This July Beijing will welcome more than three thousand delegates from all over the world to the twenty-first ISPRS Congress. Whilst the whole nation anxiously prepares for the 2008 Olympics, host city Beijing has made great developmental progress at an unprecedented pace over the past four years. We are seeing an almost “brand new” Beijing emerge from its charming and traditional environment, surrounds featuring perhaps the greatest variety of architectural masterpieces to be found anywhere among the world’s mega-cities. In the new Beijing your eye will be frequently caught by the great diversity of ancient and modern landmarks which in the language of architecture relate the story of this city: its history, culture and modern life.

Magnanimity
In addition to the most well known historical landmarks, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven, other ultra-modern architecture blends beautifully with the city’s historical past. There is the new National Grand Theatre (“The Egg”), the National Stadium (“Bird’s Nest”), a National Swimming Centre (“Water Cube”), and the enigmatic “Z criss-cross” CCTV headquarters edifice. And Beijing is a cultural city of great magnanimity. The city opens her arms to all newcomers, no matter what their cultural background. Here you will find every kind of performing art, including traditional Peking opera, classical music, opera and ballet, modern dancing and the wildest rock-’n-roll. If you prefer peace and quiet you might wish to pay a visit to one of the scores of museums, art galleries and antique exhibition halls.

Programme
The congress will offer an excellent scientific and technical programme, with plenty of business activities. There have been 2,817 abstracts submitted and the congress will offer three plenary sessions, 101 technical sessions (Working Group, theme or special), five youth forum sessions, three user forum sessions, two CATCON sessions, 48 interactive sessions, and a number of pre-­congress tutorials and workshops.

We are ready and waiting for the ISPRS 2008 Congress! Are you ready to attend the Congress and the beautiful Olympic City of Beijing?