Bio
Prof Tom Veldkamp is dean of the ITC faculty, University of Twente. He obtained his MSc in tropical soil science and his PhD in environmental sciences at Wageningen University. After working as a Mathematical Geologist at the Dutch geological survey, he moved back to Wageningen University, after several promotions he became Full Professor, Chair Land Dynamics in 2002. In 2005 he also became head of the business unit, Landscape Centre at Wageningen University and Research Centre. He moved to Twente University end 2009. He research interests are analysing and modelling Land change science and landscape processes.

Abstract
Emerging trends in geospatial information management and education
From a geospatial information management perspective there are currently two important interacting developments: “from geo-information to geo-ICT” and “from sensor to actor”. There is a general trend of moving away from producing and using maps toward geographical data base management. Currently this development is stimulated by 3-D software and gaming developments offering possibilities ‘maps’ cannot provide. More and more spatially explicit data is used by both professionals and civilians. These data have regular updates and have an increasing range of different sources ranging from classical surveys to remote sensing to crowd sourcing. Civilians and many commercial users of such data are not too much bothered by high precision geo-referencing (m instead of mm). The thematic content and actuality of the information is more relevant than their accuracy. The ICT application is the key to the success; this is one of the reasons of the success of navigation systems, Google earth and many cell phone related applications. This trend will continue and lead to more demand for actual and relevant (fashionable) information using the latest ICT technology. Although remote sensing also moves towards higher resolutions in time and space, it will not be able satisfy this need. Sensing techniques only provide physical information of the scanned object. Some techniques have some penetration capabilities (Radar) but most techniques only provide physical information about the outside. This has severe limitations. We may for example with varying success collect information about land ‘cover’, but this doesn’t automatically learn us something about land ‘use’. In order to understand ‘use’ we have to link with the actors and know their intentions, something that cannot be easily collected. This is why the link to social media and other actor networks will become more and more important. This implies combining existing geo-data with up-to-date actor information. With the expansion of cell phones, social media, www and other digital developments almost every digital citizen uses geospatial data without a proper training in its use. One of the consequences is that education has to include these media in their curriculum. This will also lead to more distance education approaches using social media.

Bio
Ger Nieuwpoort is, since July 1, 2009, director of the Netherlands Space Office (NSO). The NSO is part of the Dutch Government and is responsible for developing and managing the Space program of The Netherlands. The NSO represents the Netherlands in international contacts and fora. After writing his thesis in Chemistry he started working for the national government. During his career he worked as a policy maker and as head of division for the ministry of Education and Sciences in the areas of research infrastructure and science and technology policy. After changing position towards the ministry of Transport, Public Works and Watermanagement he was, as head of division, responsible for the development of economic and safety policy for maritime transport and subsequently the transport of dangerous goods. Since June 1, 2006, he became director of the Netherlands Agency of Aerospace Programmes, which due to restructuring within government became the NSO.

Abstract
National Perspective and Priorities for EOS Dr. G. Nieuwpoort – Netherlands Space Office
Advances in fundamental sciences and technology enable innovative ways of collecting geospatial information through new sensors, systems and methods, an example of which is Earth Observation with satellites. Remote sensing satellites collect data on all Earth’s subsystems, atmosphere, land surface, water, subsurface, and do this on a global scale, in a rather homogeneous way and with relatively easy repeated observation capability. This makes satellite remote sensing attractive for worldwide application, for large scale mapping and for monitoring of dynamic processes. The added value of satellite data becomes clear once integration of satellite data with other geospatial data is established and when satellite applications are integrated into the field of geospatial information services. This integration process will greatly benefit from the expected increase in the number of operational EO satellites and the corresponding continuous availability of satellite data. So far, most EO satellites of which data is relatively cheap and broadly available, were publicly or institutionally developed and funded. Such satellites, big, complex and expensive, are very suitable for addressing global societal issues like climate change, security and environment, e.g. the GMES program. But what is needed in order for a profitable commercial geospatial information service market to grow, is the availability and affordability of small, simple and cheap new satellites and sensors. The development of such systems is currently in its early phases but the potential is enormous. As an example, in the Netherlands innovative small radar and hyperspectral payloads and corresponding platforms are being developed in the price range that is tens of times lower than currently available. With such systems, individual nations and organizations will be able to develop their own EO capability. The procured systems will be developed on demand, tailoring the specific needs for geospatial information and remote sensing data of the users. This development will actually take place in synergy between the upstream and downstream sectors such that complete packages of space infrastructure, satellite applications, geo-services and capacity building will enter the markets.

