-------------------------------------------------------------------- SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE AFRICA UPDATE VOL 2, NO. 4 - 25 MARCH 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Spatial Data Infrastructure Africa (SDI-Africa) is a free email newsletter for people interested in GIS, remote sensing, and data management issues in Africa. To subscribe to SDI Africa, unsubscribe, or change your email address, contact: klance@usgs.gov If you're subscribing, please indicate your institutional affiliation and how you learned about the SDI-Africa newsletter. I began putting information into a newsletter in an effort to provide information to colleagues in Africa (particularly since surfing the web can be costly in Africa). I am involved in a number of projects that aim to build SDI capacity in Africa; however, there is no project or organization that is called SDI Africa. I will send out issues as time permits. If you have news or information related to GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data infrastructure (e.g., workshop announcements, publications, reports, websites of interest, etc.), kindly send me the materials so that I can include them in the newsletter. This will ensure that issues are sent more frequently. The newsletter depends upon your continued interest and input. You are welcome to forward this message onto colleagues who may find the information useful. If you do so, please include the newsletter contact information at the bottom of this message so that others will know about the newsletter and subscribe themselves. Back issues of the newsletter are at the GSDI and GISD websites: GSDI: http://www.gsdi.org (go to GSDI newsletters) GISD: http://www.opengis.org/gisd/sdi_news.htm Best regards, Kate Please note: Some long URLs (internet addresses) may occupy 2 lines. In that case, copy both lines into your browser. -------------------------------------------------------------------- INPUT TO THIS ISSUE -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to Patrice Sanou, Centre SIG et Télédétection (Burkina Faso); Philippe Mayaux, Global Vegetation Monitoring Unit, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, DG Joint Research Centre, European Commission (Italy); Jérome Gautier, Togo Geodata (Togo); NSIF newsletter (South Africa), Emma Noongo, Environmental Information Unit, Directorate of Environmental Affairs (Namibia), Jide Kufoniyi, RECTAS (Nigeria), Amadou Dieye, Centre de Suivi Ecologique (Senegal); and Rene Verduijn, Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping Systems - FIVIMS (South Africa) for their contributions to this issue. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SDI NEWS, LINKS, PAPERS, PRESENTATIONS - HAVE YOU READ? -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.gsdi.org/SDIA/PPT/CODATA.htm http://www.codata.org/03march/03march-abst.htm#noongo (abstract) Emma Noongo from the Environmental Information Unit, Directorate of Environmental Affairs of Namibia gave a presentation entitled 'Metadata Clearinghouse and Open Access to Geographic Data in Namibia' at the International Symposium on Open Access and the Public Domain in Digital Data and Information for Science, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France, 10-11 March 2003 http://www.codata.org/03march/03march-logistics.htm The Directorate of Environmental Affairs is in the process of setting up on internet map service for the Atlas of Namibia, as part of the "Information and Communication Services for Sustainable Development" (Infocom) project, funded by the Finnish and Namibian governments. The USGS/EROS Data Center and SADC Regional Remote Sensing Unit, on behalf of the USAID sponsored EINFORM project, are assisting with the clearinghouse and map service implementation. In conjunction with this effort, DEA registered the first metadata clearinghouse node for Namibia this week. Also, a metadata/clearinghouse/web mapping workshop is being held this week in Windhoek. If you are from a SADC country and are interested in metadata/clearinghouse/web mapping technologies, please contact Kate Lance, klance@usgs.gov and cc Dorothy Nyamhanza, dnyamhanza@fanr-sadc.co.zw, and Tinahse Mandaza, tmandaza@fanr-sadc.co.zw. http://www.gsdi.org/SDIA/Excerpt_from_FIVIMS_News.doc A Food Security Data subcommittee of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG) was founded in December 2002. Some of the important roles and responsibilities of the data subcommittee include: · Develop common standards and procedures for exchange and storage of the digital data on food security between all governmental and non-government organizations in Kenya; · Coordinate the development of a common database and GIS platform for food security analysis; · Coordinate the development of key analytical data sets on food security to ensure that there are no gaps or overlaps; · Identify key areas for strengthening food security data collection, management and analysis project proposal and agree on fund raising strategies. See document for further details and contact the Secretary of the Data subcommittee, John Owuor, National Food Security Information Coordinator, in the Office of the President, alrmphq@africaonline.co.ke; http://www.fivims.net http://www.cse.sn/pauvrete/index.htm http://www.cse.sn/pauvrete/crtheque.htm (cartothque) Le projet Appui au programme de lutte contre la pauvreté: Réalisation d’une base de données socio-économiques géoréférenciées est un partenariat entre le Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE) et le Ministère de l’Economie et des Finances. Il est exécuté avec la collaboration de la Direction de la Prévision et de la Statistique (DPS) et de divers services techniques de l’État, à savoir, la Direction de l’Aménagement du Territoire (DAT), la Direction des Travaux Géographiques et Cartographiques (DTGC) et le Service de Gestion et de Prévision des Ressources en Eau (SGPRE). La DPS qui collecte, gère, analyse et publie la plupart des données socio-économiques du pays est le principal bénéficiaire de l’étude. - In Senegal, an inter-institutional team produced a series of maps to be used for the first time as a key element in the speech of the Prime Minister to the members of the House of Parliament. Geographic information served as an important tool for characterizing aspects of the Government's programs and policy to 'decision-makers'. http://africa.unep.net/ein/content1.asp [check this website later in the week for the workshop report and a copy of the AEIN strategy document] Africa Environment Information Network Stakeholders' Meeting was held in Pretoria, South Africa, 24 - 26 February 2003. UNEP and EIS-AFRICA hosted the event. There were 37 participants drawn from various organisations, including universities, regional institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Participants were selected on the basis of their long experience in environmental information systems development in Africa, as well as the potential for the establishment of partnerships. The Africa Environment Information Network (AEIN) initiative has evolved as a direct response to political and technical needs expressed by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). A central objective of AEIN is to build capacity for establishing the essential data foundation needed to support country-level integrated environmental assessments and reporting, within the broad framework of sustainable development goals and initiatives. A specific short-term objective is to support the implementation of decisions of AMCEN with respect to the Africa Environment Outlook (AEO) preparation process, while strengthening capacity for state of environment (SoE) reporting at the national and sub-regional levels. http://www.mtrustonline.com/dailytrust/abuja362003.htm National Geospatial Data Infrastructure Workshop, February 10-11, 2003, Abuja, Nigeria, sponsored by the National Space Research and Development Agency (http://www.nasrda.gov.ng/) Over 300 people registered for the opening session of the Nigeria National Geospatial Data Infrastructure Workshop, and then over 100 people stayed for 2 days straight, with discussions going until 6:30 - 7:00pm at night. The workshop, due to scheduling needs, took place during a national holiday, so the number of participants is that much more compelling. The workshop was an excellent opportunity for informative presentations from specialists from different agencies/sectors. The upcoming launch of the Nigerian satellite and distribution of satellite imagery was also discussed. Also, the Nigerian Geo-Information Society was launched. The Nigerian