From August 28th to September 3rd, 2018 Alesia Kazhan and Alexander Yeryomenko, 4th-year students of the Faculty of Information Technologies, participated in International Cartographic Camp “HERE Sochi Camp – 2018” held on the Russian Black Sea coast. Talented students and lecturers from Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan gathered in the camp to share experience in such fields of study as geography, geology, cartography, economics and computer studies.
International company HERE Technologies selected camp participants according to the results of participation in projects where the participants showed their knowledge in geometric design of roads using Map Creator. Then they worked with PIO using a mobile application Mapillary. When summing up the following indicators were taken into account:
- demonstration of knowledge and skills in the field of mapmaking and geoinformation systems;
- statistics and quality of projects made in Map Creator;
- ability to work in a team and take the initiative.
During the time spent in the camp the students created an electronic geolocation basis using Map Creator, participated in the projects on collection and localization of data on the area (Sochi), carried out project work, took a practical course in new products development, high speed mapping and even made robots.
Business Game was the main task aimed at creating products in the spheres of geolocation and IT. During 2 days the participating teams created their own projects using HERE platform, personal experience and knowledge. As a result, the participants presented working prototypes of projects, demonstrated teamwork skills, creativity and high level of training.
Alesia Kazhan and Alexander Yeryomenko shared their impressions of the time spent in HERE Sochi Camp.
Interviewer: Alesia, you have already been in the summer camp in Russian Black Sea Coast, haven’t you?
Alesia Kazhan: “Yes, I have. It is the second time when I go to the international cartographic camp organized by HERE Technologies company. This year the camp is situated not far away from Sochi. The purpose of the trip was to unite universities from different countries for further cooperation. We learnt management, navigation, mapping and robotics. The most interesting task was to make a robot. And among us were students studying geography, geodesy, biology and computer studies.
During the first few days we studied new technologies in the field of navigation and mapping, and then we made projects. We also worked on the area. This year it was necessary to develop a project on improving Sochi people lives and attracting youth and tourists to the city. At the end of the course we presented our projects. Further, the cooperation with our university was discussed. It is also planned to sign a cooperation agreement with other faculties of our university.”
Interviewer: What benefits did you derive from the trip?
Alesia Kazhan: “Great ones! Such trips really change people. You want to develop further in the field of information technologies. You have a strong desire to study better at the university so that you can take such internships again.”
Interviewer: Alexander, share your impressions of the trip, please.
Alexander Yeryomenko: “Last year when HERE Technologies started cooperation with PSU, I had already heard that HERE offered trips to Sochi and paid for them itself. Then I wanted to try it. I started to do my best to take an internship in Sochi, and then I became the best student from the university. To tell you the truth, I expected it would be complicated and even beyond my strength, but when coming there I found our multinational and friendly team. Everyone here came to reveal themselves and acquire new knowledge and professional skills.
We met a lot of experienced people there who gave interesting lectures and shared their knowledge. After such a camp you are motivated to achieve new results and make more progress in your field of study. So, it’s worth it!”
Interviewer: What did you have to do in order to become a participant of the summer camp?
Alexander Yeryomenko: “We needed to demonstrate good knowledge in Map Creator. There were two stages. At first we edited roads. Much attention was paid to the quantity and the quality of edits. Completing this task made it possible for us to go to Sochi. If students didn’t succeed in the first task, they were given another attempt. The second task was the list of interesting places of Polotsk and Novopolotsk cities like pharmacies, shops and other different organizations that were in demand. They were to fill everything in the map – name, address and working hours.
We were one of the most active participants from our university among the four students who represented Belarus (two students from BSU). Our trip to Sochi was financed by HERE so the company is interested in us, which is a very good advantage. We will work hard to strengthen the cooperation and to involve young people in this programme.”
Interviewer: How did the cooperation between HERE Technologies Company and Polotsk State University start?
Alesia Kazhan: “A graduate of the specialty Geoinformation Systems, Victoria Yermakova took an internship in HERE Company and offered them cooperation with PSU. HERE was going to start cooperation with Belarus, namely, with universities in Minsk. However, Victoria managed to persuade HERE to start cooperation with PSU. Victoria had a strong desire to work in HERE Technologies and she did it. Now she works in HERE office in Moscow. Such cooperation is very important for the Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation Systems because it helps our graduates to find a good job. ”
Interviewer: What features should a student have to make progress in your study programme? What is your opinion?
Alesia Kozhan: “It’s obligatory to know geography and maths, and the most important, to have a desire to learn! Our field of study is very interesting. I still remember looking through a geographic map in school thinking how it was interesting. I have never thought that I would study Geoinformation Systems! You need a desire and creativity here.”
Alexander Yeryomenko: “Curiosity, interest and a strong desire to achieve some personal and professional results. The most important is to be obsessed with the field of study you choose.”
Interviewer: What would you like to wish students of other study programmes?
Alesia Kozhan: “I want to wish other students to find motivation to move forward in life and more determination to make the dreams come true.”
Alexander Yeryomenko: “I would like to wish to find yourself not only in your study programme but also to be versatile and inquisitive! Nowadays there are a lot of opportunities for the students to get new knowledge and put them into practice! Make new achievements!”
Irina Shipko