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RSS-Hydro Internship 2023

July to September 2023

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Overview

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I secured this internship by networking with individuals on LinkedIn. The internship, officially titled Geospatial Analyst, was carried out over two months, with a full-time schedule onsite at the company’s offices in Luxembourg. RSS-Hydro operates across geospatial fields for a more sustainable and resilient future. The company uses the newest remote sensing, Earth Observation, computer models and drones to achieve industry impact and inform decision-makers in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Objectives

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The main objectives of the internship included: 

  • ​Working with and analysing remotely sensed datasets from satellites and drones 

  • Operating drones, specifically the company’s LiDAR drone and associated data

  • Introduction to numerical modelling of hydrological processes for water risk

 

Outcomes

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Based on the objectives outlined, the internship role was designed to provide practical experience and learning opportunities in the field of remote sensing and geospatial data analytics. An overview of the main activities and tasks that were covered in the period can be found below:

  • Completed the EASA Open A2 category UAV certification for UAV operation in Europe

  • Collaborated with researchers from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to prepare satellite-collected video imagery to determine stream flow velocity for the FluViSat project

  • Reviewed open-source datasets such as the Google Open Buildings and OpenStreetMap building footprints for use in hydrological modelling and disaster mapping

  • Prepared validation data using image segmentation and image classification for “land-use unmixing” of individual Sentinel 2 pixels using very high-resolution orthophoto of Luxembourg

  • Worked closely with teammates to perform video editing and audio editing of an educational video for the Commonwealth and NVIDIA showing the effects of sea level rise and the 2022 volcano eruption on Tonga

  • Participated in test drone flights in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg for the mapping (LiDAR, RGB imagery and multispectral imagery) of forest stands in Luxembourg for enhanced forestry management and plant disease detection 

  • Explored LiDAR point cloud, specifically visualisation in Blender and how to perform DEM generation

  • Explored the use of the Segment Anything Geospatial model for flood mapping and delineation of water features

  • Produced captivating map animations using ArcGIS Pro and Google Photorealistic Tiles, transforming geographical data into visually compelling video content for marketing materials and client engagement

  • Participated in introductory training in hydrological modelling using HEC-RAS

  • Acquired knowledge about 3D printing methodologies, specifically the model design and preparation processes

Work Samples

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Reflection and Recommendation​

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​My internship experience at RSS-Hydro has been an incredibly interesting and insightful journey into the dynamic world of hydrological modelling and drone technology. I have had the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects, gaining hands-on experience in hydrological modelling and drone operations. This internship has not only expanded my technical skills but has also deepened my understanding of the critical role technology plays in addressing water-related challenges.
Throughout my time here, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in water resource management. I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received from the company’s talented team. This experience has not only enriched my knowledge but has also expanded my interest in sustainable development and the use of cutting-edge technologies. 
As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I carry with me the valuable insights and skills acquired during this internship. I am excited to continue exploring the intersections of hydrology, geospatial technology, and environmental sustainability.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire RSS-Hydro team for their unwavering support and for making this internship an enriching and impactful chapter in my career. I would highly recommend working at RSS-Hydro to future CDE students, especially if you have an interest in remote sensing and hydrological modelling.

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