The Sixth Asian Conference on Remote Sensing
Hyderabad, India. 21-26 November, 1985

Opening of the 6th ACRS: Prof. U. R. Rao presiding, Prof. Murai on his right and Prof. Deekshatulu on his left.

India's Satellite Remote Sensing Program has gained momentum during the seventies. Launch of Bhaskara Satellites in early 1980s, definition of the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) series, setting up of IRS utilisation programmes, energisation of user communities, establishment of National Natural Resources Management Systems (NNRMS) in early 1980s, provided the impacts to the operational use of Remote Sensing. It is in this background that the 6th ACRS was held in Hyderabad, India during November 21-26, 1985. Thanks to the untiring efforts of Dr. Shunji Murai, the Secretary General ACRS, the conference asserted the global importance of Asian efforts and experiences in the field of remote sensing technology, science and applications. Initiative of Prof. Shunji Murai in developing this discussion forum in Asia is most commendable.

Starting in 1980 with Bangkok as the first venue for ACRS. Dr. Murai has churned through 19 Asian conferences, so far, in different countries of Asia. Every ACRS is charcaterized uniquely with a variety of events such as paper presentations, poster sessions, company presentations, two sessions of the annual conferences (meetings), entertainment, good food and prizes. Also Dr. Murai visits the venue 2-3 months before the conference to discuss the organisation of the conference.

Cultural activities are part of ACRS: Indian ladies displaying their various regional dresses.

Accordingly, the 6th ACRS was held during 21-26 November, 1985 in Hotel Deccan Continental in Hyderabad and co-sponsored by the Department of Space, Government of India. I was the Chairman of the local organising committee and welcomed the delegates. I said ..... "we should take this opportunity to discuss some of the problems of common interest like (I) availability of low cost analysis systems, (ii) disaster monitoring capability development and (iii) mapping using satellites for different resources and environmental applications. Many developed countries have large scale maps and they can also afford aerial surveys for updating. Also we have been dependent exclusively on Landsat satellite data. With Landsat being transferred to the private sector the cost of data can go up. So it is necessary to think of Asian satellites"

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. U.R.Rao, Chairman, Space Commission, and Secretary, Dept. of Space. Prof. Rao pointed out that the problems of Asian countries are similar, for example high rate of growth of population and less modernisation. He stressed the importance of satellite based remote sensing for optimal utilisation of natural resources particularly in the context of depleting resources and population growth. Prof. Rao stated that unique Asian problems in each Asian country could be discussed through presentation of technical papers. Shifting cultivation, environmental hazards, assessment of forest and crops, monitoring of land use change, soil erosion, sedimentation, targeting of mineral resources, degradation of forest, etc. were unique Asian problems. The discussions were focussed on how remote sensing could be usefully applied.

There were 342 participants from 12 countries. The sessions were organised as follows : Country reports from Asia, Technical information from companies /vendors; photogrammetry/photinterpreta -tion; data processing; geology / geomorphology; oceanography / marine resources; education and training; water resources; landuse and three poster sessions.

The general conference was attended by representatives of various Asian countries. The report of the General Secretary was presented wherein Dr. Murai mentioned the various international links that ACRS had recently, and his presentations about ACRS and AARS at the Canadian Remote Sensing Society, ERIM symposium, UN-ESCAP Regional Seminars, ISPRS meetings, NRC etc. Discussions were held in regard to admission of Australia as an Associate member of ACRS since Australia is not a part of Asia. Dr. Shunji Murai was re-elected as the General Secretary for 1986 and 1987. Also the venue for the ACRS in 1986 and 1987 were decided as Republic of Korea and Malaysia.

One of the special sessions of the 6th ACRS was on Training and Education. This was organised for the first time and was well responded. Finally 6 prizes, two for best speakers and 4 for best poster presentations, were awarded.

Useful Outcome

Activities of the Asian countries were reported and updated information was exchanged.

Practical applications of remote Sensing and Technology to Agriculture, Forestry, Landuse, Water Resources, geomorphology, geology, data processing etc. was reported through paper presentations and poster sessions. The level of technical papers was high compared to the past.

The session on Education and Training was organised for the first time. the idea was to discuss available educational programmes /facilities and suggest future growth of educational level in Asian Region.

Digital image processing for training was noticed as important, and a proposal for an international training centre with good facilities and teachers was recognised.

Performing child artists at a cultural event during ACRS poses with Prof. U. R. Rao.

My Opinion

The ACRS are in general great events for the Asians. It provides a chance to know/learn/discuss with other inter-national experts at low cost (travel) The ACRS has contributed a lot in promoting the operational remote sensing technology/applications in solving the unique problems of various countries of Asia and also in the development of instruments/sensors.

The 6th ACRS discussed aspects of integrating data and providing information for developmental activities. Today's Remote Sensing and GIS is one major application of this old discussions.

The conference serves as an eye opener to the observers both with regards to the achievements and also the togetherness/friendship that exists in the Asian region. Dr. Shunji Murai is mainly responsible for this endeavour.

Contributors
Prof. B.L.Deekshatulu, Distinguished Scientist & Director, NRSA (Retd.) India.