ORGANIZERS and PRESENTERS
A NOTE FROM THE ORGANIZERS
The educational needs and interests of society in technological fields are rapidly evolving. Basic higher education is often insufficient to meet the demands in remote sensing. The SPatial LITeracy Remote Sensing (SPLITRS) Summer School is an international and interactive event that brings together universities, research institutions, and private firms. It focuses on state-of-the-art remote sensing technology, advanced modeling approaches, data analysis, and sophisticated software capabilities—all aimed at developing effective strategies for protecting natural resources and promoting public well-being.
In today’s globalized world, teachers must adapt to international opportunities by rearranging their skills, achievements, and experiences.
At SPLITRS, we strive to create a professional, healthy, and relaxed atmosphere where all participants feel comfortable and treated equally, regardless of their gender, orientation, religion, or race.
Young people are our future, and our future starts now.
DIRECTORS and ORGANIZERS:
University of Split, FESB –
Dr. Marjan Sikora
Dr. Vladan Papic
Dr. Ljiljana Seric
Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology, Zagreb –
Mr. Branimir Radun
Croatian Forest Research Institute, Zagreb –
Dr. Sanja Peric
Dr. Ivan Balenovic
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Anita Simic Milas, PhD
Bowling Green State University,
USA
PARTNERS
Mississippi State University, USA
-Dr. Nicolas Younan
GEO UNIT, Zadar, Croatia
-Dr. Luka Jurjevic
University of Zadar, Croatia
-Dr. Ivan Maric
-Dr. Fran Domazetovic
-Dr. Denis Rados
NubiGroup, Thessaloniki, Greece
-Dr. Konstantinos Ntouros
PRESENTERS
Dr. Prasad S. Thenkabail – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Dr. Prasad S. Thenkabail, PhD, is a Senior Scientist (ST) with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), specializing in remote sensing science for agriculture, water, and food security. He is a world-recognized expert in remote sensing science with multiple major contributions in the field sustained for over 40 years. Dr. Thenkabail has conducted pioneering research in hyperspectral remote sensing of vegetation and in that of global croplands and their water use for food security. His work on hyperspectral remote sensing of agriculture and vegetation are widely cited. In studies of global croplands for food and water security, he has led the release of the world’s first 30-m Landsat Satellite-derived global cropland extent product at 30m (GCEP30) (https://lpdaac.usgs.gov/news/release-of-gfsad-30-meter-cropland-extent-products/) and Landsat-derived global rainfed and irrigated area product at 30m (LGRIP30) (https://lpdaac.usgs.gov/news/release-of-lgrip30-data-product/).
Dr. Thenkabail’ s contributions to series of leading edited books places him as a world leader in remote sensing science. There are three seminal Book-sets with a total of seven volumes that he edited which have demonstrated his major contributions as an internationally acclaimed remote sensing scientist. These are: 1. Remote Sensing Handbook (Six Volume Book-set, Expected publication in December 2024) with 91 Chapters and about 3500 pages and for which he is the sole editor, and 2. Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Vegetation (multi-volume Book-set, 2018) with 50 Chapters and 1632 pages that he edited as the chief-editor (co-editors: Prof. John Lyon and Prof. Alfredo Huete).He has 168 publications including 9 books, 146 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and 13 significant data releases.
Prof. Donna Delparte – Idaho State University
Dr. Donna Delparte, is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Idaho State University. Dr. Delparte is a certified FAA remote pilot and has over 13 years of experience flying fixed wing and multicopter UAS with payloads including hyperspectral, multispectral, and LiDAR sensors to acquire imagery for natural resource management, agriculture, geohazards, and conservation research. Her expertise leverages machine learning and AI through open-source python and R toolkits to conduct advanced image analysis of these high resolution, large datasets. Her recent research focus is using UAS imagery for detecting thermal heat stress in plants and river systems, advanced machine learning such as YOLO for object detection in UAS imagery, spectral analysis for crop threats, and gaming engine technology for visualization of complex landscape processes. Dr. Delparte teaches in ISU’s Masters of Geographic Information Sciences program – her courses include graduate and undergraduate courses in: remote sensing, GIS, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for conservation and resource management applications.
