It is nearly time for Explore, the Society’s annual expedition and fieldwork planning weekend that provides the inspiration, contacts and most importantly, the practical information needed to embark on independent fieldwork and expeditions.
More than 90 leading field scientists and explorers will be on hand to speak about their endeavours, deliver specialist workshops and offer one-to-one advice.
From undergraduates undertaking their first field research, to more experienced individuals who want to share their experiences and plan further expeditions, the Explore weekend has been the starting point for hundreds of exciting journeys and fieldwork projects, and forms a key part of the Society’s work to support the advancement of geographical knowledge and understanding.
All are welcome to attend and be inspired (limited tickets are still available).
Some of the highlights of the Explore weekend will include:
- Workshops on conducting field research in challenging environments: Pick up practical advice about living and working in polar, desert, rainforest and mountainous parts of the world
- Opportunities to find research team members: Meet and share ideas with others who are planning an expedition
- Returning expeditions: Stories and findings are shared though talks and seminars.
- Journeys with a purpose: Adventurers give advice on turning your dreams into reality.
- Tools of the trade: Specialists on hand to share tips on fundraising, social media,mapping technologies, and keeping safe in challenging environments.
Friday night lecture is open to all
Explore begins on Friday evening, with a public lecture presented by Steve Roest and Mark Allen, who be considering what roles unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can play in field research, exploration and conservation.
Cofounder of ShadowView Foundation, which provides UAVs for environmental, conservation and humanitarian relief operations, Steve will talk about the global “drone revolution” and the opportunities that UAVs can offer scientific research, mapping, agriculture and more.
Speaking to the Society ahead of Friday, Steve said: “I am very excited to be speaking at the opening of Explore 2014. The potential for UAVs in field research and conservation is only just being realised. With their increasing affordability and capability, drones literally add a new dimension to what can be achieved in the field.”
Joining Steve on stage will be Mark Allen, this year’s recipient of the Land Rover Bursary – one of the Society’s grants for independent travel, fieldwork and expeditions – awarded to support his Grand Alpine Tour Expedition. Mark will speak about how he used a ‘hexacopter’ UAV to conduct 3D mapping on the magnitude and frequency of landslides at high altitudes across the European Alps this summer.