English 
1. Background
CartONG promotes geographic information exchange between NGOs and humanitarian organizations for the purpose of increasing the harmonization of data sharing and the co-ordination of programmes. CartONG specializes in the thematic of internally displaced persons and refugees, as well as the consequences of human displacement. In support of its projects on the ground, CartONG encourages the harmonization of information, cartographic services, training and expertise in problem solving. CartONG aims to promote networking between NGOs that are working to collaborate in geomatics solutions.
Multiple actors working in different sectors of the humanitarian field must be encouraged to rise above technical difficulties and work to increase the use of geographic information as a realistic tool to manage humanitarian activities. One of CartONG’s main objectives is to encourage NGO co-ordination and information sharing by using the pre-existing, adaptable, and standardized techniques of geographic information systems. Nevertheless, there exists a problematic of harmonization of information. This represents one of our major objectives for which we invite NGOs to mobilize. In working towards these challenges, CartONG is organizing its first GeOnG Forum:GeOng, Geomatics, an indispensible partner for NGO decision making processes.
2. When and Where?
Date: September 25-26, 2008
Location: Maison des Associations, Chambéry, France
3. Objectives/Methods
The primary objective is for GIS technicians to acquaint, meet and exchange working methods in order to create a network between people using geomatics in a humanitarian and development context.
CartONG also plans to launch an exchange platform in order to harmonize geographic data with the goal of streamlining interventions and operating costs.
A detailed plan for the conference is being prepared. The following subjects will present a outline of the key themes to be addressed.
Collect data and manage information attributes
Information quality
Sharing inter-sectorial information between NGOs
Specialization in access to information
Challenges posed by the use of geomatics for NGOs
Use of geodata to optimise decision-making processes
In accordance with the themes suggested above, you are cordially invited to present exemplary or emergent practices as well as to share your experiences, points of view, and visions of how geomatics can be used within humanitarian action. Your participation is essential.
We invite positive consideration of this proposition and request that you inform us of your interest in participating in our conference as soon as possible.
4. Expected Participants
Participants must be from NGOs, the United Nations or the private sector. It is hoped that the make up of the conference will be 70% NGOs, 15% UN and 15% from other organizations or the private sector.
The participants must understand the humanitarian context and have experience in geomatics and GIS cartography.
French is the official language of the conference; however, some presentations will be conducted in English
5. Fees
Depending on the number of participants and funding from our sponsors, CartONG plans to assist financially in the travel expenses and daily stipend of participants for the two days of the conference.
6. RSVP / Registration
Response is required prior to August 16, 2008, at the latest.
Please download the questionnaire for participation in the forum. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Further information on the GeOnG conference is available at the following web address:
Contact :
CartONG
180, rue de Genevois
73000 Chambéry
Tél : +33 4 79 26 28 83
E-mail : info@cartong.org
Kaltouma Issaka, Forum Organizer: k_issaka@cartong.org
Yann Rébois, GIS Technician: y_rebois@cartong.org
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