News Story | Center for Remote Sensing

SUEZ CANAL UNIVERSITY

03/10/2008

The Suez Canal University in Egypt has announced the establishment of a new research laboratory for the practical applications of space images and geographic information systems (GIS) methodologies. The laboratory, which is part of the University’s Faculty of Science, has been named “The Farouk El-Bas Laboratory for Remote Sensing” in honor of Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Research Professor and Director of the Boston University Center for Remote Sensing.
The announcement was made on 25 February 2008 by Prof. M.S. El-Zoghbi, President of the Suez Canal University in Port Said, Egypt. In his announcement, he stated that Dr. El-Baz is being honored for his contributions to research on Egypt as well as his internationally distinguished scientific career and pioneering work in the application of space-age technology to benefit humanity.
“This is a great honor,” said El-Baz. “There is nothing higher than recognition by scientific peers…I hope that the new lab prospers to produce new generations of experts who would devote their research efforts to the benefit of society.”
Farouk El-Baz, a veteran of NASA’s Apollo program of lunar exploration. He served as Science Advisor to the late President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and has pioneered the study of desert landscapes using satellite images, particularly for locating of groundwater resources. His latest effort was directed at groundwater exploration to alleviate human suffering in Darfur. H is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and served on its committee to identify the “Garand Challenges for Engineering” in the 21st century. He chairs the National Academies Committee on Geological Sciences and is member of the U.S. National Committee of the “International Year of Planet Earth” of UNESCO.
The Boston University Center for Remote Sensing is a research facility that was established by Dr. El-Baz in 1986. Researchers at the Center apply techniques of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to research in the fields of archaeology, geography and geology. In 1997, the Center was recognized by NASA as a “Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing.”