2017 Fellow

Presented to: Dr. Naser El-Sheimy

Citation: For major contributions to the development, dissemination and commercialization of integrated navigation system technology and for significant educational impact on the next generation of navigation professionals.

Dr. Naser El-Sheimy’s research has resulted in the development of new concepts and algorithms for integrating GNSS with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), as well as other sensors for mapping and navigation applications. This includes one of the first strap-down inertial navigation mechanization algorithms in Earth Fixed Earth Centered (EFEC) frame of reference; a new calibration technique for inertial systems that does not require any lab calibration; and a unique software for pipeline integrity monitoring using INS-based Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG). Dr. ElSheimy led the development of integration techniques of inertial navigation systems with GPS for navigation and mobile multi-sensor systems. This included the development of VISAT, one of the first commercial Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS), and the development of a new technique for calibration of multi-sensor systems and for direct geo-referencing of MMS data using GNSS/INS data. Additionally, he is recognized for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based sensors algorithms for navigation systems, and the development of new techniques for smartphone-based navigation applications. Dr. El-Sheimy developed the first Matlab toolbox for MEMS-base inertial navigation applications and developed an innovative Allan Variance-based software for analyzing the performance of MEMS inertial sensor. He has not only advanced the theoretical knowledge, but has been effective in transferring technology and software to organizations worldwide. His algorithms and software have been used not only by his peers in the academic sector, but are also used operationally by industry.

Dr. El-Sheimy is a Professor at the Department of Geomatics Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary. He has published two books, six book chapters and over 450 papers in academic journals and conference proceedings. He is a former ION GNSS program and general chair, and has served on numerous ION committees in various capacities. He currently supervises 17 graduate students and has graduated 53 PhD/MSc from 15 countries. He is the recipient of numerous awards. He obtained his PhD in Geomatics Engineering from the University of Calgary.