The national structure of Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) is based upon the potential that emerges from economies of scale and standardised administrative procedures. It is a national body that felt the need to amalgamate the different disciplines within the perspective of spatial sciences. There are no barriers to membership of the Institute, but all members are expected to adhere to its Code of Ethics. Members are not required to hold an particular academic qualification.
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How did the idea of SSC ‘03 originate?
There has been a significant development in the ambit of spatial sciences and spatial information in the region. The concept behind the SSC 2003 is related to the Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) and the recently formed Spatial Sciences Coalition (SSC). The Coalition, basically, is an understanding between the five major arms of spatial sciences industry in Australia to collaborate and form a single entity. The professional disciplines of surveying, mapping, engineering and mining, surveying, remote sensing and photogrammetry and spatial information needed to be fused onto a single information platform. The Spatial Sciences Conference (SSC 2003) is a step towards achieving this aspiration. After two years of deliberation and preparation, the SSC is now holding this joint five-association conference to replace all the individual annual conferences related to the five major spatial industry professional associations.
How would you like to highlight the need, relevance and importance of SSC?
The Spatial Sciences Conference (SSC 2003) is a very crucial event to take place and be at. With the theme of 'Spatial Knowledge without Boundaries', it shall primarily aim at the 'integration of technologies' related to the five main disciplines that have joined hands on the platform of SSC. It shall also open avenues for other relevant organisations to join the league of SSI. The presence and direct backing of the government has given us the required credibility and networks. Finally, it is a necessity to streamline and develop a single entity/window that can be the center of all knowledge related to spatial sciences with whom the government, the industry, the research community and the general public can relate to. SSC shall hopefully address this necessity.
Please tell us something about the topics/issues proposed to be discussed at SSC 2003?
In tandem with the overall aim, the SSC 2003 shall primarily aim at the convergence of technologies associated with the different disciplines of spatial sciences. The concept and content of the event was developed with participation of academicians, industry representatives and field experts. The detailed outline and topics have been essentially a contribution of the research community (academic circles) with consultation of specialists. As a result of all the deliberations, the conference now has major attractions such as crucial keynote addresses, numerous workshops and technical sessions, spanning topics from 'System Development and Technical Specifications' to application areas like 'Emergency Management and Agriculture'.
What is the spatial science scenario in Australia in general and in that context what role do you see for SSC?
As per the 'Action Agenda' of the Australian Government, the spatial information sector gets associated with about 2% of the annual GDP of the nation. This is exclusive of the contribution of the numerous industries that do not have spatial science in their core, but are heavily dependent on spatial information and related sciences. Defence, natural resource exploration and management, transport, etc are just a few among the many industries deeply entwined with spatial sciences. Both the future as well the present are highly promising in terms of the overall scenario of spatial sciences in Australia. SSC 2003 will witness the convergence of 70 companies at one point to find avenues and areas of collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing. The event holds a massive potential in not only depicting the current market, but also creating a vision for the future.
Please tell us something about the SSI and its role?
The national structure of Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) is based upon the potential that emerges from economies of scale and standardised administrative procedures. It is a national body that felt the need to amalgamate the different disciplines within the perspective of spatial sciences. There are no barriers to membership of the Institute, but all members are expected to adhere to its Code of Ethics. Members are not required to hold an particular academic qualification. However, training, qualification and experience is and will be recognised and rewarded through formal certification. The SSI uses modern communication technology to minimise the costs of administration, to allow members in all regions the opportunity of taking an active part in the life of the Institute.
