

NEWS QUOTES ON:
The Fifth Asian Conferance On Remote Sensing Inagurated In Kathmandu

"The Prime Minister, Mr. Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Inaugurated the Fifth Asian Conference on Remote Sensing in Kathmandu Thursday 15 November 1984. In his Inaugural address, the Prime Minister underlined the need to develop a solid resources information base for ecologically sound economic development.

Nepal, under the dynamic and inspiring leadership of His Majesty King Birendra, is fully committed to the utilization of science and technology for national development, the Prime Minister said. Mr. Chand said that Nepal attaches great importance to this conference that was taking place at a time when "all our efforts are being directed towards harnessing our natural resources for the betterment of the life of our people". Naturally, without technological change, social and economic well - being is not possible.

Remote Sensing Techno-logy was used in Nepal when the first aerial photograph of Sagar-matha was taken in 1933. In the more recent times, these techniques have been used for taking aerial photography, which proved beneficial in the - inventory of forest resources and formulation of management plans in this field, he said.

Mr. Chand hoped that the conference would contribute towards promoting the use of remote sensing technology and help strengthen the bond of friendship amongst the participants of several countries which have made great advancement in this field. Mr. Chand added: the conference would also provide opportunity to share knowledge and experience among the participants on an area which is assuming increasing importance in the present day world. Prime Minister Mr. Lokendra Bahadur Chand was the chief guest in the opening Ceremony of Fifth Asian Conference on Remote Sensing 15th - 18th Nov. 1984."

Contributors
Dr. Swoyambhu Man Amatya Deputy Director General, Forest Research and Survey Center