draft data policy (see link) was presented for review (and is currently open for comments to be incorporated into a revised version). [USGS/EROS Data Center on behalf of GISD provided materials to the data policy committee to help with the preparation of the document]. http://www.gsdi.org/SDIA/NGDIfinaldraftpolicy.doc More information about the workshop and the NGDI initiative will be online shortly at the NASRDA website. This workshop follows a workshop two months earlier focusing on spatial data infrastructure and the surveying community. http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2002/11/26/20021126est01.html Surveyors Call for Geospatial Data Infrastructure http://www.hsrcpublishers.co.za/e-library/Occasional_Papers/information.pdf Information: The Foundation of Sustainable Development Craig A. Schwabe, Human Sciences Research Council, 2002. This paper proposed the development of an information framework for sustainable development in South Africa and discusses the country's ability to provid the information required to address actions stipulated in Agenda 21. As part of the framework, indicators needed to implement and monitor sustainable development are discussed and the inherent value of spatial information for the implemention of sustainable is touched on. http://www.fao.org/sd/EIdirect/EIre0066.htm http://www.vims.edu/czap/oral/tsontos_v.ppt First ICAMS Nile Delta Workshop, April 7-10, 2003, sponsored by the FAO ICAMS Nile Delta Project. Information Technology for Coastal Zone Management of the Nile Delta: Stakeholder Priorities and Needs The ICAMS Initiative: Development and Implementation of an Integrated Coastal Analysis and Monitoring System. Issues: coastal erosion, pollution monitoring, fisheries management. This work will ensure the general applicability of the methodological framework, adapting ICAMS for use under resource limiting conditions. It will thus ultimately serve as a model for information system implementation in developing world contexts, where the need for operational coastal management is often great but for which the information infrastructure and knowledge-base are frequently lacking. For futher details, contact john.latham@fao.org http://www.waterforfood.org/ The Challenge for the Nile and Limpopo The Nile and the Limpopo have been formally announced as two of the seven river basins targeted in the $US 120 million first phase of the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food. The new initiative brings together water experts, NGOs and river basin communities in Africa, Asia and South America to find solutions to the world's growing water crisis. The announcement came at a high-level meeting with the African Ministerial Conference on Water (AMCOW) in Cairo on February 5. See call for concept notes/pre- proposals under awards section. http://www.waterforfood.org/ConceptNotes.htm http://www.togogeodata.com/ Togogeodata is a non profit organisation incorporated in 2001 in Togo with the desire to transmit, make known and exchange the different methods deriving from the new spatial information technologies. L'Association Togolaise pour la diffusion et la promotion de l'information géographique. Les objectifs fondamentaux sont : -de fournir un appui conseil à moindre coût, à tous types de structures oeuvrant pour le développement, qui, faute de moyens suffisants, ne peuvent obtenir de conseils dans le domaine cartographie numérique. C’est aussi de créer une structure locale pérenne pouvant aider à répondre à des besoins dans un contexte où l’émergence des nouvelles technologies géomatiques fait parfois défaut - de s’appuyer, à travers son pôle de compétence, et autant qu’elle le pourra, sur des étudiants Togolais et de la Sous Région afin de les former gratuitement, sur des cas concrets, aux nouvelles technologies spatialisées; - de constituer une base de données spatialisées et non propriétaire (images satellites, cartes numériques, banques de données)et de la diffuser gratuitement à toute structure en faisant la demande, dans le cadre d’un protocole d’échange d’informations. http://www.piucp.org/sig/lome.html Le SIG de Lomé est positionné aux services techniques (Voirie) dans le bureau du Directeur Adjoint des Services Techniques depuis 2000 et est né avec l'appui du PIUCP - Coopération Française en partenariat avec le ville de Lyon. Cartes Téléchargeables - Lomé - Atakpamé - Sokodé - Dapaong http://www.piucp.org/index.htm Projet Intégration Urbaine et Coopération de Proximité "Un projet pilote d'appui à la gestion urbaine municipale dans un contexte de décentralisation et de forte croissance urbaine." http://www.piucp.org/sig/coursig_ppoint.zip Approfondissement des outils proposés par MAPINFO Télécharger le cours SIG élaboré à partir des exemples de Lomé [format Power Point zippé 8 Mo] -------------------------------------------------------------------- GIS TOOLS, SOFTWARE, DATA -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.togo-mines.com/ http://www.togo-mines.com/english/basic_information_/topographics/topograph ics.html UN-DESA Mineral Inventory Project TOG99/B05 - 7.ACP.TO.068 Development of a mineral database for Togo Togo Topographic Data Files see http://www.togogeodata.com/ as well. http://glcfapp.umiacs.umd.edu:8080/glcf/esdi http://glcfapp.umiacs.umd.edu:8080/glcf/esdi?command=searchMap Earth Science Data Interface (imagery) Allows you to search for imagery [ Search All Datasets Using Map ] This tool allows you to search our datasets by using an interactive world map to view spatial coverages. Searches can be refined by zooming on regions of the Earth and by specifying parameters relevant to the data. [ Search Data Products By Attributes ] Derived data products usually have dataset-specific attributes and concentrate on or are grouped by regions of interest. Use this tool to search by those regions and attributes if you are interested in any of our dervied products and do not require locating the coverage on a map. [ Search Landsat By Path/Row/Date ] If you are searching for Landsat data and already know the WRS paths and rows for your area of interest, you can use this text based search tool instead. You can enter up to 25 different path, row, date combinations at one time and have all the results presented on a single page. The Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF) is a member of the Earth Science Information Partnership and is located at the University of Maryland. GLCF is a cooperative undertaking between the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computing Studies (UMIACS) and the University's Department of Geography with significant assistance provided by IBM and the National Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure (NPACI). http://free.vgt.vito.be/ This site gives you free access to almost the entire SPOT VEGETATION ten daily synthesis archive. Free products are : extracts from ten day global syntheses. available 3 months after insertion in the VEGETATION archive. in full resolution (1km). in plate carrée projection. available on 10 predefined regions of interest. in the standard VEGETATION product format. only delivered from this site via http. To enter the site, click on the login link. Flemish Institute for Technology Research http://www.vito.be/english/environment/remotesensing.htm http://www.vgt.vito.be/ http://www.commongis.de/ http://www.commongis.com/html/download.html (free download) CommonGIS unlocks the treasure by making available an easy-to-use tool for accessing and visualizing such data. It provides Java-based web-enabled services for interactive, explorative generation and analysis of thematic maps. CommonGIS provides all commonly known visuals such as choropleth maps, pie charts, bar charts etc. It offers innovative methods for time-series analysis, comparative analysis with flexible distance and similarity measures, and more. It also includes several visual and computational decision support tools that can be utilized by the individual and groups for selection, prioritization, and integration of decision options. It is possible to define cost and benefit criteria, define their relative priorities by moving sliders or setting absolute values, compute a ranking of options by the ideal point method or according to aspiration levels, and it is made very easy to manually edit the automatically produced rankings and to define classes of solutions. Relevant visual methods have been implemented for parallel coordinate plots, utility bars, utility wheels, and dynamic queries for constraining allowed attribute values and solutions. http://www.gvm.jrc.it/glc2000 The new land-cover map of Africa