The event, the first of its kind held in Vietnam by the Vietnam Association of Geodesy, Cartography and Remote Sensing (VGCR) and the FIG, attracts the participation of nearly 800 experts and scientists from FIG member associations and scientific-educational organisations over the world.

Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Minister of National Resources and Environment Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa said that since its participation in the FIG in 1992, Vietnam has had chances to gain access to advanced technology and exchange experience with international partners in surveying and cartography, thus helping meet socio-economic development requirements and ensure defence security.

She expressed her hope that through this event, Vietnamese surveyors can learn from experience of international colleagues so as to contribute more to the development of the country’s surveying and cartography sector.

VGCR President Tran Bach Giang stated that the FIG Working Week 2019 is a good opportunity for Vietnam to listen to world experts’ ideas on addressing issues related to climate change, sea level rise and coastal management, which remain challenges for Vietnamese surveyors.

Under the theme “Geospatial information for a smarter life and environmental resilience,” the four-day conference focuses on tackling the climate changes by working towards a smarter life both through the development of smart cities and also in rural areas.

Along with three plenary sessions and 60 technical sessions, the event includes an exhibition on surveying and cartography, and technical tours to remote sensing, surveying and natural resources facilities in Vietnam.-VNA