Strategic Sponsor

Trimble Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Corporate Sponsors

Hexagon Hexagon (Nordic exchange: HEXA B and Swiss exchange: HEXN) is a leading global provider of design, measurement and visualisation technologies. Our customers design, measure and position objects, and process and present data, to stay one step ahead of a changing world. Hexagon’s technologies increase productivity, enhance quality and allow for faster, better operational decisions, saving time, money and resources. Hexagon has over 12 000 employees in more than 40 countries and net sales of about 2 200 MEUR. Our products are used in a broad range of industries including surveying, power and energy, aerospace and defence, safety and security, construction and manufacturing.

Digitalglobe DigitalGlobe is a leading provider of commercial high-resolution earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions that help decision makers better understand our changing planet in order to save lives, resources and time. Sourced from the world's leading constellation, our imagery solutions deliver unmatched coverage and capacity to meet our customers' most demanding mission requirements. Each day customers in defense and intelligence, public safety, civil agencies, map making and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure management, navigation technology, and providers of location-based services depend on DigitalGlobe data, information, technology and expertise to gain actionable insight. In January 2013, DigitalGlobe and GeoEye combined to become one DigitalGlobe, creating a company capable of providing greater value to customers through an integrated constellation and a broader set of products and services. For more information on the combination and its benefits, visit www.digitalglobe.com

Associate Sponsors

Autodesk Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries including the last 16 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Bentley Bentley is the global leader dedicated to providing comprehensive software solutions to aid infrastructure owner-operators in designing, building, and operating infrastructure sustainably. Founded in 1984, Bentley has over 3,000 colleagues across 50 countries, with annual revenues surpassing $500 million. Bentley is recognized as a leader in providing world-class solutions that leverage geospatial technology to energy utilities, water utilities, communications service providers, transportation agencies, rail owner-operators, mapping agencies and cadastres, and local, state, and national government.

TOPCON TOPCON, an innovative and global market leading company, develops and manufactures precise positioning products and software solutions for surveying and civil engineering, earthworks and road construction, construction site management, mobile asset mapping, precision agriculture and GIS data capturing. TOPCON’s product portfolio exists of high precision GNSS receivers, robotic and imaging total stations, laser scanners, mobile mapping systems and machine control systems supported by handheld controllers, desktop / field and management software, telematics and accessories. Besides the sales, support and service of positioning products and solutions TOPCON is active in eye care and OEM business

Co-Sponsor

Oracle Oracle is the world’s most complete, open, and integrated business software and hardware systems company. With more than 370,000 customers—including 100 of the Fortune 100—in more than 145 countries around the globe, Oracle is the only vendor able to offer a complete technology stack in which every layer is engineered to work together as a single system. Oracle's industry-leading products give customers unmatched benefits including unbreakable security, high availability, scalability, energy efficiency, powerful performance, and low total cost of ownership. For geospatial solutions Oracle offers a wide range of 2D and 3D Spatial capabilities in database and middleware, which are based on OGC and ISO standards. These functionalities are used by numerous 3rd party tools, components and solutions as well as by Oracle's enterprise applications and are operated most efficiently on Oracle Exadata and Exalogic hardware.

Strategic Partners

GeoBusiness Nederland GeoBusiness Nederland is the trade association for over 100 geo-information companies in the Netherlands. GeoBusiness Netherlands represents more than 30% of the geo-business community in the Netherlands, making it the leading business representative of the Dutch geo-information sector. It has an extensive network, which provides its members an entrance to major government and policy organisations, research institutions and other business sectors. The mission of GeoBusiness Nederland is to apply its expertise and knowledge to improve the success of its members through market development, increasing the market volume and an enhanced position in the geo-information sector.

Geonovum Geonovum is the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) executive committee in the Netherlands. The organisation devotes itself to providing better access to geo-information in the public sector. Geonovum developes and manages the geo-standards necessary to implement this goal. Our main goals are: to develop and standardise the geo-information infrastructure while also being innovative; to make the geo-information infrastructure more accessible to administrative bodies, institutions and departments in the Netherlands and the European Union; to build up and disseminate knowledge in the area of geo-information infrastructure.

