Technical Seminar on Reference Frames in Practice: Progress and Challenges in the Americas Region

Introduction

The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) is the premier international organization representing the interests of surveyors worldwide. It is a federation of the national member associations and covers the whole range of professional fields within the global surveying, geomatics, geodesy and geo-information community. It provides an international forum for discussion and development aiming to promote professional practice and standards.

SIRGAS is the Geodetic Reference System for the Americas. Its definition corresponds to the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) and it is realized by a regional densification of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) in the Americas. Besides the geometrical reference system, SIRGAS includes the definition and realization of a vertical reference system, based on ellipsoidal heights as geometrical component and geopotential numbers (referred to a global conventional W0 value) as physical component.

The RFIP Seminars are intended as a means to educate surveyors and other affiliated professions regarding the definition, maintenance and access to geometric and vertical reference frames, and their use and applications of GNSS for access. Additionally, appropriate standards, technology and tools are covered all as a part of education, training and capacity development.

Objective

While abbreviated in format, this seminar is intended to provide an overview of these topics in a virtual setting. To strengthen the advocacy and deliberation skills for geospatial experts and surveying professionals to effectively represent and communicate their positions and requirements to SIRGAS as a scientific body, the FIG as a professional organization and other professional fora. The focus will be on the surveying/geodetic/mapping needs from perspective of surveyor/practioner

Target Audience

Surveyors, GIS professionals, and other technical and professional representatives of Americas region.

Format

This side event will be hosted via the GoToWebinar platform on December 2 2021 between 18:00 and 20:00 UTC. It will comprise a series of presentations, a breakout groups exercise, panel discussion session, open discussion and closing remarks. The event will be conducted in English with Spanish translation on an ad hoc basis.

Registration URL https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8207982263965818379

Webinar ID 771-993-987

Convenors

FIG Commission 5:

• Dr. Daniel Roman (Chair)
• Dr. Kevin Ahlgren (Vice-Chair-Administration)
• Mr. David Avalos (Vice-Chair Vertical Reference Frames)

SIRGAS:

• Dr. Demian Gomez (President WG II)
• Dr. Dana Caccamise (U.S. rep. To WG II)