derived from SPOT VEGETATION data for the year 2000 is now ready and available at the address above (in the section "Products"). Philippe Mayaux had the honour to coordinate this collective work done by many contributors: E. Bartholomé, M. Massart, C. Van Cutsem, A. Cabral, A., Nonguierma, O. Diallo, C. Pretorius, M. Thompson, M. Cherlet, J-F. Pekel, P. Defourny, M. Vasconcelos, A. Di Gregorio, S.Fritz, G. De Grandi, C. Elvidge, P.Vogt, A. Belward. The GLC2000 project is producing a global land-cover map for the year 2000 from satellite VEGETATION images. To get the data, you just have to register and then the access is free for non commercial use. You can find the land-cover map in ArcInfo Grid and Generic binary format, a short description and the explanatory notes, a quick-look and a poster ready for printing. If you find any error or inaccuracy, feel free to contact Philippe Mayaux with the exact location (Lat/Long) and the nature of the problem (wrong limit, wrong class name...). He will check those areas and improve the product. Philippe Mayaux, philippe.mayaux@jrc.it http://www.gvm.jrc.it/glc2000 La nouvelle carte d'occupation du sol du continent africain pour l'an 2000 dérivée d'images SPOT VEGETATION est maintenant terminée et disponible sous format digital à l'adresse (sous la section « Products ». Cette carte est une oeuvre collective dont Philippe Mayaux a eu le bonheur d'assurer la coordination. Parmi les principaux contributeurs, on peut citer E. Bartholomé, M. Massart, C. Van Cutsem, A. Cabral, A. Nonguierma, O. Diallo, C. Pretorius, M. Thompson, M. Cherlet, J-F. Pekel, P. Defourny, M. Vasconcelos, A. Di Gregorio, S.Fritz, G. De Grandi, C..Elvidge, P.Vogt, A. Belward. Le projet GLC 2000 a pour but la cartographie des terres émergées l'an 2000 à partir d'images satellitales VEGETATION. Pour obtenir les données, vous devez vous enregistrer selon les procédures classiques et ensuite l'accès est libre. Vous trouverez la carte d'occupation du sol en format ArcInfo Grid et binaire, une description sommaire et un fichier contenant toutes les explications, un quick-look et un fichier poster prêt à l'impression. Si vous y trouvez des erreurs ou imprécisions, n'hésitez pas à le signaler a Philippe Mayaux en indiquant bien la position (Lat/Long) et la nature du problème. Il veillera à vérifier ces zones et à améliorer le produit. D'avance, il vous remercie de l'attention que vous porterez à leur travaux. Philippe Mayaux, philippe.mayaux@jrc.it http://www.eohandbook.com/ The Earth Observation Handbook provides a valuable reference tool for researchers, national and international policymakers, and those just interested in learning more about the systems, tools and applications of this space technology. Prepared by ESA on behalf of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the handbook explains the vital role played by Earth observation satellite programmes in providing the information needed to make the decisions, define the policies, and implement the strategies for a sustainable future, one resistant to man-made climate change, population growth and increasing development. Hardcopies of the EO Handbook or further information can be obtained from: Josef Aschbacher, EOP-C, josef.aschbacher@esa.int, tel. +33 1 5369 7707. http://edcdaac.usgs.gov/gtopo30/hydro/africa.html The African HYDRO1k can be downloaded in its entirety or individual layers can be downloaded by selecting the individual data layers (Elevantion, Compound Toporgraphic Index, Slope, Aspect, Flow Direction. Flow Accumulation, Basins, Streams http://www.sbg.ac.at/geo/idrisi/remote_sensing_tutorial/rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/f ront/overview.html The Remote Sensing Tutorial - a tutorial for learning the role of space science and technology in monitoring Earth's surface and atmosphere, sponsored by the Applied Information Science Branch (Code 935) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The primary purpose of the Tutorial is to inform remote-sensing professionals and the general public about the principles and achievements of remote sensing, with emphasis on demonstrated applications. -------------------------------------------------------------------- GEOSPATIAL RESEARCH / APPLICATIONS / REFERNECE MATERIAL -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.teamgeomedia.com/orl/proposal/201619.pdf Using Terrain Information in an Electrification Planning Tool A. Luchmaya B. Dwolatzky A.S.Meyer, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand This paper discusses the inclusion of geographical information in the planning process thereby producing more realistic designs and cost estimates of electrification projects. The existing planning tool is incorporated onto a fully geographical platform, using commercial GIS software, and the implications of routing across geographical features such as farms, rivers, roads and steep terrain are considered. This GIS tool provides the planner with a means to compare costs of alternative routes produced as a result of terrain consideration and hence enables optimisation. http://www.gsdi.org/SDIA/Ghana_land_admin_PhD_abstract.doc The application of GIS in Ghana's land sector agencies: the case of the Accra Lands Commission Secretariat, PhD abstract, Isaac Karikari, School of Geography, University of Leeds (Final year PhD student). The research examines some key characteristics of Ghana's lands sector, explains why geographic information systems are needed and suggests how they might be introduced into the agency mainly responsible for the management of public lands. This research reports on the development of a prototype software system called 'LANDADMIN' which has been developed to support routine land administration processes in the LCS. http://www.teamgeomedia.com/orl/researchprofile.asp?id=39 http://www.teamgeomedia.com/orl/rrldetails.asp?track=IMGS705.5475|401186 The following research is being conducted by the Environmental Resource Trust, Buea, South West Province, Cameroon. The Environmental Resource Trust is a participant in Intergraph's Registered Research Laboratory Program - thus part of Team GeoMedia (http://www.teamgeomedia.com/rrl/) Application of remote sensing data for updating the Buea municipal master plan for the development of new roads infrastructure and implementation of a fiscal cadastre system. This project consists of the application of high resolution satellite images (Ikonos) for updating the present land use map for Buea municipality in order to enable the creation of access roads and fiscal cadastre for the improvement of the municipality revenue and to help the Ministry of Town Planning to define the proposed boundaries of the urban area by interpreting the rate of urban expansion based on multi-temporal images analysis. Since the production of maps in 1960, there have been no map reviews for this municipality. This project will enable the mapping of existing roads network, the identification and classification of house types according to category, landuse classes and proposed changes for suitable landuse types. The creation of new roads will be based on the interlinking of the existing ones using an overlay of the buildings and the road network layers. This will enable to identify where a new road is required for a built-up area.The Municipality will be able to generate income from commercial structures, which can be displayed as an individual layer.All land cover types will be mapped by digitizing the points, lines and polygons enclosed. Summary of Research Conclusions: All the existing roads will be digitized and stored as an individual thematic layer. The creation of new roads will be based on the inter-linking of the existing ones using an overlay of the buildings and the road network layers. http://www.gisdevelopment.net/news/print.asp?id=GIS:N_qvneojhx&cat=Industry %20Application&subc=E-Governance *Satellite mapping fights corruption* Computer-based maps of Bangladesh are being used to fight against sleaze in a country branded as one of the most corrupt in the world. http://www.vub.ac.be/APNA/staff/FDG/pub/RS&GIS.pdf The use of GIS in tropical coastal ecosystems, by Farid Dahdouh-Guebase [Environment, Development and Sustainability 4: 93-112, 2002]. Remote sensing and GIS are excellent tools to use in such studies. This paper reviews the state of the art and application of these tools in tropical coastal zones, and illustrates their relevance in sustainable development. It highlights a selected number of remote sensing case-studies on land cover patterns, population structure and dynamics, and stand characteristics from South-East Asia, Africa