Quezon City – The DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s SARwAIS Project conducted the first iteration of the Basic Artificial Intelligence and Radar Remote Sensing Training Series with officials from the Department of Transportation last 29-31 August and 05 September, respectively.

Mostly from the geospatial team of the Office of the DoTr Undersecretary of Railways, the participants were trained in processing Synthetic Aperture Radar earth observation datasets using DOST-ASTI-developed plugins as well as the SARPROZ software for ground motion monitoring.

In this manner, the technical experts within the agency will have the capability to closely oversee ground movements and various geospatial activities within regions where railways have been or are planned to be constructed.

Engineer Gerald Quiocho emphasized that this training series will greatly enhance their department's capacity to assess specific measurements related to railway environmental factors, effectively monitor potential hazards, and bolster their decision-making process regarding suitable realignment areas.

The conduct of cluster training originally with State Universities and Colleges and Higher Education Institutes (SUCs/HEIs) around the country is a response to the objective of DOST-ASTI’s SARwAIS Project to further expand the use of Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence in processing earth observation data and automating the detection of features from satellite images, especially NovaSAR-1, through capacity building activities.

About the SARwAIS Project

The Synthetic Aperture Radar and Automatic Identification System for Innovative Terrestrial Monitoring and Maritime Surveillance (SARwAIS) Project is a directed research and development initiative with funding from the Department of Science and Technology’s Grants-in-Aid Program.

Housed in the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), the SARwAIS Project focuses on terrestrial monitoring and maritime surveillance on high-priority areas through simultaneous radar image and automatic identification system (AIS) data acquisition through the NovaSAR-1 satellite developed by UK-based company Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd (SSTL). As such, the DOST-ASTI now serves as the hub for the SARwAIS project activities in the country.