UN-GGIM: Europe - GGCE: Pulling Together For A Stronger Global Geodetic Reference Frame.pdf

Date: Thursday, 14 October 2021, 14:00 – 15:30 (CEST)

Focus: European contributions to the Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF) and establishment of the Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (GGCE).

Key Points:

1. European Challenges: Insufficient collaboration, coordination, funding, reliance on in-kind contributions, lack of capacity and capability, and redundancy are major hurdles related to the GGRF.

2. Side Event Objectives:
- Explore European needs, priorities, and contributions to the GGRF.
- Provide status updates on GGCE establishment.
- Discuss how GGCE can strengthen the European geodesic community.

3. Speakers and Topics:
- Gregory Scott (UN-GGIM): Role of global geodesy in science and society, challenges it faces.
- Paul Becker (BKG, Germany): Germany's offer to host GGCE.
- Johannes Bouman (BKG, Germany): Status of GGCE establishment efforts.
- Per Erik Opseth (Norwegian Mapping Authority): Challenges in global geodetic infrastructure.
- Martin Lidberg (Lantmateriet, Sweden): Swedish contribution to international geodetic infrastructure.
- Zuheir Altamimi (International Association of Geodesy): IAG statement.

4. GGCE Background:
- The GGRF underpins geospatial information crucial for sustainable development, urban planning, emergency services, land management, disaster mitigation, environmental monitoring, and climate change understanding.
- National mapping agencies face challenges in sustaining geodetic infrastructure due to lack of long-term commitments and funding.

5. UN-GGIM Actions:
- Recognized challenges in 2013.
- Adopted a UN General Assembly resolution on GGRF sustainability in 2015.
- Established the GGCE concept in 2019, with Germany offering to host it in Bonn.

6. Next Steps:
- UN-GGIM Committee of Experts adopted position and concept papers on sustaining the GGRF and establishing the GGCE in August 2021.
- Member States are encouraged to engage with GGCE initiatives.

7. Logistics:
- Virtual event (connection details provided before the event).
- Language: English.
- Organizers: European members of the Subcommittee on Geodesy and UN-GGIM: Europe.