and South-America, with a particular emphasis on mangroves. It further shows how remote sensing technology and other scientific tools can be integrated in long-termstudies, both retrospective and predictive, in order to anticipate degradation and to take mitigating measures at an early stage. The paper also highlights the guidelines for sustainable management that can result from remote sensing and GIS studies, and identifies existent gaps and research priorities. -------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES / AWARDS / SUPPORT -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.waterforfood.org/ConceptNotes.htm Under the Challenge Program on Water and Food, there is provision for funding projects through successive cycles of competitive grants. Any research organization from a developed or developing country may lead or collaborate in a project proposal. First cycle of competitive grant funding Call for concept notes/pre-proposals. Deadline for the submission of proposals is 14 April 2003. Appel à projets pour la création et le développement de pôles d'excellence. Date limite: 10 avril 2003 Dossier de présentation http://www.refer.sn/IMG/pdf/doc-212.pdf http://www.refer.sn/IMG/doc/doc-211.doc Dossier de soumission http://www.refer.sn/IMG/pdf/doc-214.pdf http://www.refer.sn/IMG/doc/doc-213.doc Cette nouvelle action du programme "Renforcement institutionnel et scientifique des universités", s'adresse aux établissements d'enseignement supérieur et de recherche du Sud, membres de l'Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). Elle permet d'encourager la création et le développement au Sud, de pôles universitaires régionaux d'excellence, à la faveur d'un soutien apporté à des projets régionaux de formation et/ou de recherche. Le développement de pôles d'excellence régionaux a été retenu comme l'une des priorités du Plan d'action pour l'Afrique (AUF-CRUFAOCI). http://www.cicred.org/ Comité international de coopération dans les recherches nationales en démographie. Date limite: 31 mars 2003 Le Ministère des affaires étrangères français lance une action internationale - tous pays de la Zone de Solidarité Prioritaire -, dont le responsable est le CICRED (Comité international de coopération dans les recherches nationales en démographie), sur les interactions entre les dynamiques démographiques, les processus de développement les changements de l'environnement (PRIPODE). Les propositions de recherche devront répondre spécifiquement à chacune des trois priorités interdépendantes : utilité pour la formulation de politiques, qualité de la recherche et contribution au renforcement de capacités. Pour toute information complémentaire et accès au formulaire d'inscription, consulter le site de CICRED ou envoyer un courriel à l'adresse suivante : cicred@cicred.org http://www.iicd.org/base/show_news?id=2054 GenARDIS Small Grants Fund, Deadline for Application: April 15, 2003 Small Grants Fund: GenARDIS (Gender, Agriculture and Rural Development in the Information Society) The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA) and the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) are pleased to announce GenARDIS, a Small Grants Fund for innovative, gender-sensitive activities that will contribute to the understanding and application of ICTs for agricultural and rural development in ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries. Rural women in ACP countries can use ICTs to improve their livelihoods and the well-being of their families and communities. The Small Grants Fund provides an opportunity for organizations in ACP countries to strengthen their gender-related work on ICTs in agricultural and rural development. The widely used acronym "ICTs" encompasses a multitude of equipment and services, ranging from satellite communication systems, telephone booths in rural areas, digital radio programmes, the Internet and electronic databases, to e-commerce services via the web. Thi s is a competitive call for applications for non-renewable grants of up to EUR 5,000. Contact GenARDIS, GenARDIS@cta.int http://www.unesco.org/science/unesco_intern_sc_prizes.htm UNESCO is now accepting applications for several of its International Science Prizes until May 15, 2003, including: the Javed Husain Prize for Young Scientists, the Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science, and the UNESCO Science Prize. http://www.unesco.org/science/ips/science_prizes/javed_husain_sc_prize.html http://www.unesco.org/science/ips/science_prizes/kalinga_science_prize.html http://www.unesco.org/science/ips/science_prizes/unesco_science_prize.html http://www.isprs.org/specials/funds.html http://www.isprs.org/documents/orangebook/appc2.html Applications are invited for support from the ISPRS Special Initiatives fund. Money is available for initiating: - new projects, - special publications, - distance learning initiatives - other innovative activities. Proposals should be sent to ISPRS Treasurer Ammatzia Peled, peled@geo1.haifa.ac.il by 31st March, 2003. http://www.zil.ethz.ch/RFPP/rfppa The Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) has established a Research Fellow Partnership Program to strengthen human resource de-velopment in agriculture, whilst promoting the devel-opment of a North-South research partnership between Swiss, international and developing country research organizations. The goals shall be achieved by provid-ing post-graduate research training to scientists from Switzerland and from developing countries. RFPP: next deadline for submission: March 31, 2003 http://www.sspi.org/html/scholarship.html 2003-2004 SSPI Scholarship Program assists deserving high school and university graduates with meeting the high costs of undergraduate and post-graduate study in satellite-related disciplines. The SSPI scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000 and go to applicants from locations around the world. Applicants must be current high school seniors, college or university undergraduate students or graduate students who are studying or intend to study satellite-related technologies, policies or applications. Successful scholarship applications have been received from students pursuing studies in these areas related to telecommunications, remote sensing, imaging, space law, business, distance learning, meteorology, energy, navigation, business, government, and broadcasting. Applications for scholarships for the 2003-2004 academic year are now being accepted. The deadline for scholarship applications is May 15, 2003. Before applying, all applicants must complete a Scholarship Qualification Form that will help determine whether your interests and career plans are a good fit for the program. This will ensure that you have a reasonable chance of winning before you spend the time and money to apply. http://www.sspi.org/html/scholarship/scholarship_quals_form.html -------------------------------------------------------------------- TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.crts.gov.ma/ http://www.crts.gov.ma/nouveau_programme1.htm Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale [Royal Center For Remote Sensing]. Crée par décret en décembre 1989, le CRTS a été mandaté pour promouvoir l’exploitation et le développement des applications de la télédétection au Maroc. Nouveau programme de formation (janvier a juin 2003). Pour tous renseignements contacter le Centre de Formation du CRTS à Hay Ryad, email : layachi@crts.gov.ma Tél : (037) 77 63 06 - 71 54 48 - 71 54 98; Fax : (037) 71 14 35 http://www.etsher.org/cefoc/condcefoc1.htm#SIG70 http://www.etsher.org/cefoc/FormulaireInscription.rtf Intégration SIG et Télédétection pour la gestion des terroirs et des ressources naturelles, du 7 au 23 avril 03. L'École Inter-États des Techniciens Supérieurs de l'Hydraulique et de l'Équipement Rural (ETSHER). L'ETSHER, un enracinement de terrain, des savoir-faire techniques au service des hommes et de l'environnement, un outil de l'intégration africaine. Centre de Formation Continue commun: le CEFOC. Le CEFOC est une unité de gestion décentralisée sous tutelle de l'ETSHER. 