Bio
Lt. Col. Ali Joined the UAE Air Force in1988, did basic flying training at the Air Force Academy in Pakistan and Graduated from the Air college in1990 as a pilot with a degree in Aviation Science. In 1996 he joined the Air Force Intelligence Department and worked at the exploitation and analyses unit, Air Intelligence & Air Defence Section, with long experience in geospatial intelligence, by utilization of both aerial and space images, using latest technologies. Since Year 2000, he is working at the Space Reconnaissance Centre as Manager of Falcon Universal Ground Station. He attended a large number of specialized training courses both locally and overseas (USA, UK, France, Korea, Germany…etc) in the fields of security, IT, Imagery intelligence and GIS, and actively participated in many international and local space and geospatial intelligence conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

Abstract
The United Nations Outer Space treaty requires member countries to authorize and supervise national space activities, including the activities of non-governmental entities such as commercial and non-profit organizations in accordance with other forms of international law. Earth Observation is an area that encompasses national and international laws governing Space Activities. Access to Commercial Satellite Imagery and licensing is governed by national laws, politics, security and, in recent years, many countries have passed national space legislations, that are, sometimes conflicting. Of course, the challenge for these nations operating Earth Observation systems is to regulate these activities in a manner that does not hinder or preclude investment, while still ensuring that commercial activities comply with national and international laws. Based upon our experience, this presentation provides some insight into various licensing policies governing satellite imagery data access of the major Earth Observation capable nations. It will offer the decision makers and stakeholders, an overview of the trends in the field as well as the issues and limitations of existing policies and regulations.

Bio
Datuk Kadir graduated with his first degree in land surveying from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and started his career with Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) in 1978. Since then, he has served in various sections and divisions within the department. He also held a Master of Science in Photogrammetry and a Ph.D in Geomatic Engineering. After gaining such vast knowledge and experience, he was befittingly promoted to Deputy Director General of Survey and Mapping Malaysia in 2004 and subsequently in 2009 he assumed the post of Director General of Survey and Mapping Malaysia. Accordingly, he also became the Chairman of the Land Surveyor Board Malaysia, the Director of Military Mapping Malaysia with a rank of Honorary Colonel as well as an Advisor to the Military Mapping Council.

At both national and international levels, he has been equally active and currently holds various positions including that of chairman, executive board member, council member and president of various national/international boards and committees. His latest appointments include:

• Chairman, United Nations Group of Expert on Geographical Names for Asia South East and Pacific South West Division (2010 - 2014); and
• Member, International Advisory Board for 2011, Cambridge Conference

Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and with the Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Mara. He is also spearheading co-operative research initiatives at these universities.

Abstract
This paper aims to share some applications of EOS Data in various government agencies for management of natural resources, environment and disasters, and strategic planning of the nation. Some major application projects include National Integrated Spatial Database and Planning System, Satellite Image Maps, Monitoring of Highland and Islands Development, Precision Farming, Rise Yield Forecasting, Fish Forecasting, National Biodiversity Database Development, Environmental Health and Epidemic Diseases, Land Cover Classification, Updating of Topographic Maps and many others. Issues and challenges of using EOS Data will also be discussed and the way forward.

Gunter Schreier is deputy director and Head of Business Development at the German Remote Sensing Data Center of DLR (DLR-DFD). Gunter Schreier has a diploma in Geophysics from University of Munich and served at DLR in several functions since 1985, among others as team leader for SAR Geocoding and Unit head for Technology Transfer. He has business experience as founding Vice President Geomatics for Definiens (eCognition) and has worked as national expert at the European Commission. He was active in CEOS-WGISS, IGBP-DIS, ISY and other international committees. He is now member of the IAF Earth Observation Committee and the International Policy Advisory Group of ISPRS.

Abstract
Contributions to Global Monitoring of Environment and Security (GMES) by the German Remote Sensing Data Center GMES, Global Monitoring of Environment and Security, is the second pillar of the European space strategy, executed by the European Commission, ESA and its member states. This large scale operational earth observation program requires a complex and operational earth observation ground segment, integrating the data from the dedicated GMES Sentinel space segment as well as those from national collaborating missions. As part of the new Earth Observation Center (EOC), the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of DLR in Germany operates for over 20 years payload data ground segments for national missions, ESA and its partners. DFD has established acquisition stations worldwide and operates a data center, which makes earth observation available to general and dedicated applications, including those, demanding space borne information in near real time. DFD is currently in preparation for the demanding challenges of the GMES ground segment. This paper describes the assets of DFD in bringing data acquisition and management closely together with applications such as mapping natural disasters. For example, it shows Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) configurations suited for Sentinel operations or how global data from Sentinel missions can be integrated with national and commercial high resolution SAR and optical information to generate critical geo-information, as those required for the GMES Services.

