Research Assistant Professor David Skole and Raytheon are working on a team project to map previously unmapped regions of Venezuela, which include the Amazon basin. The study will use synthetic radar technology, satellites and airplanes to make topographical maps so the Venezuelan government will be able to monitor land deforestation and burning. The information will be used to develop a plan for environmental protection. The funding is provided by Raytheon with resources provided by the U.S. Trade and Development Association. The end result of this project will be to recommend what kinds of airborne and space borne technology should be used for topographical mapping.
Topographical maps display the contours of a given land area.
This study will not only help the people of Venezuela but will also benefit the people of New Hampshire, said Skole. According to Skole, this project will allow students to learn about technology they don't have access to in the classroom. The project also gives UNH access to the technology that is developed by private businesses. Anywhere from 15 to 35 students will be working on this at any given time. Bob Levasseur, a recent UNH graduate, is one student who is currently working on the project doing basic data entry.