Geospatial Sciences for Sustainable Development in Africa
Global Dialogue on Emerging Science and Technology (GDEST) 2008
Cape Town, South Africa—17-19 March, 2008
U. S. Department of State
Office of the Science and
Technology Adviser
“Harnessing the flow of geospatial information in addressing the challenges of sustainable development in Africa”

 The GDEST 2008 Conference on Geospatial Sciences for Sustainable Development in Africa will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from March 17 to 19, 2008. The aim of the Global Dialogues on Emerging Science and Technology is to increase partnerships and networking among scientists and experts in the United States and across other world regions by building upon and reinforcing existing networks among international partner scientists and governments. The conference will highlight challenges, opportunities, and potential steps toward the effective use of geospatial science for sustainable development in Africa.

Research papers and posters will be considered for presentation by specialists in the field of geospatial sciences. All participants selected (based on the attached application) will be reimbursed for their travel, lodging, and meals associated with the GDEST Africa Conference. All participants will be expected to attend all three days of the conference.
The Conference will address three broad conference themes, listed below. Workshops on various conference sub-themes will also be offered as part of conference participation. The conference papers and proceedings are planned to be published following the meeting.
Conference Themes:
• (1) Observing Africa, including examining trends and opportunities in monitoring the environment and sustainability issues;
• (2) Analysis of regional challenges to Africa, how decisions and policies have been directly influenced by modeling, analysis, and visualization tools; and
• (3) The African data stream, constraints and approaches for getting valid data in a timely and affordable manner in a useful format, and how it can be shared among collaborators.

Contact:
Dr. Julian Smit
Division of Geomatics
University of Cape Town
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Phone: +27-21-650-3574
Fax: +27-21-650-3572
Private Bag
Cape Town, Western Cape 7701
South Africa

Paul Bartel
Phone: +1-202-203-7787
Fax: +1-202-203-7790
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U.S. Department of State
SA-44, Room 602
301 4th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20547