The Joint Research Centre The Joint Research Centre is the scientific and technical arm of the European Commission. It is providing the scientific advice and technical know-how to support a wide range of EU policies. Its status as a Commission service, which guarantees independence from private or national interests, is crucial for pursuing its mission. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national.

Strategic Institutional Partners

EuroGeographics EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organization which represents the European national mapping, cadastre and land registry and authorities. It currently represents 56 members from 45 countries. EuroGeographics’ members invest around €3 billion in the development of geographical information each year and use cutting-edge technology to create, manage, maintain and make available authoritative national databases. Members are developing the European Location Framework, an infrastructure to integrate their national data, including topographic, cadastre and land information, to deliver authoritative, interoperable, cross-border geospatial reference data for analyzing and understanding information connected to places and features.

BRGM, France The BRGM is France's leading public institution in Earth science applications for the management of surface and subsurface resources and risks. The BRGM plays 4 key roles: scientific research, support to public policy development, international cooperation and mine safety. The BRGM's two key objectives are: Understanding geological processes and associated risks, developing new methodologies and techniques, and producing and disseminating relevant high-quality data; and Developing and providing necessary tools for surface, subsurface and resource management, prevention of risks and pollution and support to climate change policies.

OGC The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is an international industry consortium of 426 companies, government agencies and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available interface standards. OGC® Standards support interoperable solutions that "geo-enable" the Web, wireless and location-based services and mainstream IT. The standards empower technology developers to make complex spatial information and services accessible and useful with all kinds of applications.

The Centre for Geoinformatics (Z_GIS ) The Centre for Geoinformatics (Z_GIS) at University of Salzburg is a well established centre of competence in GIScience, active in research, continuing education and industry cooperation. With the competence being built from basic and applied research primarily funded through international programmes, Z_GIS engages in educational and capacity building activities, outreach initiatives and international collaboration projects. Z_GIS promotes practical implementation of geo-spatial tools reflected in collaboration agreements with leading enterprises in the GI sector. At the same time the team of GI specialists contributes their skills and expertise to study-programmes and research at University of Salzburg as well as a range of international partner organisations worldwide.

UNIGIS International The UNIGIS International Association is the world’s premier distance education initiative engaged in designing, developing and delivering high quality education in Geographical Information Science and Systems (GISc). As a global network of higher education institutions UNIGIS is dedicated to enhance the competence of GIS professionals worldwide. The main goal of UNIGIS programmes is targeted to equip students with profound and extensive knowledge, exert insights, profound skills, and to train students in scientific research; to establish an attitude of lifelong learning; and to orientate them towards further career development. The study programmes are focussed on life-long learning, supporting part-time study by in-service professionals as well as everybody pursuing a career in Geoinformatics through continuing education.

ISPRS The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is a non-governmental organisation devoted to the development of international cooperation for the advancement of photogrammetry and remote sensing and their applications. The society's scientific interests include photogrammetry, remote sensing, spatial information systems and related disciplines, as well as applications in cartography, geodesy, surveying, natural, Earth and engineering sciences, and environmental monitoring and protection. Further applications include industrial design and manufacturing, architecture and monument preservation, medicine and others. The principal activities of the society are: Stimulating the formation of national or regional societies of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Initiating and coordinating research in photogrammetry and remote sensing Holding international Symposia and Congresses at regular intervals Ensuring worldwide circulation of the records of discussion and the results of research by publication of the International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Encouraging the publication and exchange of scientific papers and journals dealing with photogrammetry and remote sensing Promoting cooperation and coordination with related international scientific organizations

ICA ICA is an organization formed of national member organizations, to provide a forum for issues and techniques in cartography. The International Cartographic Association is the world authoritative body for cartography, the discipline dealing with the conception, production, dissemination and study of maps.

