Remote sensing education using Internet - Prospects of the Inter-University Aerospace Centre

The Inter-University Aerospace Centre develops distance learning technologies since 2000 to provide up-to-date remote sensing training for university teachers in environmental sciences in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The article reviews the experience of the three Internet-based seminars conducted in 2000-2001: on the satellite imagery available on the Internet, on the MultiSpec freeware and on the image analysis for mountainous regions to enhance school geography lessons. Topics and methods for conducting the seminars were defined by the following principles: novelty of techniques and/or imagery; accessibility for variously experienced users; suitability for low-speed Internet connections and for low-end computers; demonstration of geographical applications as well as technology. In conclusion, planned future developments are outlined.