Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and within the Ministry’s efforts to support the development of the scientific research system, strengthen scientific and training cooperation with Arab universities and research institutions, and promote the use of modern technologies and technological innovations in support of scientific research,
The National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) organized a specialized training workshop entitled “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Scientific Research and Remote Sensing,” with a total of 18 training hours, attended by a number of faculty members from King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The workshop was held under the patronage of Dr. Abdelaziz Belal, Head of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, and under the supervision of Dr. Safaa Hassan, of the Data Reception and Analysis and Ground Station Affairs Division, and the workshop coordinator. The workshop was organized as part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen scientific and training cooperation with Arab universities and scientific institutions and to share specialized expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence and remote sensing.
The workshop aimed to provide participating faculty members with the latest knowledge and practical skills in utilizing artificial intelligence tools throughout the various stages of scientific research, starting from scientific literature searches and identifying research gaps, through data analysis and spatial information management, to preparing and writing scientific papers. It also introduced advanced applications of artificial intelligence and deep learning in spatial data analysis and the integration of AI outputs with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The first day of the workshop included a number of specialized lectures and practical applications on artificial intelligence and its applications in scientific research. Topics covered AI tools for reviewing scientific literature, developing research ideas, and analyzing research gaps, in addition to the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for data organization, drafting scientific sections, and improving academic writing in accordance with publication standards.
The second day focused on Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing, addressing the latest trends in the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning for processing and analyzing satellite imagery. It also covered remote sensing data sources and the automated classification of satellite imagery using deep learning networks, along with practical applications using Google Earth Engine, Python, and Keras/TensorFlow libraries.
The workshop also included an integrated practical session on combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with artificial intelligence models. Participants carried out a mini-project integrating generative AI tools with the analysis of real remote sensing data, enabling them to apply the acquired skills to practical research applications.
The workshop sessions were delivered by a distinguished group of specialists from NARSS, including Dr. Ashraf Helmy, Head of the Division; Assistant Professor Mohamed Roshdy; Assistant Professor Bassam Abdel Salam; Dr. Nour Laban; and Dr. Hind Ziada, in addition to Dr. Safaa Hassan, the workshop coordinator.
The workshop highlighted the importance of building scientific capacities in the field of artificial intelligence and ensuring the critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs through scientific verification, accuracy, and adherence to research ethics. Such efforts contribute to improving the quality of research output and maximizing the benefits of modern digital technologies.
The workshop also demonstrated the importance of integrating artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems in developing future research applications.
This workshop comes within the framework of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences’ efforts to support Arab scientific cooperation, exchange expertise with universities and research institutions, and develop specialized training programs. These efforts reinforce the Authority’s role as a center of expertise and training in the fields of remote sensing, space sciences, spatial data, and artificial intelligence, while contributing to the development of a new generation of researchers capable of utilizing modern technologies in support of scientific research and sustainable development.