Dr. Derek Clarke holds the position of head of the national mapping organization of South Africa. He is registered as a Professional Land Surveyor and a Professional Geoinformatics Practitioner. He holds a bachelor degree in surveying, a diploma in datametrics and a masters degree in executive public management. He did his PhD, on researching the implications of map literacy in development planning. He has been engaged with promoting geo-spatial information utilization for over 20 years and played a leading role in getting GIS going in South Africa

Bio
During his long and varied career, Geoff has held senior management positions in the space industry as well as numerous representative positions in the UK and Europe including 3 years as the chairman of EARSC (from 1991 to 1995) and as a member of several EU consultative bodies such as Spassec (for space and security) and the SecAG (Security Advisory Group). In addition to his extensive industrial experience, Geoff also spent 3 years working for the European Commission where he was responsible for supporting space policy and in particular the creation of the GMES initiative. Geoff is very well known to many in the space and earth observation sectors and brings this deep wealth of experience and knowledge to support the ambitions of the geo-information industry that EARSC represents.

Abstract
EO Services Capacity Building in Europe
The European market for EO services will shortly receive a strong stimulus with the long-awaited launch of the first Sentinel satellites under the GMES programme. Whilst this is undoubtedly a major event, the European industry has already been busy developing business in other markets as well as preparing itself for the launch. In this paper, the Secretary General of EARSC, the industry trade association set up by the EO services industries, will explain some of the key actions that have been and are being taken to develop this commercial capacity in Europe. GMES will represent a new source of EO data and services on which the industry can build. The first target will be to offer new services and products to the European public sector user and the industry has been preparing for this. However, the main benefits will come from building upon the Public Sector services into commercial and export markets. This has some implications for the way in which the programme is structured and EARSC has developed a number of key positions regarding data policy, access to data and future support. EARSC has been preparing by working closely with other market sectors and in particular the oil & gas industry, the insurance industry and International Financial Institutions to pave the way. Several tools have been developed to help customers find the service they seek as well to improve exchange of knowledge, information and communication between the different communities. In the paper, we shall explain what has been done and the exciting new developments shortly to be launched.

John Hornsby has worked in the Earth Observation industry for over 26 years, both in the public and private sectors. This experience has included research and development, consulting, project management, business management and strategic development. He has held technical, business development and management positions through his career. Since 1991 he held several senior management positions within MDA Geospatial Services Inc., including the role of President from 2003 to 2010. Currently he is responsible for Geospatial Strategy within MDA’s Surveillance, Intelligence and Missions business with a focus on international strategic partnerships.

Abstract
Commercial earth observation, bringing capability, innovation and solutions to meet global operational needs
While Earth Observation Systems in the past were largely the domain of government, the expanding global industrial capacity, including industry-government partnerships, has resulted in an acceleration of development both in terms of capability and the ability to use data from these systems. This is aiding the transformation of earth observation from research, to solving real world problems of high value both for the public and private good. A fundamental challenge in the industry has always been the ability to demonstrate a clear value proposition for potential operational users. After decades of development, there are now proven and accepted operational uses for Earth observation—from assisting maritime navigation through ice to monitoring movement in oil fields to preventing well damage from extraction methods. Clear economic benefits are being derived from this utilization, which ultimately increases day-by-day the industry’s long-term sustainability and growth. The ability to provide complete earth observation based solutions for customers has been aided by the convergence of other complementary technologies. For example, automatic identification systems and broadband communications greatly increase the utility of synthetic aperture radar imagery for maritime surveillance. When this is combined with other technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, a more complete and valuable solution exists for maritime situational awareness. While the current global financial climate is clearly an opposing force (or barrier?) for the industry today, it can also drive the need for innovation and an attitude to look at how to do things differently’. This creates in some cases greater opportunity for Earth Observation Systems to address societal and industrial needs.

Bio
Todd joined Trimble’s GeoSpatial division in 2010 following three years working on the commercialization of earth observation and life sciences technologies developed by Nobel Laureate, Prof. Dr. Gerd Binnig. He holds bachelor and master degrees in business and international management (MBA), having studied in Canada and Denmark. His background also includes more than two years consulting the European marketing organizations of HP and Symantec, and four years working in Canada’s financial center. Todd currently holds the position of Senior Marketing Manager and works out of Munich, Germany where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Abstract
“Transforming the way we work: Infrastructure challenges and geospatial solutions” The ability to develop, maintain and expand infrastructure networks is fundamentally important to a nation’s economic stability and growth. Given the urbanization of global populations and our dependence on cities as clusters of economic activity; the challenge of maintaining globally competitive urban environments provides a focal point for the larger discussion of the role of geospatial technology in nation building.