Leibniz Universität Hannover In 1831, founded by the scholar Karl Karmarsch, the “Higher Trade School of Hannover” started with only 64 students. Today there are around 21,000 students in the natural sciences and engineering, the humanities and social sciences as well in law and economics. A particular strength of Leibniz Universität is research and teaching in G&G, the geodesy and geoinformatics programme, comprising all aspects of modern data acquisition, interpretation, management, visualization and distribution of geospatial information.

OSGeo The Open Source Geospatial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the collaborative development of open source geospatial software, and promote its widespread use. The foundation provides financial, organizational and legal support to the broader open source geospatial community. It also serves as an independent legal entity to which community members can contribute code, funding and other resources, secure in the knowledge that their contributions will be maintained for public benefit. OSGeo also serves as an outreach and advocacy organization for the open source geospatial community, and provides a common forum and shared infrastructure for improving cross-project collaboration.

TU Delft TU Delft was founded in 1842 as the Royal Academy by King Willem II. It has been known as the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) since 1986.TU Delft collaborates with a large number of other educational and research institutes within the Netherlands and abroad and has a reputation for high-quality teaching and research. TU Delft has extensive contacts with governments, trade organizations, consultancies, the industry and small and medium-sized companies.

EARSC The European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC) is the European organization which – on a non-profit basis – coordinates and promotes activities of their members in the area of services based on the delivery of geo-information products on customer demand. EARSC´s mission is to foster development of European geo-information service industry. It’s vision is a sustainable market for geo-information services, using remote sensing data, which is openly accessible to all members. To achieve this it focuses on: Customer awareness and acceptance of Earth observation and remote sensing; improving market access for its members. EARSC has 70 members.

University of Wageningen Wageningen University, part of Wageningen UR (University & Research centre), is the only university in the Netherlands to focus specifically on the theme ‘healthy food and living environment’. It does so by working closely together with governments and the business community. The university works together with research institutes and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, also part of Wageningen UR. Wageningen UR has branches all over The Netherlands, China, and Brazil. A large number of lecturers, researchers and other employees are based at the Wageningen Campus.

Group on Earth Observations The Group on Earth Observations is coordinating efforts to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems, or GEOSS. GEO was launched in response to calls for action by the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development and by the G8 (Group of Eight) leading industrialized countries. These high-level meetings recognized that international collaboration is essential for exploiting the growing potential of Earth observations to support decision making in an increasingly complex and environmentally stressed world. GEO is a voluntary partnership of governments and international organizations. It provides a framework within which these partners can develop new projects and coordinate their strategies and investments.

European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories EARSeL is a scientific network of European remote sensing institutes, coming from both academia and the commercial/industrial sector. EARSeL is unique in that it represents the interests of these institutes rather than individuals, although individual membership is possible. Currently, there are about 250 member laboratories. EARSeL was founded in 1977 under the auspices of the European Space Agency, the Council of Europe and the European Commission. These agencies as well as others, are supporting its activities. EARSeL is run by a Council of elected national representatives from each country where there are member laboratories and an executive Bureau, elected by the Council.

EuroSDR - A European Spatial Data Research Network It is a not-for-profit organisation linking National Mapping and Cadastral agencies with research institutes and universities for the purpose of applied research in spatial data provision, management and delivery.

iCEO/iEEE The IEEE Committee on Earth Observation (ICEO) is a Standing Technical Committee of the IEEE Technical Activities Board (TAB) and reports to that Board. The IEEE Committee on Earth Observation coordinates the IEEE and TAB efforts on matters relating to the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) and its Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). ICEO advises TAB, and through TAB the IEEE, on matters relating to GEO and similar supranational and international organizations. ICEO serves as the focal point for all IEEE GEO and related activities. Through ICEO, the IEEE promotes the roles of its members in electro- and information technologies and associated Earth and environmental sciences (including relevant areas such as technical education) to the broad global community of earth information providers and users. This includes participation in activities of GEO and other like-directed organizations.

