Chandigarh: 04th March, 2024:- The Kalpana Chawla Chair of Geospatial Technology of Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh today inaugurated the 6-days long Workshop on Advance Mapping through Drone Applications (AMDA-2024) from 4th March - 9th March, 2024. The Chief Guest of the ceremony Joint Director General DGCA Sh. Maneesh Kumar, Guest of Honor Mr. K. Thulasiraman, Director(AE), DGCA, along with Director of PEC, Prof. (Dr.) Baldev Setia graced the occasion with their esteemed presence. Prof. S.K. Singh, officiating HoD of Civil Engineering Department, Registrar Col. R. M. Joshi and Coordinator of the Workshop Dr. HarAmrit Singh Sandhu along with all the members of faculty and students of the institute were also present at this occasion. 
This workshop is designed to raise awareness and impart practical skills in drone assembly, flying techniques, and drone image processing, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of drones. Speakers from NESAC, IIRS, SOI, IITs, DGRE and Industry are going to provide insights and shed light on Drone Application in Advance Mapping.

Dr. Sandhu, in his address welcomed the participants from various states of the country at the PEC Campus. He also briefed about the workshop. This workshop will highlight practical insights into drone assembly, flying and image processing, comprehensive knowledge of drone applications and will work as Networking opportunities with experts and professionals.

Prof. S.K. Singh said that Drones are used in every kind of technology we use nowadays. In the field of medical, engineering, IT, AI, Army and other defence forces, all of them are using drones for a variety of purposes. Their Applicability is increasing day by day and this workshop will provide insights into the advance mapping through Drones applications. He expressed his gratitude towards the esteemed dignitaries for gracing this occasion with their esteemed presence. 

Director of PEC, Prof. (Dr.) Baldev Setia, complimented the department for organising this workshop. He shed light on the earlier uses of drones in the initial period. Afterwards, that had turned to advanced scalability at a much faster pace in recent years. Drones have made it possible to cover smallest to farthest areas with ease. He shared the story of the first flight of 12 seconds in 1903 by Oliver and Wilbur Brothers. Lastly, he once again congratulated the department and welcomed the esteemed guests at the portals of PEC.  

Guest of Honor, Mr. K. Thulasiraman, shared his insights into the application of Drones. He also talked about the transformation of drones over the time, their extent, delicate technicalities, ensuring safety with effectiveness. Lastly, he said that drones are a powerful tool and we can make good use of them to a larger extent. 

Chief Guest, Jt. DG (DGCA) Sh. Maneesh Kumar, felt nostalgic for being back at his alma-mater. He is an alumni of the institute of 1989 batch of Aerospace Engineering Department. He shed light on the uses of drones on a commercial basis, in the field of aerospace, in agriculture, usage by Defence Forces of Various Countries. In Civil Engineering purposes, drones are helping in the advance mapping. He also said that all countries should have a uniform approach towards the safety & security considerations, design consideration and operation considerations. DGCA has a set of rules for applicability of drones to ensure the safety & security of drones as well as of masses at a larger extent. Today, we have drones weighing upto 30kg within the country. Lastly, he said that "It's not merely a technical demonstrator, it actually delivers results."  

A documentary depicting the glorious legacy and history of PEC was also shown to the audience present. The Inaugural Session ended with a vote of thanks. The dignitaries were felicitated by Director, PEC.