ASPRS and the ASPRS Foundation Announce New Lyman Ladner Memorial Scholarship

Lyman Ladner retired from the USGS Western Mapping Center (WMC) in 1995 after 32 years of service. Early in his career, Lyman became very interested in photogrammetry and took a leave of absence to study photogrammetry at ITC in The Netherlands.  Upon his return to USGS, Lyman received his BS in mathematics from San Jose State University and studied analytical photogrammetry under Professor James M. Anderson at UC Berkley. Lyman later served as Chief of the WMC Technology Office, where he and his team were responsible for development of the Digital Orthophoto (DOQ) production software.

This development led to WMC becoming the DOQ Center for the USGS and eventually to the multi-agency National Digital Orthophoto Program.  He was awarded the US Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service Award for his efforts and, in 2020, he and his development team were recognized nationally by ASPRS with the Outstanding Technical Achievement Award.  Lyman retired as the Assistant Chief of the WMC Research and Development Office.

This scholarship, to be awarded annually, is designed to recognize Lyman’s contribution to the photogrammetry profession and his devotion to ASPRS as an emeritus member. The purpose is to encourage undergraduate and graduate level college students to pursue a course of study in surveying and photogrammetry leading to a career in the geospatial mapping profession.

An eligible candidate who wishes to be considered for the scholarship must submit an on-line application that includes the following items:

• A listing of courses taken or planned in photogrammetry and related geospatial information technologies, recognizing that instruction in remote sensing is often embedded in courses taught in many different disciplines.
• A transcript of all college/university level courses completed, and grades received, to demonstrate scholastic ability.
• A listing of internships, special projects, or work experience; technical papers, research reports or other documents; courses taught as a lecturer or teaching assistant; and presentations made that demonstrate the applicant’s capabilities in this field.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or professionals having knowledge of the applicant’s capabilities (demonstrated or potential).
• A statement, not to exceed 2 pages, detailing the applicant’s educational and research goals that relate to the advancement of photogrammetry and related geospatial information technologies and the applications of these technologies.

Further information and application details will be available on the ASPRS web site in the early Fall and the initial scholarship will be awarded at the 2025 ASPRS Annual Conference at Geo Week in February 10-12, 2025 at the Denver Convention Center.

Established in 1934, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a scientific association serving over 2,000 professional members around the world, providing its members professional development through education and networking experiences, professional certification, publications, scholarships, and other services. ASPRS advances the knowledge and improves understanding of mapping sciences to promote the responsible applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and supporting technologies.

Established in 1979, the ASPRS Foundation is a tax-exempt organization with the primary purpose to advance the understanding and use of spatial data for the betterment of humankind and the effective operation of public and private organizations. The Foundation’s mission is to establish an extensive and broadly-based program that provides grants, scholarships, loans and other forms of aid to individuals or organizations pursuing knowledge of imaging and geospatial information science and technology, and their applications across the scientific, governmental, and commercial sectors. A key goal of the Foundation is to fully endow all existing ASPRS awards and scholarships in a manner that, at a minimum, keeps up with inflation.