On May 19, 2004 a one day workshop is to be held in Victoria to discuss policies that will govern geomatic initiatives in Canada, and in particular what efforts are being undertaken by the provincial government in this area. The GeoConnections Policy Node and the Geomatics Industry Association of Canada (GIAC) are hosting a series of policy workshops across Canada.
Geomatics has a direct impact on a number of different sectors across Canada and this impact is directly related to geomatics policies. Important questions related to key policy issues need to be asked: What overall strategies for geomatics infrastructure should be a priority?…How to define framework data?…What data should be maintained as a public good?…What partnership and delivery models can benefit both private sector and government?…How can local governments be supported?…How can access, distribution, and archiving of data be improved?…What are the needs/issues of emerging geomatics markets?…What are the needs/issues for land administration?
The GeoConnections Policy Node and the Geomatics Industry Association of Canada (GIAC) are hosting a series of policy workshops across Canada aimed at addressing a number of those key policy issues. These one-day forums are being held to:
- Solicit input on priorities for investment and support in geomatics infrastructure;
- Gain a consensus from the geomatics industry and user community on key policy issues facing the geomatics community as the GeoConnections Program sunsets;
- Foster debate on how best to implement various geomatics initiatives and;
- Provide an informal venue for producers, distributors and users of geomatics technology, data and applications to meet and exchange ideas.
Format:
The format of the workshops is designed to gain as much input from participants as possible, providing each participant a chance to express perspective and be heard. The workshops will start at 8:45 am and will featuring a keynote speech by a senior government official.
Key Policy issues:
There are a number of key geomatics policy issues facing the private sector and governments across Canada. The workshops will look to explore the following issues:
- What overall strategies for geomatics infrastructure should be a priority?
- How to define framework data?
- What data should be maintained as a public good?
- What partnership and delivery models can benefit both private sector and government?
- How can local governments be supported?
- How can access, distribution, and archiving of data be improved?
- What are the needs/issues of emerging geomatics markets?
- What are the needs/issues for land administration?
The workshops will be held in the following cities:
Victoria May 19
Regina May 26
Edmonton June 1
Quebec City June 7 (TBC)
Toronto June 10 (TBC)
Halifax June 16
St. John’s June 18
Ottawa June 23
A complete discussion paper outlining the key issues is available in Adobe PDF format.
For more information, including locations, dates, and agendas, see http://www.giac.ca/site/policy.html or call 613-232-8770.
