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Editorial Desk GIS Development

We would like to remember the words by Socrates "Man must rise above the Earth - to the top of the atmosphere and beyond - for only then will he fully understand the world in which he lives". Though the purpose and the situation is unknown, I would like to underline the significance of space sciences in understanding the underlying mysteries of the colossal universe.

Nations like Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria, and South Africa in particular have conceived this and South Africa has been the space hub for Africa and beyond. The range of research in space and related sciences has moved South Africa beyond the earth observation areas to be a pioneer in astronomical sciences. South Africa's launch of SUMBANDILAsat next month and its positive move towards establishing a National Space Agency and Space Policy for the country will be adding up to these efforts. The developments is reflected well in the Global Competitiveness Report[GCR] by the World Economic Forum, where South Africa ranks 45, a position shared by technology driven nation. According to GCR, Botswana too, is making significant changes in it's 'legitimate institutions, governance spending and public trustworthiness of it's decision makers', thus helping it harness the key natural resources for better economic growth rate.

The efforts being put up for the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF), for bringing Africa under a common geodetic reference frame and providing free access to GPS data through Africa is worth mentioning. This paper by Kamamia, Farah and Ottichillo at RCMRD, Nairobi mentions the objectives and implementation strategy of AFREF along with the issues faced by the implementing agencies. In addition to this there are initiatives in place for the geospatial capacity building for the African Region. International Federation of Surveyors website has a list of various agencies engaged in the process of geospatial building of Africa. [http://www.fig.net/jbgis/adhoc/jbgis_capacity_inst.pdf]

Finally we would like to say "Science can only ascertain what is, but not what should be, and outside of its domain value judgments of all kinds remain necessary". This statement ascertains the need and role of decision makers to realise and implement the solutions that science has for the challenges and problems around us.