South Dakota State University Imaging Sciences Institute - Soon

South Dakota State University has plans to create a new Imaging Sciences Institute as a way to grow its partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey's EROS Data Center near Garretson that collects and archives satellite images for the federal government.

University officials shared their visions for the institute Wednesday with Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and Marcia McNutt, director of U.S. Geological Survey, at a roundtable discussion on the Brookings campus and during a tour of EROS.

The new Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence is in the concept stage, and SDSU President David Chicoine said it would help researchers keep up with advancements in data collection and storage of satellite images. Students will work with acquisition, calibration, processing, training and leadership, which will expand the university's role into all areas of remote sensing and imaging.

He said the long-standing partnership between the university, EROS and U.S. Geological Survey is continuing to grow.

McNutt said the U.S. Geological Survey is at a major turning point with regard to Landsat satellites, and its role as a server and manager of space information, because it has been asked to step up as the agency responsible for national land imaging. The partnership with SDSU will play a key role in providing opportunities for these future missions.

[via Argus Leader]