Dr. Ljiljana Seric – Univeristy of Split – FESB
Prof. Dr. sc. Ljiljana Šerić is a full professor at the University of Split, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture (FESB). She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, in 2010, with a thesis entitled Agent-Based Environmental Intelligence. Her research primarily focuses on the application of modern intelligent tools and information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance environmental protection efforts.Prof. Šerić is a member of the Centre for Wildfire Research at FESB (CIPOP) and has actively participated in several notable research projects, including the IPA Adriatic-funded HOLISTIC project (Holistic Approach to Wildfire and Seismic Risks) and the Wind Risk Prevention project, funded by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. Additionally, she contributed to the Coastal Autopurification Assessment Technology (CAAT) project.Currently, she plays an active role in the H2020-funded FirEUrisk project and leads efforts within the COST Action NERO (European Network on Extreme Fire Behavior). Prof. Šerić has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers that explore innovative artificial intelligence technologies for environmental protection, with a special emphasis on the use of sensors and remote sensing for wildfire and ecological monitoring.
Dr. Jochem Verrelst – Univeristy of Valencia
Dr. Jochem Verrelst received the M.Sc. degree in tropical land use and in geo-information science both in 2005 and the Ph.D. in remote sensing in 2010 from Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands. His dissertation focused on the spaceborne spectrodirectional estimation of forest properties. In 2010, he moved to the Laboratory of Earth Observation (LEO), Image Processing Laboratory (IPL), University of Valencia, Spain. He has been involved in preparatory activities of ESA’s 8th Earth Explorer FLEX. His research interests include retrieval of vegetation properties using airborne and satellite optical (hyperspectral) data, canopy radiative transfer modelling and emulation, and hyperspectral data analysis. He is the founder of the ARTMO software package that brings together radiative transfer models and machine learning algorithms. In 2017 he received a H2020 ERC Starting Grant to work on the development of vegetation products based on synergy of FLEX and Sentinel-3 data (https://ipl.uv.es/sentiflex/). Since 2018, he is the vice-chair of the COST Action SENSECO that focuses on Optical synergies for spatiotemporal SENsing of Scalable ECOphysiological traits (https://www.senseco.eu/).
Dr. Ivan Balenovic – Croatian Forest Research Institute
Dr. Ivan Balenovi received his Doctoral degree from University of Zagreb in 2011. He is currently Assistant Director at the Croatian Forest Research Institute (CFRI) and Head of Division for Forest Management and Forestry Economics. His current research is focused on the application of various remote sensing technologies in forest inventory and forest management, with the special focus on photogrammetry and Lidar. He is a representative of CFRI and Vice-President in the Scientific Council for Remote Sensing in Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, as well as a member of the Croatian Academy of Forestry Sciences. He was participated in a number of national and international projects (e.g. H2020-EO2017 project “Operational sustainable forestry with satellite-based remote sensing – MySuistanableForest”). He was also PI of the national project “Retrieval of Information from Different Optical 3D Remote Sensing Sources for Use in Forest Inventory (3D-FORINVENT)” founded by Croatian Science Foundation. Currently, he is MC member of the COST action “Three-dimensional forest ecosystem monitoring and better understanding by terrestrial-based technologies (3DForEcoTech)” (2021-2025). Dr. Balenović is the is the Editor-in-Chief of the South-east European Forestry Journal, and Editorial Board Member of several scientific journals (Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering, New Forestry Mechanisation, Radovi/ Works of CFRI). He was a Guest Editor in Special Issues of Remote Sensing journal and International Journal of Remote Sensing. He published more than 40 WoS indexed scientific papers.
