Industry experts to share knowledge on benefits of GIS systems

Carlos Zeferino Torreblanca Galindo, Governor of the State of Guerrero, Mexico and the former mayor of Acapulco spoke of the poverty within his state. Demographic data he showed put his state near the bottom of most statistics in basic services. Most support comes from the federal government but by the time the state uses funds to pay for basic services and debt finance, little is left to support services for the people.

The state of Guerrero is using GIS for land registry for property tax assessment as well as to inventory of public buildings such as schools, health centres, and other government buildings. The gain his government has reaped by using GIS comes in the form of additional income which he has turned back into building new schools and health facilities.

Other key third world countries are already seeing financial benefits from utilising GIS. If Africa does not follow this lead, millions may be lost in potential revenue that could assist in building much need basic services in rural areas.

IQPC's Spatially Enabled Government Southern Africa will provide practical knowledge on the systems and strategies needed for effective use of GIS systems. Held in Johannesburg South Africa, from 27 - 30 September 2010, the event will bring together international speakers as well as local to share best-practise in GIS case studies and applications.

This is your opportunity to exchange best-practices and practical solutions that can be implemented to improve service delivery and integrated planning.

Attendees will benefit from four days of industry-leading presentations and exclusive workshops. Industry experts who will be sharing their knowledge include: DEFRA, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Department of Basic Education, Department of Health, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Land, Settlement and Rehabilitation -Namibia, Ministry of Lands - Department of Surveys - Kenya, Municipal Demarcation Board, City of Cape Town, State Information Technology Agency and The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development - Tanzania.