At the Shanghai World Expo 2010, the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Google[1] are organising an event entitled “Humanitarian Mapping Applications of Google Map Maker Data”. Several interactive, informational sessions will be held in the UN Pavilion at the World Expo on Friday, 24 & Saturday, 25 September 2010 from 10:00 to 13:00. These sessions will showcase the achievements of the cooperative initiative between UNITAR and Google that provides tangible benefits for the international humanitarian community.
Speakers from UNITAR and Google will share with the general public how geographic information such as accurate place names and locations of roads, generated by Google Map Maker volunteers around the world helps UNOSAT produce better and quicker geospatial products and maps. The data from Google Map Maker contains vital information about affected populations, transportation and key infrastructures, and is central to organizing and coordinating life-saving humanitarian operations as well as planning the early phases of recovery and reconstruction operations.
UNOSAT[2] has been supporting UN agencies and Member States with innovative geo-spatial tools for 10 years as a strategic applied research Programme of the UN Institute for Training and Research. Working with Google to integrate Map Maker data into UNOSAT satellite analysis has been a monumental development in UNOSAT’s ongoing efforts to make geographic information a key part of providing modern humanitarian relief. It also aligns with other major developments. such as the support provided to the United Nations by the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, from which UNOSAT obtains satellite data at no cost in case of major natural disasters.
Click here to read and download the Press Release (pdf)
[1] Google and the Google logo are trademarks of Google Inc. and are used with permission [2] UNOSAT is the operational satellite applications programme of UNITAR. Part of the Research Department of the Institute, it is a technology-intensive programme active in all aspects of applied research relating to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite solutions. The objective is to turn technology into concrete and usable applications for UN agencies, member states, and communities in a variety of areas ranging from emergency preparedness and response, to peace and security, climate change and environment preservation. More information at www.unitar.org/unosat