Dr. Sanja Peric – Croatian Forest Research Institute
Doc. dr. sc. SANJA PERIĆ received her Doctoral degree from University of Zagreb in 2001. She is Director of the Croatian Forest Research Institute (CFRI) from 2019. She actively conducts research on issues relating to species and provenance selection for afforestation, reforestation and restoration purposes, while special focus gives to seed and nursery production, forest regeneration and forest restoration. Leader of successfully evaluated infrastructural project for Croatian Forest Research Institute. Doc. dr. sc. Perić is a member of Sumarski list, Radovi, SEEFOR and Acta Silvestria Editorial Boards, does reviews (more than 50) for scientific journals RADOVI, SEEFOR, Sumarski list, Periodicum biologorum, CROJFI, etc. Publishes 42 scientific reviews and original research papers in WoS (9 in Q1/Q2, 15 in Q3/Q4), 18 scientific papers in A2 and 9 in A3 category. Co-authors 7 scientific book chapters and Croatian Technical Encyclopaedia. Possess 49 conference participations. She led and participated in a number of national and international projects (e.g. H2020-EU.3.5. project “Systemic solutions for upscaling of urgent ecosystem restoration for forest related biodiversity and ecosystem services-SUPERB”; H2020 „Incredible“ Innovation Networks of Cork, Resins and Edibles in the Mediterranean basin – INCREdible; H2020-EO-2017 “Operational sustainable forestry with satellite-based remote sensing – MySuistanableForest”; H2020 Towards and integrated Consistent European LULUCF Monitoring and Policy Pathway Assessment Framework – Pathfinder”). Currently, she is MC member of the COST actions CA19128: Pan-European Network for Climate Adaptive Forest Restoration and Reforestation (PEN-CAFoRR, 2020. – 2024.) and FP18135: Fire in the Earth System: Science & Society (FIRElinks, 2019. – 2023.).
Geo-Centar – Cakovec, Croatia
Geo-Centar is one of the leading distribution companies in Croatia, successfully operating since 1991, with its headquarters in Čakovec. The company specializes in representing professional geodetic and construction equipment, accessories, and software solutions from world-renowned manufacturers. Geo-Centar offers a wide range of products, including precision total stations, levels, laser scanners, GNSS systems, drones, LiDAR systems, and more. Additionally, the company provides rental services for certain instruments and software, as well as maintenance support. By analyzing market trends and understanding the needs of the industry, we test and introduce the latest cutting-edge measurement technologies and software solutions to the market. We believe that continuous improvement is the key to success, which is why we are dedicated to providing education through real-life examples and practical applications. Our expert team also offers ongoing support to clients, complemented by accessible online resources, such as workshops, webinars, and instructional presentations. With 33 years of experience and a proven track record, Geo-Centar is proud to deliver top-quality services backed by a team of skilled professionals. With over 1,000 satisfied clients, we have earned a reputation for quality, professionalism, and continuous support. Our commitment to client education and long-term success ensures reliability and lasting results.
Dr. Ivan Tomljenovic, Oikon Ltd.
Ivan Tomljenović, PhD, is currently the Head of the Oikon Institute at Oikon Ltd. He also works as the external Assistant Professor at ALGEBRA University, Coordinator for UniGIS Zagreb and Croatian Delegate for the Horizon Europe Programme Committee (Digitization, Industry, and Space). He holds a master’s degree in Geodesy and Geoinformatics from the University of Zagreb and a doctoral degree in Applied Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing from the University of Salzburg. He specializes in LiDAR, UAV, and Satellite Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, and Geodesy. His professional interests include Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA), Airborne and Satellite LiDAR platforms, Advanced Remote Sensing, AI and Machine Learning, Land Cover Mapping, and Automated Classification. He is known for his strong communication and technical skills.
Branimir Radun, Oikon Ltd.
Branimir Radun is a Remote Sensing and GIS expert, currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer and Head of the Department of Natural Resource Management at Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology. With over 9 years of experience, Branimir has led or contributed to numerous national and international projects focused on downstream Earth Observation applications for nature conservation and environmental protection. In his role, Branimir oversees an interdisciplinary team of EO and GIS experts, driving technological innovation and enhancing operational efficiency in environmental management and sustainability initiatives. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including large-scale terrestrial and marine habitat mapping, land monitoring services, forest ecosystem monitoring, smart agriculture, and more.
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