Geospatial technologies are positively disrupting traditional approaches to infrastructure lifecycle management by delivering transformational productivity gains. Spatial intelligence created using state-of-the-art geospatial technology and know-how are reducing operational costs and providing insights that were impossible only a few years ago. Such breakthroughs are not only desirable, but also essential if we are to keep pace with the significant challenges presented by modern mega-cities. Illustrative examples are drawn from solutions implemented by Trimble clients for: the collection of rich asset data using advanced multi-sensor platforms, automatic data fusion and feature extraction, and high-fidelity 3D infrastructure modeling for analysis over time (4D). Trimble is well-known for applying its positioning technology and expertise to achieve productivity gains for clients in survey, construction, agriculture and asset management. In 2007, Trimble began transferring this competency to the geospatial field with the confidence that it could create customer value by applying a similar approach to the converging workflows in land survey, GIS and aerial mapping. Today, Trimble’s GeoSpatial division is engaged with clients globally, delivering solutions that address a variety of geospatial challenges, including those faced by urban infrastructure managers.

Tony Frazier leads GeoEye’s worldwide product management, communications, and field marketing. He plays a key role in evaluating and pursuing strategic growth opportunitiesfor GeoEye. Prior to GeoEye Tony Frazier was with Cisco Systems, where he launched emerging technologies core to Cisco’s video and collaboration strategy. Tony has deep experience leading marketing and business development for innovative ventures at the intersection of search, analytics and e-commerce. He began his career in strategic consulting at Bain & Company. Tony holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard University, and an Engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr Mittal has 22 years of experience in the geospatial industry. He is currently the Senior Director responsible for Global Business development for Civil Governments in DigitalGlobe working in the Asia pacific office in Singapore. In this role, Mr Mittal works with the regional offices globally to understand the requirements of national governments and puts together the strategy for supporting their needs. He brings experience in both technical and business environments with his initial years serving as a technical consultant for various GIS related projects in the South East Asian Markets. He has completed a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and an executive master’s degree from National University of Singapore in Business. He has attended several leadership related programs from Harvard Business School. He worked for several years in Intergraph with the GIS groups to implement national Mapping projects in Vietnam, Indonesia and emerging countries. Thereafter, he moved to autodesk and spent time in the infrastructure related projects. Currently he is with DigitalGlobe for last 7 years and spending time to make content become more ubiquitously available to such national level programs and monitoring of infrastructure related projects. Having worked in several cultures globally, he has been focused in understanding the programs at grassroots level in several developing countries. The nature of such programs have been in utilizing Geospatial platform to aid in decision making for national level development. Understanding Social environments is key to ensure success of a lot of such programs. Currently he is working closely with the South American and African teams to evaluate and understand how Earth Observation satellites can be more utilized with the governments to create a better sustainable environment using a combination of Geo spatial and remote sensing data.

Abstract
Earth Observation Systems for Nation Building
Nation Building is the primary role of every citizen. How do we get the common man to understand the value of the nation they live? Where do we start? How do we start? We talk of SDI, NGIS, GGIM and several more programs. How do we move beyond formulating policies and find a way to reach the common citizen? How do we make every citizen to understand the value of the assets that the nation is building for the development of the common man? We are on the cross roads of technology convergence on mobile devices which allow for faster streaming of both Geospatial and connected data over networks. The concept to reality for NGIS and other national level programs will be the next step towards enabling ordinary citizens to access valuable assets of the nation. Today we are looking at a very small group of educated citizens in the cities and towns finding this information useful for their consumption. The challenge is how do we now take this information to the corners of the country and educate everyone on the programs being implemented for the socio economic development of the country. We are also looking at sustainability of food, water and energy of the country and such awareness would make it more viable to nation building. Earth observation systems provide valuable information on these assets at a given time but would need additional services to monitor the change and usage over time. The launch of additional satellites provides us with the capacity we need to collect near real time information. The accessibility of this information at every corner of the nation will have a systematic impact on the citizens and in turn help in creating a deeper sense of belonging to the nation and help building it for the coming years.

