Background

The Workshop on GIS and Space Technology for Sustainable Development of Asia aimed to help countries to share knowledge on appropriate geographical information system (GIS) and space technologies for their various development sectors by identifying users' problems in each country, match-make between demand and supply of available technologies, and create a national roadmap for their use and development towards sustainable development. Its focus sectors include disaster management, survey, urban development, agriculture, environment, forest, transport and infrastructure.

Thoughts and cases on GIS and space technology were presented to brainstorm on new ideas for utilization, research, and development. Technical, legal, administrative and standardizing barriers in developing and introducing the space-technology-based system were discussed and ways to increase national support to GIS and space technologies were explored.

A workshop summary will be produced to encourage and help all users and developers of the technologies in pursuing actions in their home countries. Participants' input on specific requirement of technologies, (e.g. accuracy of satellite data,) will be reflected in satellite development program of space agencies, e.g. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Results of the workshop should lead to project formulation by ADB and other bilateral and multilateral financing institutions in partnership with countries in the region.

Objectives

• Shared thoughts and cases on GIS and space technology applied in various fields in the Asia
• Common understanding of technical, legal, administrative and standardization barriers in developing and introducing the space-technologybased system
• Specific requirement of GIS and space technology in Asian countries which will be reflected in satellite development program of Asian space agencies

Organizers

The workshop was organized by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and ADB.

Participants

Officials and specialists of government and space agencies, representatives from universities and companies, experts from the Asia-Pacific Water Forum's KnowledgeHubs, and ADB staff participated in the workshop.