SAASTA joins forces with SANSA at Geospatial Forum

In June, representatives from South Africa's geospatial industry gathered in Johannesburg to participate in the 2nd South Africa Geospatial Forum. Discussions focused on the role of GIS technology in delivering long-term prosperity to the region in a stable, sustainable and inclusive way.

The SumbandilaSat programme is part of a closely integrated South African space programme. Data derived from the programme are used for a variety of applications, including monitoring and managing disasters such as flooding, oil spills and fires within Southern Africa.		Johnny Rizos of SANSA explains to participants at the Geospatial Forum how SumbandilaSat operates.

SAASTA, in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), participated in the Forum. It provided SAASTA with an ideal opportunity to showcase and promote its space science outreach and awareness products and activities.

The aim of the two-day event was to bring together people working in the South African geospatial domain to explore existing opportunities, deliberate on technologies, share knowledge and learn from varied experiences. Participants included academics, policy makers, industrialists, users of geospatial information, people in the defence sector, those who create maps, and surveyors.

"Among the fascinating topics covered in the breakaway sessions were Earth observations and the applications of space science in modern agricultural practices and food security," says Anacletta Koloko, who interacted with visitors to the SAASTA/SANSA exhibition stand.