During GEO Week 2021, the Group on Earth Observations will present the multidisciplinary activities of the GEO Work Programme that address policy agendas involved in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
The online event will include the GEO-17 plenary, plus anchor and side events. Time will be scheduled each day for virtual networking. On Monday, November 22, the 56th Executive Committee will be held as a closed meeting.
Of particular importance will be the anchor events: These are the main events designed by GEO week 2021 organisers to explain the multidisciplinary nature of GEO through the concept of nexus thinking. Working on multiple topics simultaneously is essential in today’s rapidly changing environmental and social conditions. For example, work in one area will have a knock-on effect or impact in another area, such as the water, energy and food nexus. These events are linked to the global policy agendas that underpin most of GEO’s work.
Image credit: NASA
The presenters for this topical webinar will be Dr Craig Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Surveying/GPS/Geodesy at UNSW and Wayne Patterson Director, Spatial Operations at the NSW Department of Customer Service.
Roberts will give a short update on the revision of the Australian Standard, AS_5488 Classification of subsurface utility information in the context of datum modernisation, low-cost multi-GNSS and recent advances in positioning infrastructure in Australia.
Data storage, data distribution and security are identified as challenges suggesting a reimagined data governance will be needed. Could a spatial digital twin assist? What is a spatial digital twin? Is it a BIM? Where does it come from? What is an open data policy? Who can use it? Can I use it? Which datum? How accurate is the data?
Rather than just another PowerPoint webinar, Roberts will interview Patterson in a free-flowing format. Attendees will be invited to ask their own questions live in the chat as the conversation evolves.
This webinar is targeted at surveyors, geospatial users, students and the wider spatial community.
