Photo: EIAST

[Via Satellite 11-12-13] The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) is organizing the eighth meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), an organization supported by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), which commenced Sunday Nov. 10th, 2013 and runs until Nov. 14th, 2013 at The Address Dubai Mall.

The conference is promoting the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) infrastructure for the common good. On the opening day, system providers of the GNSS, and international government agencies and NGOs from the United States, Russia, European Union, China, Japan and India shared the latest insights on services including the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and the European Satellite Navigation System (GALILEO).

During the remaining days of this forum, chaired by Omran Sharaf, director of space image processing & analysis, EIAST, the attending members will identify issues for discussion in future ICG plenary sessions and/or its working group meetings. Additionally they will present draft recommendations with regards to assemblies held since the seventh meeting of the ICG. Final recommendations will be reviewed towards the end of the sessions. EIAST is also arranging a technical visit to its Headquarters in Dubai to explore the technology and operation of DubaiSat 1, the UAE’s remote sensing Earth observation satellite.

“By hosting ICG, we hope to further expand our reach and collaboration with the international space community, and gain more knowledge about GNNS-related applications that can be leveraged to promote safety and economic development in the region,” said Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, chairman of the board of directors, EIAST.