EAD participates in Map Middle East 2009

The exhibition, which was held from 26-28 April 2009 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, was an opportunity for EAD to interact with other government entities using GIS and learn about their data holdings.

EAD has been using GIS technologies since 1996 and a few of these applications including Air Quality monitoring System, Water Resources Management System, Geoportal and Wildlife tracking were showcased in the exhibition.

EAD employees from various sectors were present at the stand to answer queries of visitors and to familiarize them with EAD's products and services. EAD highlighted the application of Geospatial technology through its systems and products at the event.

Additionally, EAD together with the UAE Armed Forces and the conference organizers, GIS Development, hosted an educational program for secondary school students of government, model and private schools in Abu Dhabi Emirate.

The students were introduced to GIS, followed by an interactive game identifying marine habitats and corresponding species. GIS as a career opportunity was also highlighted. The students were also given the opportunity to meet the first Korean Astronaut Yi So-yeon. The winning schools were awarded GPS devices by EAD, together with an opportunity to train the teachers and students to enable them to use the device in their school projects.

At an award ceremony, the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI), a flagship project of EAD, was recognized as the best application of Geospatial technologies in Environmental Management in the region, and was presented an award. The Agency's exhibition stand was also voted the best among the various exhibitors.

The Military Survey Department and the Space Reconnaissance Centre of the UAE Armed Forces presented mementos to the Agency as a token of their appreciation for EAD's efforts in using Geospatial technologies to protect Abu Dhabi's environment.