​As it proudly hosts Lebanon’s first fully operational academic center devoted to advancing Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in Lebanon, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand continuously seeks to advance the technologies and services it provides through its center. To that end, on Wednesday, February 18, 2020, the faculty signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GeoSpatialMinds SAL, a leading Lebanese company in the field of geospatial technologies and aerial surveying. The MoU crowns a series of close collaboration efforts over the years between the GIS Center and GeoSpatialMinds on many projects.

The MOU was signed by UOB Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Rami Abboud and GeoSpatialMinds CEO Mr. Abdallah Bsaibes. This was in the presence of Director of the GIS Center Dr. Amal Iaaly and senior staff members from both sides. The collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the GIS Center in the field of surveying, as it will become the sole and exclusive resellers (in North Lebanon) of the latest Unmanned Aerial vehicle surveying technology services using the senseFly eBee X fixed-wing drone. This technology will enhance the extraction of field data with high accuracy and resolution hence opening the door towards further research activities and projects for students and the local community. The agreement will help create internship and employment opportunities for our graduates.

Mr. Bsaibes also shared an ultra-high-resolution 3D aerial map of the UoB Koura Campus that was captured earlier using the eBee X professional drone with the senseFly SOD. A 3D photogrammetry camera to demonstrate its capabilities. The MoU yielded instant dividend with Mr. Bsaibes delivering a 2-hour workshop for our students at the Introduction to GIS Course offered by the GIS Center sharing his life experiences in the field and job opportunities for GIS trainees.

Mr. Bsaibes stated that he is delighted to be working with the GIS Center at the University of Balamand. He sees incredible potential for collaboration and advancement in research and services.
 
In turn, Prof. Abboud said that this collaboration is a significant step in our endeavor to position the University of Balamand as a leading institution in the field of GIS services and research nationally and internationally. Producing and advancing intelligent 3D GIS maps will be of excellent service to local communities and initiatives in Lebanon and the region.