01 BP 594 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso Tel. 31.92.18/25/03/04; Fax (226) 31.92.26 Email : cefoc@ etsher.org http://www.esri.com/industries/internationaldev/grants/grant_training.html Building and Publishing a National Basemap Training As a component of the capacity building program for the Global Map/GSDI training program, a three-week, hands-on course - Building and Publishing a National Basemap, has been designed and developed. The training program is being offered in Redlands, California. Tuition is normally $7,000 (U.S.) per student (less $5,000 [U.S.] training credit). Therefore, students are requested to pay $2,000 (U.S.). Students are responsible for their travel, meals, and housing costs. The training is currently scheduled for July 14 - August 1, 2003, and September 8-26, 2003. http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/GlobalNetworks/Africa/Afrotrainingcourse.20 03f.pdf http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/GlobalNetworks/Africa/WFTCA.htm International GFMC / ISDR Training Course Integrated Fire Management for Fire Managers in Sub-Sahara Africa (12-30 May 2003), Nelspruit, South Africa. Wildland Fire Training Center Africa (WFTCA) was founded as a joint venture project between the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) and local capacities in the Republic of South Africa in September 2002. The WFTCA is a unique facility on the African continent for capacity building, training and education of a wide range of people, from a basic firefighter to national and international policy makers. A major aspect of the Center is its interactive knowledge- and technology-transfer within Africa and on an international scale. Contact: Chris Austin, Wildland Fire Training Center Africa, c.austin@netgroup.co.za -------------------------------------------------------------------- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Geospatial Data Systems Specialist Delta Systematics Ltd, http://www.deltasystematics.com Port Harcourt, Nigeria Position announced March 20, 2003 Delta Systematics Ltd is seeking a key technical candidate for the design and implementation of Oracle based GIS projects in a wide range of data types. These data will be incorporated into a Master Planning survey covering twenty-three sectors in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The individual will be engaged for the following job duties: 1. Serve as the geodatabase administrator for a large GIS-based Master Plan survey. 2. Design innovative custom data management tools. 3. Participate in the definition and implementation of policies and procedures relating to database administration. 4. Develop and deploy computing operations and maintenance plan to administer post master plan survey computing infrastructure. 5. Training and technology transfer functions in support of master plan stakeholders. 6. Coordinate Internet mapping initiatives and administer the corporate website. Specific GIS experience should include: 1. GIS project design and development, including preparation of supporting documentation. 2. Data modeling and database design using Oracle, MS Access. 3. Design and coding of Internet-based GIS applications. 4. Develop and design analytical programs utilizing GIS. 5. Metadata documentation. 6. Customization and implementation of ARCGIS bundle (ARCINFO, ARCSDE, ArcIMS,). 7. Knowledge of Integration of Image processing products from ERDAS Imagine with ARCINFO software would be an advantage. 8. Web application experience. Individual should have a Masters’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, geography, planning or related field, and at least 1-2 years of experience is required. Individuals with a Bachelor degree should only apply if there work experience is equivalent to a Master’s degree. Strong technical, interpersonal, and communication skills (verbal and written) are required Benefits: Paid transportation in and out of the country; Two weeks leave; Free accommodation, food and other logistical necessities. Salary: Negotiable Requirements: a. Valid passport (at least 6 months to expiration) b. Nigerian Business Visa (Employer will process) c. One recent passport photograph Send your cover letter in writing with Curriculum Vitae/Resume to prosh2yk@yahoo.com or mmiller@earthsat.com. http://www.ub.bw/jobs/fsc-es-1-2003-28032003.htm Senior Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana. VAacancy No.: FSC/ES 1/2003 Closing Date: 28th March 2003 The successful candidate should be able to (i) teach, initiate and carry out research in biogeography, rangeland ecology and management and/or wildlife management; (ii) offer courses in Ecological Modelling and Biostatistics, possession of skills in remote Sensing, GIS or any ecological computer applications will be an added advantage; and (iii) supervise research students and mentor junior staff. http://www.uwpweb.co.za/careers.asp Geographer (REF. NO.: 0001BD). Positions in both the Centurion and Bryanston office for a Geographer with B Sc (Hon) with at least 5 years experience in Database design and manipulation, Geographic information systems and Mapping. Must have worked in/for a Local Government environment. Send detailed CVs to Sandra Munnik at sandra.m@uwp.co.za, UWP Consulting, South Africa, Tel. 012 664 9242, Fax. 012 664 7870, Cell: 082 822 8211 https://jobs.un.org/release1/vacancy/display_vac.asp?lang=1200&vacid={EEC89 2C1-0AF0-4DDE-9A55-8BC1BAF50E2D} Scientific Affairs Officer, P-3, Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa. Deadline for applications: 29 April 2003 Vacancy Announcement No.: 03-SCI-ECA-800238-R-ADDIS ABABA (G) Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Sustainable Development Division (SDD), the incumbent contributes to the promotion of science and technology management in the 53 African member States; particularly in the areas of food security, health, natural resources, and the environment; provides advisory services on issues relating to the uses of science and technology for sustainable development; ensures constructive interaction with ECA's other Divisions, UN bodies, specialized agencies, NGOs and intergovernmental organizations; develops, implements, monitors and evaluates programmes/projects; provides well-reasoned written contributions including background papers, analyses, reports and studies, and inputs to publications; develops and maintains effective working relationships; advocates for ECA policies; and carries out other assignments as required. See website for further details. ECA Campaign Staffing Support Section Operational Services Division Office of Human Resources Management United Nations, New York, United States of America, Fax: 1-212-963 9560, 1-212-963 3134, E-mail: ecacampaign@un.org, -------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.iaia.org/Publications/sea-sa.pdf CSIR (2000), Strategic Environmental Assessment in South Africa, Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism http://www.iaia.org/Publications/SIA%20Guide.PDF Guidelines and Principles For Social Impact Assessment Southern African Experts Database Southern African Research and Documentation (SARDC) in conjunction with partners in SADC countries is building a comprehensive, reliable and easily accessible database of regional experts. The project covers all areas of specialization including agriculture, banking and finance, culture, education, energy, engineering, environment and natural resources, gender, governance and democracy. If you wish to have your profile included in the database please complete contact Chipo Muvezwa at the address below. Chipo Muvezwa (Mrs), Senior Documentalist Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) PO Box 5690, Harare, Zimbabwe, Tel. 263-4-791296/ 791187; Email: cmuvezwa@sardc.net -------------------------------------------------------------------- CONFERENCES - YOU'RE INVITED! