International Symposium on IMPACT OF GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION ON SOCIETY AND ECONOMY
Dates: 25-26 May 2016
BACKGROUND
Geospatial Information impacts every aspect of human life, underpinning a multitude of systems, software and applications that make modern living more productive, comfortable and connected. It is crucial for planning, monitoring, management, analysis, decision making and improving overall productivity and efficiency of human living and conducting business for a number of industry verticals such as defence, governance, agriculture, mining, construction, transportation, electricity, water, mining and health. The adoption of geospatial information for various verticals have made capturing, using, integrating and storing of geospatial information much easier, faster and economical.
Recently, the United Nations and the member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that succinctly encapsulate issues that need immediate attention for creating an environment for sustained socio-economic progress worldwide, targeting issues such as poverty, food security, inclusive education, sustained management of water resources, green and clean energy, building resilient infrastructure amongst others. The global GDP that stands at USD 77301.96 billion today is projected to reach USD 98115.59 billion by 2020 and the major contributing sectors to the global GDP bouquet include some of the same sectors, that UN has targeted in its SDGs, like agriculture, mining, construction, transportation, electricity, water, oil and gas and healthcare. Considering the significant role that geospatial data and solutions play in these sectors, the social and economic impact produced by the application of geospatial information on these sectors is tremendous, thereby greatly influencing modern living and national economies as well. In the past one decade, a number of studies have been conducted that have tried to assess the economic impact created by geospatial information on national economies of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Ireland, England and Wales, India and others. These studies have brought to light how geospatial information has been utilised by different vertical industries, the factors that have aided the increased adoption and the economic value resulted thereafter. Such studies help not only to consolidate the position of geospatial information, but also validate the role of the data providers in creating a positive impact on society and economies.
The extent to which geospatial information continues to positively impact society and economy will greatly depend on the strength and initiatives of geospatial content producers and ability of users in utilising the data and solutions. The developing economies can benefit from this evolution by leapfrogging in their capacities of production and adoption of geospatial information, thereby further boosting socio-economic growth.
OBJECTIVES
In its pursuit to strengthen the role and relevance of geospatial information in various end user vertical industries and connecting the stakeholders of geospatial industry to boost the business of geospatial content and solutions, Geospatial Media and Communications is organising an exclusive International Symposium on Impact of Geospatial Information on Society and Economy with heads of over 100 national mapping, cadastral, earth observation and SDI agencies, who are the primary custodians of geospatial content on the economic impact these agencies make on their national economies. The key objectives of the symposium are to:
- Bring out the specific cases which highlight the social and economic impact created by national geospatial information agencies
- Understand the connection between work done by these agencies the social life of citizens and national economies
- Understand how this connection is estimated and communicated to other stakeholders
- Deepen understanding of the role and relevance of national geospatial agencies for various sectors of economic significance
PROGRAMME
Wednesday, 25 May, 2016
Introduction and Overview
Geospatial Media will deliver a presentation based on a white paper developed on the topic Impact of Geospatial Information on Society and National Economies. The paper has assimilated a number of such studies and produced a derivative of the studies. This presentation will set the tone for the discussions to be held over the next two days.
Geospatial impacting Society and Economy: Consultants perspective
Few consultancies have done impact assessment studies on value of geospatial technologies on national economies. This session will invite presentations on their studies, methodologies and insights.
Role of Geospatial Information in attaining Economic Growth
The day’s presentations will highlight in specific how geospatial information have helped establishing stronger economic impact for countries/regions through contribution to sectors such as agriculture, electricity, building and construction, telecom etc.
Thursday, 26 May, 2016
Role of Geospatial Information in attaining Sustainable Development Goals
The day’s agenda will include case studies substantiating the role of national geospatial information agencies in achieving the SDGs like healthcare, safety and security, improved governance, education etc.