Association of Geographic Information Laboratories for Europe (AGILE) The Association of Geographic Information Laboratories for Europe (AGILE) was established in 1998 to promote academic teaching and research on GIS at the European level and to ensure the continuation of the networking activities that have emerged as a result of the EGIS Conferences and the European Science Foundation GISDATA Scientific Programmes. AGILE seeks to ensure that the views of the geographic information teaching and research community are fully represented in the discussions that take place on future European research agendas. AGILE also provides a permanent scientific forum where geographic information researchers can meet and exchange ideas and experiences at the European level. The activities of AGILE are managed by an eight person council elected by its members. Its main tasks are to develop an organisational structure to realise the goals of AGILE, to further develop with the help of the members a European research agenda, to instigate and stimulate initiatives and to organise a yearly GI-conference.

Institutional Partners

EUROGEO Eurogeo: EUROGEO is a European, non-governmental, non-profit organisation. It is the European scientific and educational society which was founded in 1979 which networks geographers from all walks of life and organisations who are interested in the theory methods and practice of Geography. The principal aims of EUROGEO are to advance the status of geography by: organising events and activities for members producing publications for members supporting geographers in their jobs and careers identifying and promoting good practise lobbying at European and national level giving advice on geography making recommendations to decision makers EUROGEO promotes the European dimension in geographical education as a contribution towards the development of European citizenship. By doing so, EUROGEO encourages the development of a greater European awareness through the medium of geography and increases mutual knowledge and understanding of Europe. EUROGEO, in affiliation with other organisations, has produced a large number of publications and has organised geography conferences, meetings and workshops on a regular basis. Representatives of professional educational associations have been actively involved in EUROGEO. EUROGEO also supports those seeking to establish or organise national geography associations and those that promote geography as an academic discipline and geographers in the workplace. It is clear that spatial skills and geographical information on the Web are increasingly important. The roles that geography and geographers play are being challenged by these new geo-opportunities. Those involved with the EUROGEO association are seeking to monitor and support these developments.

EUROGI EUROGI, the European Umbrella Organisation for Geographic Information, founded in 1994, is an independently funded, not-for- profit NGO operating in Europe but also makes contributions in a wider international context Over many years EUROGI has contributed to the European GI/SDI policy debate. In the 1990’s it championed the need for what is now INSPIRE and more recently it has produced communications to the European Union on climate change, funding for the GMES programme and on the structuring of research programmes. It currently provides input into and support for an initiative to get Union approval for a European Location Framework.

GIN The professional body Geo-Information Nederland (GIN) has been established on February 14th 2003. Its members are a wide range of geo professionals at all levels of education. GIN aims at promotion of knowledge and use of geo-information. GIN offers a meeting place and a network by organising all kinds of activities. Modern media are used for strengthening the position of geo-information in the Dutch society.

Supporting Organisations

Agiv The Flemish Geographical Information Agency enables an optimal application of geographical information in Flanders. We coordinate, control, guide and support a multitude of initiatives in the field of geography. The Management Agreement with the Flemish Government establishes the management and organizational objectives for developing geographical reference databases, such as the large-scale reference database (GRB) and the central reference address database (CRAB). We also coordinate the operational development of the Flemish Geographical Data Infrastructure, following the INSPIRE-directive.

Geo Employment Market The field of geospatial technologies in the Netherlands has developed into a vital and dynamic sector over the last few decades. As a result, this sector has been struggling with a shortage of skilled personnel. The academic community cannot keep pace with the rapidly evolving GEO information industry. Also, due to its old image of being dull and intensely scientific, there are too few graduates at all levels from vocational up through doctorate level. In 2010, the Netherlands decided to do something about it. The Dutch geospatial community set up the Geo Employment Market Foundation (SAGEO) as a platform where geospatial related employers from both the public and private sector can meet and discuss with the geospatial academic community, students and geo-related networks and unions. Addressing the mismatch between supply and demand in the geospatial labour market is the central objective of our organisation.