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Deadline for submissions for AfricaGIS '03 has been extended! (AfricaGIS will be held November 4-8, 2003 in Dakar) http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/First_announcement_def.pdf Anyone interested in making a presentation in the form of a paper, poster, workshop, or demonstration should send an abstract or synopsis (no more than three paragraphs of 50-100 words) in electronic format to the Program Committee by 31 May. Les parties intéressées par une présentation sous l’une des formes suivantes : document imprimé, poster, atelier ou démonstration , sont invitées à en envoyer un résumé ou un condensé (pas plus de 3 paragraphes de 50 à 100 mots) en version électronique au Comité chargé du Programme de la Conférence, vers le 31 Mai. March 17 - April 25, 2003 E-discussion http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/workshop/degradedlands/index.html Rehabilitation of degraded lands in Sub-Saharan Africa VITRI (Univ. of Helsinki), IUFRO-SPDC and ETFRN (see June 2-7, 2003 for workshop) March 24-28, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya Human Dimension of Coastal and Marine Environment: The role of social scientists in the management of coastal and marine environment, organized by the IUCN-Eastern African Regional Office (EARO) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA). The main purpose of the Workshop is to bring social and natural scientists together with the intention of identifying and exploring effective and achievable actions to: get social scientists interested in coastal and marine issues and initiating capacity building activities for upcoming social scientists as well as developing trans-/multi-disciplinary proposals on coastal issues. The group of participants to the workshop will be extended to managers, experts and representatives of regional and international organizations, former coordinators and anyone with experience in research and/or fieldwork in social sciences. For further information, please contact: Dr. Julius Francis, WIOMSA, Tel: Fax: Email: julius@wiomsa.org March 24-28, 2003, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy http://ugamp.nerc.ac.uk/promise/research/conference2003/index.html Monsoon environments: Agricultural and hydrological impacts of seasonal variability and climate change. Currently sponsored by EU PROMISE, ICTP, WRCP and START/CLIMAG PROMISE comes to an end in March 2003. An international conference is planned to disseminate the results of the project. PROMISE research is inter-disciplinary and applicable to end-users and policy-makers. The aim is to include presentations from development agency representatives and end-users as well as from leading resesarchers in meteorology, hydrology and agriculture. March 27-29, 2003, Niamey, Niger http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/Africa/DRAFT%20AGENDA.doc Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Regional Workshop for Western and Central Africa. Permanent Representatives and Climate Change Coordinators will be participating. March 28, 2003 - GDIN Call for papers - abstracts will now be received up until March 28, 2003. see below for details about GDIN conference, November 4-7, 2003, http://www.gdin.org March 31, 2003 - Last day to submit abstracts for 30th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, November 10-14, 2003, Honolulu, Hawaii http://isrse.pdc.org/Call4Papers.html (see http://isrse.pdc.org/) March 31 - April 2, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meeting.asp?wg=CHMAFR-01 Africa regional meeting on the Clearing-House Mechanism http://www.biodiv.org/chm/default.aspx April 7-9, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.kengen.co.ke/geothermalcon/geothermal_conference.htm 2ND KENGEN Geothermal Conference on "Sustainability of Geothermal Energy and Strategies for its Development in the East African Rift" UNEP Headquarters, Gigiri April 9 to 11, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.bcse.org/bcse-eagmac.html Eastern Africa Geothermal Market Acceleration Conference April 10, 2003, Herakleion, Greece http://www.ec-gis.org/ginie GINIE Workshop on Geographic Information in the Mediterranean Region. [Note from Kate: representatives from North Africa will be participating] April 13-16, 2003, Kwa Maritane, Pilanesberg, South Africa http://www.acacia.org.za/programme.htm http://www.acacia.org.za/frames_events-outlineProg.htm Acacia Conference: Networking Africa's Future -- Lessons of Empowerment from Communities. This conference is for decision-makers concerned with information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Africa’s development. The event marks the launch of the new Connectivity Africa programme sponsored by Canada. Overall, proceedings deal with what has been learnt during five years of research in Africa in Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda. Participants will reflect on Acacia’s major research publications - to be launched at the conference - covering the effects of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development. Five plenary theme sessions will interrogate ICTs and poverty, education, access, policy and innovation. After debate, the conference will propose an agenda for continuing research and development. April 13-17, 2003, Paris / Marne-la-Vallée, France http://www.figww2003.com The 125th Anniversary of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) FRAME regretably has needed to postpose the FRAME Contact Group Meeting (April 28 and May 2, 2003, Jinja, Uganda). FRAME hopes to be able to reschedule the Contact Group meeting later in the year (perhaps November?) and would like to keep the venue in Jinja.  April 28-May 2, 2003, Jinja, Uganda (postponed) The next meeting of the FRAME Contact Group to be held April 28 - May 2, 2003 in Jinja, Uganda. Please notify FRAME of your interest in attending as soon as possible by contacting both the FRAME Senior Policy Advisor, Laurel Neme (e-mail: LaurelNeme@aol.com ) and Boubacar Thiam (email: bthiam.tdy@irgltd.com). FRAME is an activity that facilitates the use of up-to-date information by environment and natural resource management professionals in Africa and encompasses:  a web gateway to analytical tools and information, mechanisms to share lessons and experiences, a Contact Group and networks of experts, and linkages to enhance collaboration among partners.  Funding for FRAME is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Africa Office of Sustainable Development. For more information about FRAME, visit http://www.frameweb.org/ April 30, 2003 http://www.gisig.it/coastgis/call_for_papers/callforpaper_def.pdf Call for papers: Submission of abstracts due by beginning of April 30, 2003. Submission of papers due by August 31, 2003. Fifth International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management, October 16-18, 2003, Genova, Italy http://www.gisig.it/coastgis/home.htm May 6-9, 2003, Kampala, Uganda (postponed) The FRAME Contact Group meeting (see notice above, April 28-May 2) will be followed by a Training Workshop on economy/environment modeling for sustainable development. This four-day event will be held in Kampala from May 6 through May 9, 2003. The purpose of this Workshop is to introduce African mid-level natural resource management professionals to systems dynamics modeling as a tool to support the preparation of strategy, policy and investment decisions. This event will focus on Anglophone African countries, and an equivalent workshop for Francophone countries will be held in July, 2003 in a West African Francophone country which is yet to be determined. For more information on these Workshops, contact Juan Seve at jseve@irgltd.com May 12-16, 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia http://www.uneca.org/codi/codi_iii_information_note.htm http://www.uneca.org/codi/codi_iii_information_note_FR.htm (francais) The 3rd Meeting for the Committee on Development Information Theme: Information for Governance United Nations Conference Center (UNCC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia http://www.uneca.org/codi May 18-23, 2003, Montreal, Canada http://network.idrc.ca/ev.php?URL_ID=3964&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC International Forum on Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health The goal of the Forum is to provide a platform for a discussion of the ecosystem approach to human health, the evidence from the field, and the relevance of the approach to improving health and well-being. The Forum offers the opportunity for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society representatives from around the world to share knowledge, and for institutions to consider strategies for a way forward. May 19-23, 2003, Bonn, Germany http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/shared/template/livelihoodconference.asp International Conference on Rural Livelihoods, Forests and Biodiversity. An international conference on the role of forests in supporting rural livelihoods in developing countries and on the maintenance of biodiversity. Key objectives are to survey current knowledge and identify policy lessons and a future research strategy. May 20, 2003, Brussels, Belgium Measuring the Impact of Povert Maps on Poverty Reduction Specifically the workshop will: Present case studies on where and how poverty maps have been used to analyse poverty-environment linkages, and how effectiveness they have been in targeting development projects at the most needy areas; Present ways of improving the availability and quality of poverty-environment information to decision makers in development agencies and in developing countries; Discuss way of integrating such information into processes such as Poverty Reduction Strategies. For further information, or to make a presentation, please contact: Anna Ballance, UNEP/GRID-Arendal