Carl Pulfrich Award 2017 goes to Prof. Dr. Franz Rottensteiner

(Heerbrugg/Switzerland, Stuttgart/Germany, 12 September 2017) Leica Geosystems’ Geospatial Solutions Division is pleased to announce that the Carl Pulfrich Award 2017 has been awarded to Prof. Dr. Franz Rottensteiner for pioneering developments in 3D modelling and automated object extraction. The Carl Pulfrich Award is a prestigious award for honouring cutting-edge innovations and developments in geodesy, photogrammetry and the Earth sciences.

Dr. Rottensteiner’s achievements have substantial impact both in the fields of research and application. His work with respect to automatic extraction of buildings from airborne laser scanner data and aerial images has been integrated into various operational commercial products of geodata industry.

The academic Earth imaging community was encouraged to submit nominations for the biennial award. Nominees were considered on the basis of experience, activities in fields of photogrammetry and remote sensing, and contributions to the advancement of all aspects of the Earth imaging field. Applied work involving hardware systems, software solutions or innovative service activities were considered as well.

“Receiving this prestigious award is a great honour for me. Carl Pulfrich Award is synonymous with honouring achievements in geodesy and photogrammetry that benefit the industry. It is a significant incentive for me to continue my research in that direction,” said Prof. Dr. Franz Rottensteiner.

Receiving a considerable number of highly-qualified nominations, Dr. Rottensteiner was selected by the 10-member jury and awarded the Carl Pulfrich Award 2017. Dr. Rottensteiner studied surveying at Vienna University of Technology and received the Ph.D. degree and venia docendi in photogrammetry from the same university. He was a postdoctoral researcher with the Vienna University of Technology, the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and the University of Melbourne, Australia. He became leader of the research group on Photogrammetric Image Analysis at the Institute of Photogrammetry and GeoInformation (IPI) at Leibniz Universität in Hannover, Germany, in 2008. Since 2014, he has been Associate Professor at IPI, focussing both his research and teaching on Image Analysis and its applications in Photogrammetry.

Speaking about the winner, the chairman of the 2017 jury, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Sörgel, added, “I’m pleased to recognise Prof. Dr. Franz Rottensteiner work in 3D modelling and automated object extraction. He has made a great contribution to the geospatial industry and I would like to wish him every success going forward.”

The tribute was given by Dr. Juergen Dold, president and CEO of Hexagon Geosystems, at the Carl Pulfrich Award Ceremony 2017 during the 56th Photogrammetric Week today in the University of Stuttgart.

For more detailed information on the 2017 Carl Pulfrich Award visit: http://leica-geosystems.com/en-gb/about-us/events/carl-pulfrich-award

For detailed information and the programme of the 56th Photogrammetric Week 2017 visit: http://www.ifp.uni-stuttgart.de/phowo/index.en.html

Images: From left to right: Dr. Hartmut Rosengarten, Director Airborne Solutions EMEA, Leica Geosystems; Dr. Juergen Dold, President, Hexagon Geosystems; Prof. Dr. Franz Rottensteiner, Institute of Photogrammetry & Geoinformation, Leibniz University; Prof. Dr. Uwe Sörgel, Institute for Photogrammetry, University of Stuttgart - Carl Pulfrich - Prof. Dr. Franz Rottensteiner, Institute of Photogrammetry & Geoinformation, Leibniz University

About the Carl Pulfrich Award
The Carl Pulfrich Award is a prestigious award for recognising cutting-edge innovations, hardware and software developments and integrated systems design in geodesy, photogrammetry and the Earth sciences. Launched in 1968, it is announced biennially and attracts nowadays nominations and recommendations for candidates from all over the world. Originally launched by Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, then re-launched by Z/I Imaging and Intergraph, it was adopted by Leica Geosystems’ Geospatial Solutions Division in 2011. For more than four decades, the Carl Pulfrich Award has recognised the many contributions of scientists worldwide.

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
Revolutionising the world of measurement and survey for nearly 200 years, Leica Geosystems is the industry leader in measurement and information technologies. We create complete solutions for professionals across the planet. Known for innovative product and solution development, professionals in a diverse mix of industries, such as surveying and engineering, building and heavy construction, safety and security, and power and plant trust Leica Geosystems for all their geospatial needs. With precise and accurate instruments, sophisticated software, and trusted services, Leica Geosystems delivers value every day to those shaping the future of our world.

Leica Geosystems is part of Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B; hexagon.com), a leading global provider of information technology solutions that drive productivity and quality across geospatial and industrial landscapes.

For further information please contact:

Institute for Photogrammetry
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Sörgel
Phone: +49 (0)711/685-83336
Fax: +49 (0)711/685-83297
[email protected]
www.ifp.uni-stuttgart.de

Leica Geosystems AG
Penny Boviatsou
Phone: +41 41 727 8960
Fax: +41 (0)71/726-5511
[email protected]
leica-geosystems.com