The USGS and NASA established the Pecora Symposium series in the 1970s as a forum to:

1. Foster the exchange of scientific information and results derived from applications of remotely sensed data to a broad range of land-based resources; and
   
2. Provide a forum for discussing ideas, policies, and strategies concerning land remote sensing.

The Pecora 19 theme, "Sustaining Land Imaging: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Satellites" focuses on how remotely sensed data acquired using the latest technology and platforms are being used to further our understanding of an ever changing Earth, and are being used to improve the information being gathered for managing our natural resources. The symposium topics are:

• Detecting and Monitoring Changes in the Earth's Surface at Regional, Landscape and Sub-pixel Scales
• Using Remotely Sensed Observations to Managing Natural Resources within Nations, Counties and Cities
• Emergence of UAS and Other New Remote Sensing Technologies for Studying Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
• Data Mining and Computer Assisted Image Analysis in the Era of Big Data

The main focus of the ISPRS Technical Commission I is primary data acquisition and processes which include remote sensing technologies, sensor platforms, data processing, geometric and radiometric modeling and sensor calibration, georeferencing and sensor orientation, image and data standards, low-level sensor integration, and system design. The ISPRS Technical Commission I Working Groups play a vital role in organizing meetings, which fosters multidisciplinary research and developments, and international cooperation.

The Landsat Ground Station Operator Working Group (LGSOWG) will be joining the Symposium this year. The LGSOWG sessions are strictly for group members and require authorization to attend.

This group is a joint organization by the USGS and NASA with participants drawing from countries around the globe. Members convene to discuss a wide range of programmatic and technical topics.

• Data acquisition and pre-processing, and integration of various imaging sensors with other relevant systems on remote sensing platforms
• Design, construction, characterization, and installation of imaging and non-optical imaging sensors (IR, SAR, IfSAR, LiDAR, RF, etc.) for aerial and spaceborne missions for Earth observation
• Data quality and performance validation of SAR, LIDAR and optical systems for DEM generation
• Testing, calibration and evaluation of optical and non-optical imaging sensors, including laboratory, in-flight/in-situ, inter-calibration and test fields
• Data processing techniques, direct sensor orientation, evaluation of line sensors for DEM generation, on-board data processing
• Image technologies and data transfer protocols, standardization of definitions and measurements of active and passive imaging sensor parameters, geometric and radiometric properties, quality standards, and factors affecting data quality
• Integrated platform guidance, navigation, direct georeferencing and integrated sensor orientation
• Mobile Mapping, UAV/UAS, and autonomous system applications
• Airborne remote sensing applications

The Symposium will be held at the Renaissance Denver Hotel located in a suburb of Denver, Colorado called Stapleton/Northfield.

Urban trails connect the parks and residential areas to village-like shopping areas in Stapleton/Northfield. In fact, 30 percent of the land in this idyllic suburban neighborhood is preserved for parks and open space, highlighted by Central Park. Biking and hiking paths also connect the area to the 17,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge where a plethora of wildlife roams the plains east of downtown.

The pedestrian streets and fountains at The Shops at Northfield Stapleton (8340 Northfield Blvd.) offer a relaxed, outdoor shopping and dining experience, with 18 movie theaters, sidewalk cafes, and more. A complimentary hotel shuttle is available for the short trip to The Shops at Northfield Stapleton.

Symposium attendees may take a short 15 minute taxi ride to downtown Denver to enjoy the nightlife, shopping and dining.