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Summary:
Since 2006, Institute of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS) has hosted the International Conference on Advances in Space Technologies (ICAST) each year. This year the conference (ICAST-2008) was organized by the Institute of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Islamabad Section, and IEEE/AESS (Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society) Islamabad Chapter and IEEE/GRSS (Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society) Islamabad Chapter. The conference was held on November 29-30 at the NUST Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan. Asmat Ali from the Survey of Pakistan provided an overview.
Almost 200 participants from various organizations such as Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Survey of Pakistan (SOP), the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), the Pakistan Science Foundation, the National ICT R&D Fund, NGOs like World Wildlife Fund Pakistan (WWF-P), as well as delegates from abroad were present at the conference. A number of practical examples of utilization of space technologies in service of mankind were presented. There were six technical sessions:
- Space Technologies
- Aerospace Systems
- Communication Systems Engineering
- Geographical Information Systems
- Remote Sensing and Image processing
- Social Benefits of Space Technologies
Dr. Zafar Taqvi, fellow of Automation and Technology Department - The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society, USA, shared with the participants his knowledge, understanding and experiences of "Communication Satellites." Dr. Jamil Kazami addressed in his keynote speech his vision that science is for today, not for tomorrow, which was a surprising statement for many participants. Like other presenters, he also kept the focus on technology rather than the knowledge that drives technology.
The speakers on geographical information systems, remote sensing and image processing presented their work, which was mostly technology-oriented. However, some social benefits of using space technologies were also highlighted.
Developing countries like Pakistan are fascinated by technologies rather than the knowledge that drives technologies.