Tel: +47 3703 5758, Fax: +47 3703 5050 E-mail: ballance@grida.no http://www.povertymap.net May 22-23, 2003, GFAR Conference in Dakar, Senegal http://www.egfar.org/tools/special2002/specialcontents.htm#2003 Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Senegalese National Organising Committee to hold the 2003 GFAR Conference on May 22 & 23, 2003. The GFAR Conference follows closely behind the 2nd FARA General Assembly which will now take place on May 19 & 20th, 2003 in Dakar, Senegal. In between the FARA and GFAR meetings, there will be an Agricultural Day scheduled for May 21st, 2003, during which the host, the Senegalese NARS, will show us some of the work they have been doing. GFAR Secretariat, gfar-secretariat@fao.org May 22-23, 2003. Berlin, Germany http://tlc.unipv.it/urban_2003/index.html 2nd Joint Workshop on Remote Sensing and Data Fusion over Urban Areas (URBAN 2003) May 27-30 2003, Semmering, Austria http://isess.crle.uoguelph.ca/2003.html International Symposium on Environmental Information Systems (ISESS 2003) is the 8th event in the conference series organised by IFIP (International Federation for Information Processing) Working Group 5.11, "Computers and Environment". The purpose of the symposium is to present and discuss the progress and actual trends in Enviromatics in terms of methods, tools and state-of-the-art applications. June 2-7, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/workshop/degradedlands/index.html VITRI (Univ. of Helsinki), IUFRO-SPDC and ETFRN In view of the overlapping objectives of both the GFIS Africa synthesis initiative on rehabilitation of degraded lands in sub-Saharan Africa, and the workshop on Trees, Agroforestry and Climate Change in Dryland Africa (TACCDA), efforts are being combined for these two initiatives to be conducted together for a greater impact in the sub-region. VITRI, IUFRO-SPDC and ETFRN Coordinating Unit will integrate these activities, pooling resources to organize an E-discussion (17 March - 25 April) and a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya 2 - 7 June, 2003. ICRAF and KEFRI have kindly agreed to co-host the workshop in Kenya. The final TACCDA workshop is planned as a side event to the Tropical Savanna Conference, 15 - 20 September 2003 in Edinburgh, hosted by IIED, the main organiser [http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/bblza/sav2003/]. ETFRN will be providing the web and E- discussion platform for TACCDA and the GFIS-Africa project of IUFRO-SPDC. See for more information also the letter to participants from Atse Yapi, IUFRO-SPDC Deputy Coordinator for Africa & FORNESSA Secretary: http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/workshop/degradedlands/documents/letterintroduct ion.doc (English) http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/workshop/degradedlands/documents/letterintroduct ionfr.doc (French) The IUFRO-SPDC commissioned three background papers for the purpose of the e-discussion. These background papers can be downloaded from this website: http://www.etfrn.org/etfrn/workshop/degradedlands/documents.html June 5-6, 2003, Pretoria, South Africa Expert Meeting for Southern African Countries SAC/CSIR is hosting an Expert Meeting on "Low to Medium Resolution Satellite Sensors and Disaster Monitoring" on the 5th and 6th of June in Pretoria, South Africa. It will be a closed meeting bringing together representatives from 25 institutions that are developing or are interested in developing projects in the area of space technology and disaster management. If your institution is interested in participating please get in touch with Helena Bosman hfbosman@csir.co.za or David Stevens david.stevens@unvienna.org. July 9-11, 2003, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA http://www.spatial.maine.edu/~ssdbm03/ SSDBM2003, 15th International Conference on Scientific and Statistical Database Management June 14-20, 2003, Marrakech, Morocoo http://www.iaia.org/ IAIA '03 Conference: Impact Assessment and Capacity Building June 15-17, 2003, Antananarivo, Madagascar http://www.scgis.org Asa Soa Ara Jeografika Madagascar (MSCAR) Organizer: MSCAR; Theme: Environment Conservation/GIS June 23-25, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.atpsnet.org Progress Workshop on "Strengthening ICT Policy in Africa: Governance, Equity & Institutional Issues July 7-11, 2003, San Diego, CA, USA http://www.esri.com/events/uc/index.html ESRI International User Conference 2003 July 12-14, 2003, Okinawa, Japan http://www.iscgm.org/html4/index_c1_s1.html#doc2_org.iscgm.schedule.gmf03 Global Mapping Forum 2003 in Okinawa (GMF03), sponsored by the International Steering Committee for Global Mapping. The objective of the Forum is to exchange ideas, experiences and information among data users and data providers concerning global or regional scale geographic information. July 13-17, 2003, Darwin, Australia http://www.iale.ntu.edu.au International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE) World Congress. A special session on Africa is being planned for 2003. The proposed theme for this session is, "The Changing Landscapes Of Africa". The session is also intended to be a starting point for an Africa-Chapter of IALE. All those with interest in landscape analysis, resource data and projects in Africa are encouraged to be part of this process. If you are interested in the special session and Africa-IALE, contact: Henry N.N. Bulley, CALMIT, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Tel: 402-472-4973; Email: hbulley@calmit.unl.edu July 20-24, 2003, Maputo, Mozambique http://www.pitt.edu/~icpm/icpm.html The Fourth International Conference on Public Management, Policy, and Development (The President of Mozambique is a confirmed speaker at the conference) http://www.pitt.edu/~icpm/pressreleasefrench.html (francais) Conférence Internationale sur la Gestion Publique, les Politiques et le Développement. The Mozambique conference is sponsored by the International Consortium on Public Management, Policy and Development. Its mission is to strengthen and promote public sector involvement in sustainable community development. This mission is achieved via a forum to facilitate institutional linkages, research, dialogue, and cooperative activities among professionals in government, academia, business, and nonprofit groups. http://www.pitt.edu/~icpm/tracks.html Track 4: Natural Resources and Food Security Reviewing policy innovations in forests and water management, policy and effect of international trade in achieving food security. Track 5: Infrastructure and Public/Private Partnerships Integrating physical and social infrastructure needs and priorities, leveraging resources, investing, privatization, and joint ventures. Track 6: Technology and Development Utilizing science and computers, evolving skills and training person to achieve societal sustainable development. Registration/payment due by May 16, 2003. July 20-22, 2003, Portland, Oregon, USA http://www.urisa.org/PPGIS/ppgis.html 2nd Annual Public Participation GIS Conference (PPGIS) Portland State University July 20-25, 2003, Cambridge, U.K. (by invitation only) http://www.cambridgeconference2003.com/index.htm National Mapping - Shaping the future. A newsletter, giving more details about the conference, has been sent out to potential delegates. Ordnance Survey hosted the first two conferences (1995, 1999), which by design aims to get together the senior people in national mapping to discuss, in a relatively informal setting, the challenges facing national mapping around the world. In recent years, the conference has also, not surprisingly, focused on SDI's, training, public private relationships etc. for senior representatives of national mapping organisations of the world. Each time, about 200 delegates from 70 to 80 countries were represented at the conference July 21 - August 1, 2003, Durban, South Africa http://www.ru.ac.za/institutes/rgi/irc2003/IRC2003.htm International Rangeland Congress August 4 - 11, 2003, Bloemfontein, South Africa Water Conservation Technologies for Sustainable Dryland Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa (WCT). This event is organized jointly by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Water Research Commission of South Africa (WRC), South Africa's National Department of Agriculture (NDA) and the ARC-Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ISCW). This event was initiated by ISCW and the Optimizing Soil Water Use (OSWU) Consortium which is part of the Systemwide Soil, Water and Nutrient Management (SWNM) Programme of CGIAR. August 8-10, 2003 IC WG II/IV, Durban, South