5th International Geomatica Congress, Havana Cuba

The 5th International Geomatica Congress 2007 with the theme "Geomatics for Development" took place within the framework of INFORMATICA Convention, at the Havana Convention Palace from 12-16 February 2007, with the focus on how Geomatics can contribute to development of Cuba. Geographic dimensions of e-Government, disaster management, human development, among other national priorities were discussed, as well as many applications of Geoinformation of interest to enterprise sectors. A number of international NGOs were represented at the Congress, including ISPRS by John Trinder, First Vice President. Papers were given by Cuban and international visitors on a broad range of topics on Geoinformation. Overall the congress was a significant event for Cuba. In addition, a number of workshops were held before and after the congress, two of which were on close range photogrammetry and geomatics education, the latter led by Dra Tania Sausen of INPE Brazil. A brief summary will be given of the first of these workshops.

The 2nd Photogrammetry workshop held on 12th February 2007 was dedicated specifically to tackling photogrammetric aspects of documentation of the built heritage, or Architectural Photogrammetry, with the motto "Photogrammetry at the service of documentation, rehabilitation and handling of cultural heritage". The workshop was chaired by John Trinder, First Vice-President of ISPRS, from the University of New South Wales in Australia and Sandra Haydee Gonzales Garcia, Coordinator of the Cuban Committee of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (CCFPR). C Pedro Martinez Fernandez, General Director of the Investigation Centre GEOCUBA IC and President of the Cuban Committee of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (CCFPR), in welcoming experts from Australia, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Cuba, spoke briefly about the recent achievements of Cuba, the strategies and future plans, as well as the objectives of this workshop.

John Trinder gave a presentation titled "State of the Art of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing in Heritage Documentation" which discussed the essential aspects of the theory and technological developments. In addition, he explained the importance and necessity of the calibration of the photographic cameras used to carry out this photogrammetric work. The topic "Panoramic Photogrammetry for Architectural Applications" was presented by Thomas Luhmann, from Oldenburg, Germany, Chair of ISPRS WG V/1, who described 3-dimensional modelling with the efficient use of diverse technologies. The Cuban experts Sandra Gonzales Garcia and Bernardino D Diaz Rodriguez, gave the principal results achieved in displaying facades, monuments, bas-relief and the study of damaged structures, employing photogrammetric techniques. Ciro Diaz, from the University of Sinaola, Mexico spoke on the topic of the "Use of digital software in academia and professional practice. The use of digital cameras and non-metrics". The morning session concluded with the presentation of the "MDT. Determination of volume through simulation" by Eduardo J. Piatti, the University of San Juan, Argentina. This subject was a practical application linking materials and various methods to provide environmental solutions of high socio-economic impact.

The afternoon session began with C. Victor Androv, Executive Director of RACURS, Russia, presenting the paper "Current State of the Photogrammetric Digital System PHOTOMOD", guiding us through the practical capabilities of the photogrammetric system which includes a complete and interactive package of programs. The paper "Digital Modern Technologies of Terrestrial Stereophotogrammetry" was presented by Dr C. Alexander Chebunechev Georgievech, of MIIGAIK, Moscow Russia, giving a practical lesson on high quality object modelling with metric representations. Feihl Olivier, archeologist, from the Swiss Company Archotech described graphically the theory and practical solutions of terrestrial 3D-laser scanning for metric descriptions of cultural heritage monuments and historical buildings.

The closing speech, given by Sandra H. Gonzales Garcia, focused on the fundamental aspects covered during the workshop. She thanked those participants for their attendance and urged them to initiate interchange between the professionals and the institutions represented, and at the same time called on them to actively participate in the next photogrammetry workshop, at the VI Geomatic Congress, to take place in 2009.

Prepared by:

Sandra Haydee Gonzales Garcia, National Coordinator, CCFPR Executive Secretary
and John Trinder, First Vice President, ISPRS