V-ICT-OR Flemish Organization for ICT in Local Government Founded in 2001, The Flemish Organization for ICT in Local Government represents the local government information managers in Flanders. V-ICT-OR provides a forum for local government agencies to exchange IT best practices that enhance the delivery of government services. Our international affiliations ensure a global perspective that enables diversity of opinions and experiences. Our membership includes ICT- and GIS-professional across Flanders. V-ICT-OR is in the domain of e-Government leading in the sense that several initiatives have found its way to all municipalities in Flanders.

Unie van Waterschappen The Association of Regional Water Authorities (Dutch: Unie van Waterschappen) is the umbrella organisation of all 25 regional water authorities in the Netherlands. The Association promotes the interests of its members both at a national and at an international level. Apart from the promotion of interests, the Association advises the member regional water authorities, draws up guidelines and model regulations and model plans and supports them with the implementation of European regulations. The Association participates in water management research and supports international projects set up by its members. Finally, as an employers’ organisation the Association conducts negotiations with the central organisation of civil servants about binding terms of employment for regional water authority personnel.

EuroGeoSurveys 33 Geological Survey organisations from across Europe EuroGeoSurveys is a non-profit organisation of the Geological Surveys of Europe, the national institutions responsible for geological inventory, monitoring, knowledge and research. For 40 years the main objective of EuroGeoSurveys has been to contribute to society’s welfare. We turn geoscientific information into European wide knowledge, technologies and services that are easily accessible and beneficial to society and economic growth. Our principal purpose is to provide public Earth science knowledge to support the EU’s competitiveness, social well-being, environmental management and international commitments. EGS only pursue activities that lie exclusively in the public interest or in the interest of public administration that will benefit from our ability to quickly respond to specific demands from the European Union, addressing geological problems of a political, economic and social nature.

VIAG VIAG is a Dutch membership organization running professional activities. The Society was founded in 1991 as the professional association for ICT managers working in and for the public sector. ICT managers perceived a need for a tightly knit organization of friends and colleagues who could work together for the common good and share ideas and information. They wanted to be able to discuss strategies, problems and policies with other governmental ICT managers. They believed the sharing of knowledge would greatly benefit their members. The Society is a significant provider of advice and guidance on ICT, e-government and transformational government to local authorities. VIAG offers a growing range of services including publications, conferences and workshops. VIAG provides a widely respected forum for the promotion, use and development of ICT best practice and implementation of local e-government in the Netherlands. The VIAG ‘Denktank’ (advice committee) is a selected group of active members willing to serve on committees to help improve local e-government in the Netherlands.

Co Organiser

Dutch Kadaster The Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency harbours many years of expertise regarding land registration, mapping, land use and corresponding IT setup. As the international context of land administration continues to grow, the scope of Kadaster’s activities abroad continues to widen.

Strategic Government Partners

Survey Of India Survey Of India, The National Survey and Mapping Organisation of the country under the Department of Science & Technology, is the oldest scientific department of The Government of India. It was set up in 1767 and has evolved rich traditions over the years. In its assigned role as the nation's Principal Mapping Agency, Survey of India bears a special responsibility to ensure that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably, provide base maps for expeditious and integrated development and ensure that all resources contribute with their full measure to the progress, prosperity and security of our country now and for generations to come.

NGII

Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, South Africa Almost ninety years ago the then Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping and now the Chief Directorate: National Geo-Spatial Information, as South Africa's national mapping organization, commenced with the establishment of an integrated survey system and provision of extensive mapping coverage of the country. The integrated survey system expedites and facilitates orderly development while the mapping and associated products facilitate sustainable development. In more recent years, The Chief Directorate established an active control survey network of GPS base stations named TrigNet. Furthermore, the Chief Directorate has an archive of aerial photography dating back to 1937 and photographic coverage of the entire country is updated on a continuous basis. The Chief Directorate not only distributes this information but also conducts practical training programmes in spatial information. Together these products and services are contributing to the achievement of the South Africa's full potential and to the fulfilment of the country's comprehensive rural development strategy.