Bio
Associate Prof. Dr. Somchet Thinaphong is the Chairman of Executive Board of GISTDA. He received his Master and Doctorate of Engineering from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in 1973 and 1980 respectively, while his Bachelor of Engineering is from University of Tasmania, Australia. Prior to his current position, he was the President of New Bangkok International Airport (NBIA) from 1999-2001, Governor of Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) from 1990-2000. Between 1988-2004, he held 9 Board Directors in State Enterprises directly involving in Mega Projects such as Airports, Seaports, Underground Rapid Transit; and Expressway; and also PTTEP projects.

Abstract
Pre-Tracking Incoming Flood 2012 by Satellite Imageries The number of natural disasters in various kind are much more increasing worldwide. In 2011, Thailand floods occurred in dramatic scale. The Thai Government Flood Relief Operation Center: FROC, established as a war room, is the integration of all related sectors to monitor flooding situation and provides reliefs efforts to the victims affected by the floods. Timely information on rapidly evolving events is needed in priority to help in planning of flood mitigation and emergency response. Geo-informatics provides vital information and services for disaster management. Series of earth observation satellites data were used in Flood 2011 to provide comprehensive and multi-temporal coverage of large areas in near real time on daily basis. In the flood event of 2011, mappings were processed based on multi-resolution satellite imageries: low resolution satellites that passed over the area many times within a short period such as TERRA, AQUA/MODIS, MT-SAT, NOAA etc., moderate resolution satellites like LANDSAT, high resolution from THEOS and very high resolution such as WorldView-2 and GeoEye-1 were utilized. However, during any flooding period, it is difficult to obtain cloud-free image, RADAR satellite data therefore play a significant role. Flood maps in such cases were generated from the remote sensing satellite data step by step: programming for satellite data acquisition, acquisition of satellite data, pre-processing of data, integrating of the spatial data, data analysis, layout, editing, and reporting. The final maps with reports were and are also distributed to the users online via http://flood.gistda.or.th. The GIS-satellite based has served as a foundation for mitigating the 2011 flood and instituted a basis for future flood planning and management for Thailand. In the year 2012, Thailand cannot underestimate the flood situation of the same magnitude to arise. Forecasting and pre-tracking incoming flood 2012 is being made by establishing flood simulation model based upon geoinformatics available from the previous flood incidents. Also, planning variables and parameters such as spatial retention areas, flood ways, canal routing ways and additional release gates are being comprehensively mapped out across upstream, intermediate and downstream areas in relation to overland flows with the use of geo-informatics and satellite technology. The paper will illustrate approach and methodology as well as illustrations of outputs.

Daniel Eriksson has been involved in humanitarian aid and information management since his first assignment as a deminer with the Swedish army after the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina. His specialty lies in the management of information of the explosive remnants of war, such as landmines and cluster munitions. In his current position as the Head of Information Management at the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, Dr. Eriksson is responsible for the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) - a standardized information system for managing the explosive remnants war - currently the most widespread planning system in sustainable development.

Abstract
Populations emerging from conflicts often remain threatened by landmines, unexploded munitions and other Explosive Remnants of War. The international Mine Action community is concerned with the reduction of this threat. They need socio-economic impact mapping for prioritization purposes, and supporting information to determine which locales are likely to be affected, and, even more importantly, which are not. Suspected areas are surveyed and cleared by demining operators. Operators need detailed maps, more reliable and low-cost navigation and efficient reporting tools. Space Assets for Demining Assistance (SADA) is a set of projects addressing the issue, initiated by the European Space Agency's Integrated Applications Promotion programme (IAP) and supported by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Representatives from 17 Mine Action Centers have participated in SADA needs definition. SADA aims at developing new services to improve the socio-economic impact of mine action activities, primarily focused on the improved release of land thought to be contaminated, a process described as Land Release. This can be achieved by better prioritization of affected areas, more targeted allocation of resources, better identification of unaffected land (“reduction”), more efficient field operations and better reporting. Key features of the SADA approach have been validated with data from National Mine Action Centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan. More objective risk mapping and prioritization at national/regional level can be made possible through the used of Earth Observation data. Field operations can be safer and more efficient with better data. This presentation will show some of the results of the first year of the SADA programme.

Bio
David Stevens is Programme Coordinator of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) a global programme established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 which works to ensure that all countries in the world can access and use space-based information to support disaster risk management. He has served as Co-Chair of the United Nations Geographic Information Working Group (UNGIWG) 2009 – 2011 having played a lead role in the establishment of the United Nations Spatial Data Infrastructure (UNSDI). He has a degree in Civil Engineering (BSc.) and Environmental Planning (MSc.) both from the University of São Paulo. He has been a United Nations staff member since 1999 and in his current position (in the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs) since 2001.