Octave’s Campuswide Educational Grant provides universities worldwide with free access to Octave Imagine (formerly ERDAS IMAGINE), a powerful geospatial software suite that can be used in university labs or at students’ homes. But how can universities and students truly maximize this opportunity? Brilliant Remote Sensing Labs (BRS-Labs) has designed an innovative geospatial education system that ensures students and universities get the most out of the software. This program molds students into highly skilled graduates — ready for the geospatial workforce.
Introducing the Remote Sensing Specialist (RSS) certificate
BRS-Labs developed a comprehensive certificate program titled Remote Sensing Specialist (RSS), designed exclusively to match the capabilities of Imagine. This nine-course track is not theoretical — it’s practical, hands-on and intentionally built to teach students how to leverage the software in real-world scenarios.
The RSS certificate is taught fully online through BRS-Labs’ Remote Sensing Portal and includes step-by-step training videos, web-monitored exams and international certification upon completion. The courses and exams are available in both English and Arabic.
A real-life success story
Menoufia University, a public governmental university in Egypt, was one of the first institutions to fully embrace the RSS certificate as part of its academic and training ecosystem.
117 students studied the program, gaining proficiency in Imagine
Three students earned the title of Certified Trainer of RSS certificate after 27 hours of additional advanced workshops
The university’s Geographic and Cartographic Research Center was officially accredited as a Certified Training Center capable of delivering BRS-Labs’ curriculum internationally
“This program is a turning point in preparing our students for international opportunities in geospatial sciences,” said Professor Dr. Lotfy Azaz, head of Geography Department at Menoufia University.
Added Training Program Supervisor Dr. Salah Diab, “Our students have now become certified specialists, and some have already started guiding others. The impact is real.”
Pathways for continued geospatial education development
To help students advance their geospatial careers, the Remote Sensing Portal also offers two follow-up certifications, but this time using a more advanced license — allowing a greater understanding of Imagine and the geospatial industry. These certifications are offered by BRS-Labs during two training periods:
Remote Sensing Professional (RSP): Four-course program for intermediate expertise
Remote Sensing Solution Developer (RSSD): Three-course track for advanced application design
A model to follow — globally
With zero cost for Imagine during training and a clear geospatial education roadmap (RSS, RSP, RSSD), any university can:
Enable its students to master a globally used software tool
Certify its academic staff as Certified Remote Sensing Trainers
Establish its own certified training center delivering an internationally recognized curriculum
Establish Remote Sensing Labs using the free Imagine software
Join a growing global network of future-ready geospatial institutions
Join the movement
The transformation at Menoufia University proves what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets tailored geospatial education design. If you’re a university administrator, faculty member or student eager to build a geospatial future — now is the time.
Apply for the Brilliant Remote Sensing Labs University Program, benefit from Octave’s Campuswide Grant and let us help you turn it into a true success story.
For collaboration, training, student licenses, certifying trainers or information on establishing a Certified Training Center, visit www.remote-sensing-portal.com or email [email protected].