Dr. Praveen Saptarshi, former Head of Department of Environmental Science, University of Pune, Dr. S. D. Gaikwad, Mr. Rasik Ravindra, Director of National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCOAR) Dr. R. V. Gaonkar, Principal of Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao and Prof. S. R. Ingle, Head of the Department of Geography, Chowgule College releasing an abstract CD at the two day National Conference held at Chowgule College
The Department of Geography at Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College Margao, recently organised a two day national conference on the theme ‘Emerging Technologies, Methodologies and their Application in Geography’. The conference co-sponsored by ESRI India Ltd, saw a participation of 62 delegates from universities across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Department of Geography at Chowgule College is the only department in the state to impart higher education at the third year B.A level while also offering a post graduate course in Geoinformatics and a Master’s Degree in Geography.
S.R. Ingle, Head of the Department at Chowgule College introduced the theme of the conference while Dr. R. V. Gaonkar, Principal of Chowgule College highlighted the releveance of geography and the continous efforts put in by the department to enhance the department’s activities be it in academics or research.
Among other topics, the changing role of man and mother nature was discussed by. Mr. Rasik Ravindra, Director of National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCOAR). He elaborated on the role of technology in geographical research especially in remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) while explaining how communication has become easier with technological advancement. He also inaugurated the new, advanced GIS photogrammetry laboratory. The ultra modern laboratory is fully equipped with 2D and 3D visual technology. The lab is slated to be a center for excellence in research in the field of GIS and allied subjects.
The key note speaker at the conference, Prof. Praveen Saptrishi, former Head of Department of Environmental Science, University of Pune said, “Geography has undergone a paradign shift from quantitative revolyution in 1970 to the usage of multitasking computer technologies like GIS, remote sensing and statistical tools. This has put forth several opportunities for young geographers engaged in industry, education, research and planning.” A CD containing the topics presented by the participants was also released.
The conference threw light on a number of aspects on emergies technologies and brought out a healthy discussion on the methods of technological advancement used in the field today.