The Scientific Conference serves as the intellectual cornerstone of the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS 2025), uniting researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address critical global challenges through geospatial innovation. Hosted at The Rinra Makassar—a venue that seamlessly blends modern infrastructure with Indonesia’s cultural heritage—this five-day event is designed to catalyze knowledge exchange, showcase groundbreaking research, and foster interdisciplinary partnerships. Aligned with the theme “Harnessing Remote Sensing for Global Sustainability and Innovation,” the conference will explore transformative applications of remote sensing in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing climate resilience, and promoting equitable resource management.

Keynote Speeches: Visionary Insights from Global Leaders
The conference will commence with keynote addresses delivered by globally renowned experts in remote sensing, GIS, and Earth observation. Esteemed speakers from academia, space agencies, and international organizations will share insights on cutting-edge topics such as AI-driven satellite analytics, next-generation sensor technologies, and frameworks for global biodiversity monitoring. These sessions will emphasize actionable strategies for leveraging geospatial data to address pressing issues like climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable urban development, setting the stage for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
Oral Presentations: Spotlighting Groundbreaking Research
Researchers from over 30 countries will present peer-reviewed studies across diverse themes, including climate change mitigation, precision agriculture, marine ecosystem conservation, and smart city planning. Rigorously selected by the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS) and the Indonesian Society for Remote Sensing (ISRS/MAPIN), these presentations will highlight advancements in machine learning applications, hyperspectral imaging, and real-time data processing. Attendees will gain insights into scalable solutions, such as using Sentinel-2 satellite data to monitor deforestation or integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for post-disaster damage assessment, bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation.

Poster Presentations: Interactive Exploration of Innovation
The poster hall will transform into a dynamic hub for emerging scholars and practitioners to exhibit their work. Attendees can engage directly with presenters during interactive sessions, exploring innovations such as blockchain applications for geospatial data security, citizen science platforms for environmental monitoring, and low-cost sensor networks tailored for rural communities. This format fosters collaborative problem-solving, encouraging dialogue between theoretical research and practical field applications.

Panel Discussions: Collaborative Solutions for Global Challenges
High-level panel discussions will convene experts from government, academia, and the private sector to debate urgent issues shaping the future of geospatial science. Topics include “Satellite Diplomacy: Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Asia,” “Ethical AI in Geospatial Decision-Making,” and “Financing Sustainable Geospatial Infrastructure.” These discussions aim to identify actionable policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and technological pipelines to accelerate progress toward the SDGs.

Technical Workshops: Skill Development for the Future
Complementing the main sessions, hands-on workshops led by institutions such as Universitas Hasanuddin and international partners will equip participants with practical skills in tools like Google Earth Engine, Python for geospatial analysis, and LiDAR data processing. These workshops prioritize capacity-building for early-career professionals and researchers from developing nations, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge technological training.

Networking Forums: Building Bridges Across Borders
Dedicated networking events—including luncheons, coffee breaks, and a cultural night at the historic Fort Rotterdam—will facilitate connections among attendees. A “Meet the Editors” session featuring journals like Remote Sensing of Environment and ISPRS Journal will offer guidance on publishing high-impact research. Additionally, a startup pitch competition will spotlight innovative geospatial enterprises addressing sustainability challenges, fostering entrepreneurship in the field.

SDG-Focused Symposia: Linking Science to Action
Special symposia will align research outcomes with specific SDGs, translating scientific findings into actionable policies. For instance, sessions under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) will explore urban heat island mapping and slum detection using nighttime lights data. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action), discussions will focus on carbon sequestration monitoring via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, while SDG 14 (Life Below Water) will feature case studies on coral reef health assessment using multispectral drones.

Benefits of Participation
Participants will gain global visibility by presenting their work to an audience of over 1,000 experts from academia, NGOs, and industry leaders such as Airbus and Planet Labs. The conference also offers opportunities to contribute to policy briefs and white papers for regional governments and UN agencies, amplifying the societal impact of research. Competitive awards, including the Best Paper Award and Young Scientist Grant, will recognize excellence in innovation and contributions to sustainable development.

Join the Movement
The ACRS 2025 Scientific Conference transcends traditional academic gatherings, serving as a catalyst for global change. Whether presenting pioneering research or seeking inspiration from the forefront of geospatial science, attendees will leave empowered to transform data into actionable solutions.