Hexagon is committed to bridging the gap between academia and cutting-edge geospatial technology. Over the past three years, we have partnered with the Polytechnic University of Madrid to integrate ERDAS IMAGINE tools into the university’s curriculum — enriching student geospatial education through real-world applications of geospatial data and spatial analysis across multiple disciplines.
Partnership origins
Renowned as the world’s leading remote sensing software package, ERDAS IMAGINE offers powerful capabilities in image processing, spatial analysis, data visualization and automated workflows, with the unique flexibility to integrate external data. For students, this means learning on the same platform used by professionals around the globe — developing real-world technical skills that go beyond textbook learning.
In 2022, Hexagon partnered with the Polytechnic University of Madrid to provide students with access to its geospatial tools. Since then, they have been integrated into coursework in remote sensing, GIS, environmental science and civil engineering — providing students with practical, industry-aligned geospatial education.
Impact in the classroom
Over the past three years, this integration has transformed the university’s approach to geospatial education. Students have used ERDAS IMAGINE tools to analyze satellite imagery, monitor environmental changes, perform land-use classification and solve complex spatial problems. By working with industry-standard tools, students are not only enhancing their technical capabilities, but also preparing to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving geospatial industry.
We’re proud to announce the renewal of this collaboration — marking a continued commitment to advancing geospatial education. This collaboration is one of several initiatives where Hexagon is supporting student success. In a recent feature, we highlighted Mario García Ontiyuelo, a standout student leveraging our tools in a different academic setting.
Voices from the collaboration
Dr. Iñigo Molina, a professor in the Department of Geospatial Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, shared, “Our collaboration with Hexagon has been instrumental in shaping the future of geospatial education at our university. This partnership is more than just a technological integration — it’s a transformative experience for our students.”
Hexagon’s Begoña Verdejo added, “Each session and collaboration teaches me something new and allows me to see each of the students’ willingness to learn. Collaborating with the university where I studied is another fantastic way of staying connected to the new generation’s demands.”
Looking ahead
As the demand grows for skilled geospatial professionals, this partnership between Hexagon and the Polytechnic University of Madrid stands as a model for how academia and industry can collaborate to shape the future of geospatial education. The partnership remains a cornerstone of innovation, preparing students for success in an increasingly data-driven and interconnected world.
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Riley Aldridge is a digital marketing intern for Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division in Madison, Alabama. She supports both the global and Americas marketing teams by assisting with campaigns, managing data, analyzing performance metrics and contributing to brand visibility efforts.
