Nova Scotia To Host Geomatics Industry

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Nova Scotia To Host Geomatics Industry

About 300 experts in the field of geomatics will gather at Acadia University on June 24 and 25 for the annual Geomatics Atlantic conference.

Geomatics involves the technology of gathering, analyzing, interpreting, distributing and using geographic information. It brings together various disciplines - like geography, technology and cartography - to create a detailed picture of the world.

The Atlantic region is a leader in geomatics technology and training. The Lawrencetown campus of the Nova Scotia Community College is home to the Centre of Geographic Science.

"The conference will help to maintain the Atlantic provinces' leadership role in the industry," said Danny Gray, director of geographic information services at Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Geomatics continues to be an invaluable resource that serves Atlantic Canadians and the rest of the world."

Keynote speaker Lee Meek will discuss how geomatics helped in the recovery of debris from the space shuttle Columbia.

Gordon Fader, a two-time winner of the Canada Merit Award, will talk about how geomatics has influenced his work on projects such as Hibernia Oil Development, Confederation Bridge and the Halifax Harbour clean-up.

Other topics at the conference will be:

• how people can use the Internet-based GeoNOVA portal to access a variety of geographic data gathered by the province of Nova Scotia
• how geographical information systems played a role in disaster management following the crash of Swiss Air flight 111
• how police dispatchers use technology to locate officers and K-9 teams.

David Keefe, of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, has been involved with the Geomatics Atlantic Conference for 11 years.

"This two-day conference is always a success," he said. "There are always new technologies being explored and I'm proud to say in many cases Atlantic Canada is leading the way in geomatics."

Mr. Keefe said the conference is of particular interest to corporations and those in government, "but all interested parties are more than welcome to attend."

Registration and more information is available through the conference's Web site at: www.geomaticsatlantic.com .