Enhanced Geospatial Collaboration

The GICHD has joined forces with UNOSAT, the centre of excellence for satellite imagery analysis within the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), to achieve progress in this important technical function. Collaboration will focus on a number of areas including the development of training capacity and the conduct of research on the application of GIS and satellite imagery. Shared knowledge, testing and research will assist both organisations in achieving their aims. An example of this cooperation is currently taking place on testing and evaluating the use of a Mini Aerial Photography Plane (MAPP). UNOSAT will also benefit from adding mine action expertise to their emergency operations. The GICHD has purchased a MAPP unit for testing purposes (see above with Inna Cruz, GICHD Geospatial support officer).

The GICHD was pleased to host Francesco Pisano, UNOSAT Manager, in December 2011 for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the GICHD and UNITAR.