Africa http://geo.haifa.ac.il/~icaupdt/meetings/durban/durban.htm 4th Joint ICA/ISPRS/EuroGeographics Workshop on "Incremental Updating and Versioning of Spatial Data Bases" Dr. Ammatzia Peled(Co-chair IC WG II/IV): peled@geo.haifa.ac.il CC: rjb@rjb-3d.com. Antony Cooper(Co-chair ICA WG on IU&V): accoper@csir.co.za August 10-16, 2003, Durban, South Africa http://www.icc2003.gov.za/ 21st International Cartographic Conference & 12th General Assembly of the International Cartographic Association ICA and the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association will offer spatial data infrastructure workshops in conjunction with the International Cartographic Conference August 12-16, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.jkuat.ac.ke/other/ce2003/default.htm International Civil Engineering Conference on Sustainable Development in the 21st Century. Organized by: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) August 13-20, 2003. Berlin, Germany http://www.isi-2003.de International Statistical Institute, 54th Biennial Session (includes meetings of the Bernoulli Society, the International Association for Statistical Computing, the International Association of Survey Statisticians, the International Association for Official Statistics and the International Association for Statistical Education). Email: isi@cbs.nl August 17-22, 2003, Kruger National Park, South Africa http://safnet.umd.edu/implementation/events/meetings/index.asp Fourth Meeting of Southern Africa Fire Network (SAFNet) Contact: Diane Davies, ddavies@hermes.geog.umd.edu August 25-29, 2003, Abuja, Nigeria http://www.aitecafrica.com/act2002/default.htm The Fifth Annual African Computing & Telecommunications Summit, Mobilising ICT Applications & Projects for effective Corporate, National and Regional Development September 8-17, 2003, Durban, South Africa http://wcpa.iucn.org/wpc/wpc.html Vth World Congress on Protected Areas September 14-20, 2003, Edinburgh, Scotland http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/bblza/sav2003/ International Conference on Tropical Savannas and Seasonally Dry Forests: Ecology, Environment and Development. The aim of this meeting is to bring together leading researchers in savanna and dry forest formations throughout the tropics. The conference will focus on five principal themes: Plant Biodiversity; Animal Biodiversity; Palaeo-ecology and Environmental Change; Environment and Environmental Processes; and Human Ecology and Development. The conference is linked to the June workshop in Nairobi (June 2-7) and the E-discussion (March 17 - April 25) September 17-19, 2003, Quebec, Canada http://www.gfis.net/showannoun.php?id=24 Information Interoperability and Organization for National and Global Forest Information Systems. The goal of the conference is to bring together international scientists, practitioners, administrators, and information professionals to discuss and announce recent research and advances in the use and organization of information within national and global forest information systems. September 21 - 25, 2003, Brno, Czech Republic http://digitalearh03.geogr.muni.cz 3rd Symposium on Digital Earth September 29 - October 3, 2003, Weimar, Germany: http://www.eumetsat.de/en/area2/conf_work/Weimar/1Ann_Draftrev-2.pdf The 2003 Eumetsat Meteorological Satellite Conference September 29-October 3, 2003, Moscow, Russia http://wccc2003@mecom.ru World Climate Change Conference. Executive Secretariat (scientific issues): Yu.Izrael@g23.relcom.ru Oct 1-2, 2003, Paris, France http://www.esrifrance.fr/actu/SIG2003/accueil_sig2003.htm SIG 2003 de la Conférence Francophone ESRI PACI (Palais des Congrès d'Issy les Moulineaux) Email: sig2003@esrifrance.fr October 1-3, 2003, South Africa South Africa's ESRI User Conference 2003 Contact: GIMS, Patrick McKivergan, pmckivergan@gims.com, http://www.gims.com October 16-18, 2003: 2003. Montreal, Canada http://www.ihdp.uni-bonn.de/html/other/open%20_meeting_2003.htm http://www.ihdp.uni-bonn.de/word_docs/other/5thOpen%20Meeting.doc Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Community. Updated information will be posted at the 2001 open meeting web site: http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/openmeeting/ October 16-18, 2003, Genova, Italy http://www.gisig.it/coastgis/home.htm Fifth International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management. CoastGIS is a collaborative initiative of the International Geographical Union's Commission on Coastal Systems and the International Cartographic Association's Commission on Marine Cartography. October 19-31, 2003. Bonn, Germany 6th Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification. Contact: CCD Secretariat: Tel 49-228-815 2800; Fax 49-228-815 2898/99; secretariat@unccd.int; www.unccd.int November 4-8, 2003, Dakar, Senegal. http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/First_announcement_def.pdf AfricaGIS '03. Check EIS-AFRICA website for more details as they become available. http://www.eis-africa.org. The main theme for AfricaGIS '03 is 'Meeting the Information Needs for the NEPAD'. Le thème principal retenu pour GIS Afrique ’03 est 'vers une satisfaction des besoins informationnels du NEPAD' The deadline for submissions for AfricaGIS '03 has been extended until May 31, 2003. November 4-7, 2003, Washington, DC, USA http://gsdi.org/SDIA/gdinfinal.pdf http://www.gdin.org GDIN2003, Sixth Annual Conference of the Global Disaster Information Network. For questions on gdin2003, send an email to gdin2003@hotmail.com. For questions on GDIN, send an email to gdin@hotmail.com [the GDIN Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Government of South Africa has offered to host GDIN2004]. November 10-14, 2003, Honolulu, HI, USA http://isrse.pdc.org/ 30th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment December 1- 5, 2003. Morocco FIG Regional Conference for the Arab Countries and Francophone Africa. Organised by FIG, Ordre National des Ingenieurs Geometres - Topographes ONIGT. Co-sponsored by FIG Commissions 2, 3 and 5. Contact: FIG Office, email: fig@fig.net December 10-12, 2003, Geneva, Switzerland http://www.itu.int/wsis/ World Summit on the Information Society, First Phase. Feb 2-6, 2004, Bangalore, India http://www.gsdi.org 7th Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Conference June 2-7, 2004, Orleans, France http://www.gsdi.org/SDIA/1st_Circular-CAG20.doc http://cag20.brgm.fr 20th Colloquium of Africa Geology - First circular 20eme Colloque de Geologie Afrique - Cirulaire premiere Symposia topics include: Geodynamics of Africa; Earth Resources and Sustainable Development of Africa; Geohazards, Environmental management, Paleoclimatology and Human Evolution in Africa; and Geoscience Education in Africa. There will also be workshops: 1) The future role of African Geological and Mining Surveys, 2) Earth resources, sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Africa, 3) Geoscientific Maps of Africa including Tectonic map of Africa (CGMW), and 4) Initiative for integrated research projects in Africa (CNRS-INSU, Univ., IRD, IFREMER, BRGM, etc.). July 12-23, 2004, Istanbul, Turkey http://www.isprs2004-istanbul.com Geo-Imagery: Bridging Continents International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing oaltan@srv.ins.itu.edu.tr -------------------------------------------------------------------- The inspiration for this newsletter came from the Forest Information Update (www.foresters.org/portal), and follows the same format. Thank you Gyde! You are welcome to forward this message onto colleagues who may find the information useful. If you do so, please include the newsletter contact information at the bottom of this message so that others will know about the newsletter and subscribe themselves. If you have news or information related to GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data infrastructure (e.g., workshop announcements, publications, reports, websites of interest) kindly send me the materials so that I can include it in the newsletter. This newsletter depends upon your continued interest and input. This newsletter is supported through the Geographic Information for Sustainable Development Project GISD (http://www.opengis.org/gisd). -------------------------------------------------------------------- Kate Lance EROS Data Center/International Program Address: Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Secretariat USGS 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 590 Reston, VA 20192 Email: klance@usgs.gov Tel: 703-648-4564 Fax. 703-648-5755 Website: http://edcintl.cr.usgs.gov/ http://www.gsdi.org/