Organiser

Geospatial Media and Communications (formerly GIS Development) Geospatial Media and Communication (formerly GIS Development) works towards raising the profile and expanding the horizons of the geospatial industry through creating awareness, connecting industry communities, policy advocacy, and business development initiatives.

Strategic Media Partners

Directions Magazine Directions Media was founded in 1998 as Directions Magazine, which continues to be their flagship publication. Directions Magazine was the first regularly published online magazine covering geospatial technology. Today Directions Media maintains several online publications including Directions Magazine, the All Points Blog and the Map Hawk blog. It also publishes content in foreign language editions: Directions Magazine français and Directions Magazine Espanol

Cities Today

Geospatial World Geospatial World - With a mission to be the voice of world geospatial industry, Geospatial Media and Communications Pvt Ltd publishes its flagship magazine, Geospatial World, the geospatial industry magazine. Mandated to be the most effective geospatial publication, Geospatial World brings the latest news and happenings across the world, presents views of experts through interviews and columns, advocates on policy issues and captures the dynamics of the geospatial industry through comprehensive articles. Considered as one of the best publications by the domain experts, Geospatial World enjoys a circulation of 16000 copies in 140+ countries.

Vector1 Media Vector1 Media is an integrated media company serving the international marketplace. It is dedicated to providing information that supports technologies and processes that promote sustainable development. Vector1 Media pursues visualization, modeling, spatial analysis, GIS, simulation, surveying and sensor technologies for holistic management planning and decision making. In addition to Sensors & Systems, it also publishes Informed Infrastructure and Asian Surveying & Mapping.

Imaging Notes Imaging Notes provides high-quality in-depth reporting for users of remotely sensed data worldwide with circulation of 24,000. With each issue, the magazine brings experts, in-depth reporting, thought-provoking ideas within natural resources/energy, transportation/infrastructure, civil government, defense/security and government policy. As a quarterly publication, Imaging Notes reports in-depth on items that may be only short news blurbs in other publications. It also celebrates the beauty of the imagery by providing a sophisticated environment and relevant design throughout the publication.

Media Partners

GIM International GIM International, the global magazine for geomatics, and related e-newsletter focuse on reporting the latest news and communicating new developments and applications in geomatics. GIM International addresses both technological and managerial aspects of the industry and profession. The magazine can be obtained monthly, twelve times a year, by subscription. A subscription to GIM International includes the weekly e-newsletter. GIM International is also available in digital format, in a special members area on our website. It’s completely free, and after submitting the form below, you will be emailed your own username and password in order to access your issues. Accessing our digital editions is not only environmentally friendly, but will allow you to access GIM’s latest issues all the more quickly, rather than waiting for international mail. NEW! Geo-matching.com is the independent product comparison website for professional hard- and software for geomatics and adjacent fields. We want to lead our visitors through the maze of specifications and give the opportunity to compare products of different producers, read up on reviews given by users, in order for each individual buyer to reach a balanced judgment. The website is bringing together the highly valued GIM International and Hydro International product surveys all in one place.

Earth from Space – the Most Effective Solutions magazine Earth from Space – the Most Effective Solutions magazine is the information and analytical edition, dedicated to a variety of issues ranging from reception to thematic processing and application of remote sensing data, to newest developments and vital problems in this sphere. The magazine has been published since 2009 and is conceived as a series of topical thematic readers’ digests on space imagery applications: forestry, construction, transport, ecology, education, web-technologies, etc. Authors of the materials, published on the pages of the magazine, are the specialists of Russian and foreign organizations and companies, working in sphere of Earth remote sensing, representatives of the governmental authorities of ministerial and departmental levels, regional administrations, etc. Founder and publisher: OOO ScanEx RDC (www.scanex.ru)