To succeed in a world where globalisation is a key socio-economic process the geo-industry needs to think and act without frontiers. So states the organiser of the Intergeo conference and trade-fair, to be held at the Messe Düsseldorf from 4th to Thursday 6th October. I agree with this assertion; moreover, I see the geo-industry crossing borders. Look at the pace at which Chinese companies are taking their place on the market. Look at the way in which companies are forming international alliances. German companies are selling newly developed software packages to US-based companies. And Swiss companies are reaching across the ocean to find partners. Look at the biggest surveying companies: the world is their working field.

Traditionally the October issue of GIM International is devoted to the biggest trade-fair in the world, or at least within Europe. We carry an extended preview of the Intergeo, introducing new products. This year you will find a lot of new software packages, GPS receivers and other navigational devices and, of course, many new, integrated high-end total stations. Stand numbers are given to help you to plan your route and not miss anything. GIM International also traditionally carries a product survey on high-end total station s in this October issue. The present product survey discusses all features of today’s total stations, so it’ll make it lot easier for you to choose one if you have to. I am sure the technical guys at the fair will be more than happy to demonstrate the total stations to you if you would like.

A very international Intergeo with visitors from all over the world will, once again, prove how adept the geo-industry is becoming in overstepping national and regional barriers. This year’s theme ‘Exceeding Limits’ greatly appeals to GIM International. We have been exceeding limits and crossing borders for years now, with close to 11,000 subscribers from 164 countries, and authors and contributors from almost as many. We are doing our utmost to cover developments in geomatics from all corners of the world. If you have any suggestions or remarks as to how we can improve our work, I’ll be at the Intergeo trade-fair on stand L3.210. I’d be delighted to meet you!