UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme was invited to Washington DC in early March to discuss experiences and new ideas in the area of geospatial information production and operational integration of geographic information solutions at this important event organised by the US Government and the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) and sponsored by major private satellite firms. The event exceeded all expectations with a max capacity exhibit area and registration numbers nearing 400 attendees among which the CEO’s and senior representatives of major satellite data providers worldwide.

  The 2010 ICRSS brought 3 days of discussions and exhibits to leaders within the commercial remote sensing industry. The positive feedback from both speakers and attendees has been overwhelming, and has provided a compelling argument to make this a recurring event.   Image: Francesco Pisano, UNOSAT Manager, answering questions after his speech on a panel including the International Atomic Energy Agency, the EU Satellite Centre and USGS. (Photo courtesy of USGIF)     Countries in attendance included Austria, Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Roughly 33% of our attendees were from government and military organizations such as the European Space Agency, NGA, U.S. Navy, OSD, U.S. Air Force, ODNI, NRO, Los Alamos National Lab, U.S. Army North, U.S. Coast Guard and the State Department. Capitol Hill was also well represented with staffers from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence as well as attendees from the offices of Sen. Udall, Rep. Ruppersberger, Rep. Tiahrt, Sen. Webb and Sen. Roberts.