Bengaluru: Dr P V Radhadevi, a senior scientist working with Hyderabad-based Advanced Data Processing Research Institute (ADRIN), under Department of Space (DoS), has been selected for the coveted ISPRS Eduard Doležal Award, 2016. Dr Radhadevi becomes the first Indian woman space scientist to win this award. Only one Indian has been selected for this award so far – former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr U R Rao -- in 2000.

Dr P V Radhadevi

According to DoS officials, Eduard Doležal Award is sponsored by Austrian Society of Surveying and Geoinformation (OVG), which aims to support an individual from a developing or reform country to participate in the ISPRS (International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) Congress.

“The individual should have permanently implemented a practical application of photogrammetry, remote sensing or GIS in an efficient manner or which documents their outstanding success in support of these fields. The Eduard Doležal Award consists of a certificate provided to ISPRS by OVG, complimentary registration provided by the respective Congress organiser, and a limited travel and expense grant from the Eduard Doležal Fund,” says the award commendation letter.

Dr Radahadevi will be presented the award at the 23rd ISPRS Congress to be held in Prague on July 18. She becomes the eight scientist across the globe to receive this award since its inception in 1996.

27 years of expertise in satellite photogrammetry

Dr Radhadevi, who joined ADRIN in 1989, currently heads the Geospatial Computing and Data Analytics Group. She was a pioneer in conceptualising satellite imaging geometries and using satellite photogrammetry as a prominent tool for mapping.

DoS officials say that her contribution to the orbit attitude modeling with a single GCP was a breakthrough. “This innovative idea made value addition in satellite imagery cost-effective, which had a big impact on product generation practices. She proved many new concepts like full pass image rectification, combined CCD adjustment, geo-integration of sensors, tied-camera approach and multi-sensor bundle block adjustment,” says an official.

The Bundle Block Adjustment package designed by Dr Radhadevi can handle hundreds of heterogeneous satellite/sensor images simultaneously. It is a first of its kind indigenous development delivering end-to-end solution with complete automation.

She is also the main brain bringing out the potential of CARTOSAT series of satellites for large scale mapping in India.

Hailing from Irinjalakuda in Kerala, Dr Radhadevi is married to renowned space scientist Dr T P Sasikumar, who is also a motivational speaker.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi from Mumbai airport on Sunday night, enroute to Prague, Dr Sasikumar said the award should inspire young scientists to take up space research.

“Radha says the award should be seen as an opportunity to young space researchers to aim for the best. We are all delighted that she has been selected for this prestigious award,” Dr Sasikumar said.