Associate Director

Dr. Sergio Bernardes

Dr. Sergio Bernardes is a researcher and educator specializing in the analysis of remotely sensed and geospatial data across diverse fields. His work spans environmental research, including plant measurement and plant condition assessment, as well as studies on the effects of extreme climatic events on both vegetation and human populations. He contributes to digital humanities and cultural heritage preservation through digital documentation, 3D representation, and visualization of sites and objects of historical significance.

Since 1989, Dr. Bernardes has worked at the forefront of geospatial applications and software development, with expertise spanning geography, software engineering, and the implementation of large-scale geospatial projects for government, industry, and academia. An FAA-certified remote pilot, he has been pioneering the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for remote sensing since 2013.

At the University of Georgia, Dr. Bernardes led the creation of the 3D Immersion and Geovisualization System (3DIG) and the Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory (DiGTL). These initiatives combined cutting-edge software and hardware solutions with applications of UAS, artificial intelligence, as well as augmented, mixed, and virtual reality for the acquisition and exploration of geospatial data.

Dr. Bernardes teaches courses on remote sensing, emphasizing UAS and sensor technologies, and on applying geographic information systems (GIS) across multiple disciplines. His innovative approach bridges technology, education, and environmental science, advancing both research and practical applications in the geospatial field.