International Conference on Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Held in Bangalore
The seventh International Conference of the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure, GSDI-7, was held at Bangalore during February 2-6, 2004. GSDI-7 with the theme "Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for a sustainable future" was hosted jointly by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The Conference was inaugurated by Dr K Kasturirangan, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) on February 2, 2004. GSDI Conferences provide a forum to discuss a wide range of technical, scientific and policy-related issues associated with the use of Geographic Information technologies and the development of associated products and services. The earlier six conferences were held in Germany (1996), USA (1997), Australia (1998), South Africa (2000), Colombia (2001) and Hungary (2002). Spatial information is vital to take sound decisions at the local, regional, state and central level planning, implementation of action plans, infrastructure development, disaster management support, and business development. Natural Resources management, flood mitigation, environmental restoration, land use assessments and disaster recovery are a few examples where decision-makers effectively use spatial information. Satellite-based remote sensing data and the organisation of spatial databases around a Geographical Information System (GIS), combined with the Global Positioning System (GPS), have greatly benefited the spatial information systems. Using GIS technology, users are now able to process maps to provide a new perception.
GSDI-7 had four Plenaries and five Technical sessions that focused on spatial data infrastructure for a sustainable future. The conference deliberated on the policies, technologies, and applications for making remote sensing and GIS essential parts of governance and commerce. It also addressed the national, regional, and global Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) initiatives. |
