The Scottish Parliament: Supporting Policy with Geographic Information

AGI Scottish Group Workshop: Wednesday 3rd February 1999


Background and Objectives

This meeting aims to start a process of consultation about the future shape of Geographic 
Information (GI) in Scotland. The meeting is intended to be inclusive, and everyone involved in GI 
in Scotland is encouraged to attend. One outcome of the meeting will be the formation of a 
Scottish Group of the Association for Geographic Information (AGI).

Specific Objectives:

1. Create a common vision of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Scotland;
2. Initiate the formulation of strategic options for implementing this vision;
3. Identify the value added by integrating the spatial element in policy decision making and 
means of demonstrating the advantages; and4. Agree an approach for presenting the findings to 
policy makers.

Audience

The workshop is intended to attract professionals in any discipline or sector who has an interest 
in Geographic Information (GI) in Scotland, its uses and its potential role in providing support to 
decision making in the new Scottish Parliament.


Venue

Lister Postgraduate Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 11 Hill Square, Edinburgh. Access off 
South Bridge close to Old College. All-day car park at Crighton Street (5 minute walk).


Workshop Programme

The context for the workshop will be set by two keynote speakers. Mr David Carney of Geomatics 
Canada, who will describe the role of GI in government in Canada and a speaker from the 
Scottish Office (details remain to be confirmed). The majority of the workshop programme is 
centred upon five breakout groups, each of which will deal with a specific area of policy interest 
or role for GI. 


09.00 - 09.30   Coffee and Registration
09.30 - 10.30   Keynote Speakers;
                
David Carney, Executive Director of Business Development, Geomatics Canada
"Lessons Learned in Obtaining Political Support for NSDI Initiatives"

Speaker from The Scottish Office (details to be confirmed) 

10.30 - 12.30   Parallel Breakout Sessions              
                1. Environment Policy           
                2. Integrated Transport Policy  
                3. Indicators for Social Inclusion Policy               
                4. Rural Economic Policy                
                5. Partnerships for Delivering GI Services      
12.30 - 14.00   Buffet lunch
14.00 - 15.00   Breakout Sessions (Continued)
15.00 - 15.30   Coffee
15.30 - 16.30   Breakout Sessions: Reporting Back
16.30 - 17.00   Summary: The Way Forward
17.00 - 18.30   Bar and finger food

Sponsors

This workshop is sponsored by The Association for Geographic Information and Scottish 
Enterprise.


Registration

Personal Details
Title
Family Name                                     First Name
Organization
Mailing Address

Post Code

Telephone       
Fax             
Email           


Costs

The registration costs of the workshop will be 25pounds (+VAT) per person.
Payment: 
Cheque, made payable to "AGI"
Credit card:
 VISA            MASTERCARD         ACCESS 
Expiry date  

        Alternatively, invoices may be sent if requested.


Breakout Sessions:
Please write in the number of the breakout session you wish to attend  


Please send registration details and fee to:

        Miss Gayle Gander
        Association for Geographic Information
        12 Great George Street
        Parliament Square
        LONDON
        SW1P 3AD
        Tel:    0171 334 3746
        Fax:    0171 334 3791
        Email:  [log in to unmask]


For more information or queries, please contact Miss Gayle Gander at the above address.




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