Mailbox - ISPRS in Africa

Response to Holger Magel (2)

Online comments on Holger Magel's Blog column on rural capacity building, published in the October issue of GIM International:

Ciprian S.: "I strongly agree with this topic. Furthermore, exchange of knowledge between farmers could help in rural capacity building."

Xui Li: "This is important for China. There is too much neglect of these issues."

Dear Editor-in-chief,

As a regular reader of GIM International, I thank you for bringing out this valuable magazine.

I was surprised to learn, on reading the September 2009 issue, that the Dutch are known for their stinginess and money-grubbing.

Kindly throw more light on free GIS software. I look forward to the Intergeo Preview 2009.

As an Indian, I request you to cover more about my country.

Thanks and regards,

Yours sincerely,

S. Balasubramanian

India

ISPRS in Africa

In the August issue of GIM International ISPRS reported on the first meeting of the Committee on Development Information, Science and Technology (CODIST), the theme of which was ‘Scientific Development, Innovation and the Knowledge Economy' in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting took place from 28th April to 1st May 2009.

Two of our readers responded to this report, on the GIM International website.

Felix Iyiola commented:

"What we need in Africa is to sensitise policy-makers and appropriate legislation for everyone to fall in with." 

Queen Umeana agreed:

"Why aren't services extended and opened to those out there with GIS, remote-sensing capabilities? Perhaps to help ponder those hidden ideas regarding humanitarian-type assistance, as well as aid in outstanding dynamic education and outreach programmes (globalised entities per se)! There are a lot of people out there with superb GIS skills (graduate students, to name but a few) who would be more than pleased to assist. Anything to help foster education for kids; I believe people will be open to this. With emerging technology clambering into our backyards, strategic policies to address African development, with appropriate accountabilities, will foster a great project.

Technology has opened up the gateway to developing partnerships globally. Development information, science and technology are the way to go!"