UNITED NATIONS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION WORKING GROUP TO BE TRAINED IN LATEST GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY

Press Release
PI/1292

UNITED NATIONS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION WORKING GROUP TO BE TRAINED IN LATEST GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY

Members of the United Nations Geographic Information Working Group are to be trained in the latest geospatial technology by the United States Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), in collaboration with the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI). The training is to be held at Headquarters in New York from 12 to 14 September, and in Geneva from 27 to 29 September. The objectives of the training are to provide an overview of policies, concepts, standards and practices associated with the implementation and operation of a spatial data infrastructure (SDI), and to provide detailed hands-on metadata and clearing- house training.

Spatial or geographic data are vital for the execution of many United Nations operations in the areas of peace and security, development and environment. There is an increasing need for timely and adequate geographic information throughout the United Nations system. The Brahimi report on United Nations peace operations states that “peace operations could benefit greatly from more extensive use of geographic information systems (GIS) technology.” In March 2000, the United Nations Geographic Information Working Group (UNGIWG) was established to coordinate such activities within the Organization.

FGDC coordinates the development of the national SDI within the United States, which encompasses policies, standards and procedures for organizations to cooperatively produce and share geographic data. GSDI, formed by linking national and regional SDIs, is a global and open process for coordinating the organization, management and use of spatial data and related activities. For more information on the SDI training, please contact the United Nations Cartographic Section at (212) 963-5001.

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