International Cartographic Association executive meets in Dubai

The day-long meeting was organized as part of the Map Middle East 2006 conference, which is being held during 26-29 March at Dubai World Trade Centre, with the theme 'Geospatial for All and All for Geospatial.'

The meeting was aimed at exploring the potential cooperation of ICACI with the UAE in view of the explosive pace of developments witnessed by the country. It was also aimed at meeting the cartographic and geoinformatic community in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general.

The ICACI is the premier world organization of professionals in cartography and geospatial sciences with 80 member countries and 20 affiliated members. It was established to promote the discipline and profession of cartography in an international context, to ensure that cartography and geospatial sciences are used for the maximum benefit of humanity worldwide.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Zaffin, Director of GIS Centre in Dubai Municipality, who welcomed the delegates to the ICACI executive committee, said there is a lack of international specifications and standards in using cartographic information, which is being used mainly by governmental agencies.

He said the ICACI, of which Dubai is a member, has achieved many milestones in the UAE. They include establishment of integral reference frame for all surveying and mapping based on WGS84 datum, setting up and promulgating digital mapping standards, creation of seamless GIS-Basemap (Emirate of Dubai), implementation of web-based round the clock availability of GIS database with real-time links to other strategic databases on the GIN, training and upgradation of staff on continuing education basis, and monitoring and helping all sister organizations to upgrade their levels of functioning.

Professor Milan Konecny, President of ICACI, who opened the meeting, said that there is a good potential for geospatial science in the UAE. "We have to make us visible among the international GIS community. Hence, the ICACI will explore the possibilities of an increased cooperation with the UAE," he said.

Konecny said cartography and geoinformatics play an important role in early warning of natural calamities.

The executive committee of ICACI discussed the essential role for participation of UAE specialists in ICACI activities, commissions and working groups in view of growing convergence of cartography with various digital spatial data technologies and evolution of geoinformatics.

Professor Ferjan Ormeling, Secretary General of ICACI gave a detailed presentation about the organization, its structure and activities. The meeting was also attended by delegates from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.