The GIS Edge in Post-Conflict Rebuilding:
Case Studies in the Application of Geographic Information Systems

Wednesday, November 17, 1999, 9:00 a.m. =96 12:30 p.m.
United States Institute of Peace
1200 17th Street NW, First Floor Conference Room, Washington, D.C. 20036

Lower costs and improvements in computer-based components are expanding =
research and application of geographical information systems (GIS) in =
rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in war ravaged nations. GIS =
provides policymakers, peacekeepers, international aid managers and local =
authorities with the power to create maps, integrate and manipulate =
information, visualize scenarios and solve complex problems. By =
facilitating the spatial analysis of economic, social and political data, =
geographic information systems can reveal hidden patterns, relationships =
and trends that are not readily apparent otherwise. Relating a variety of =
data to a geographic location, GIS offers these practitioners the =
opportunity to share a common base of information for post-conflict =
rebuilding activities.

"The GIS Edge in Post-Conflict Rebuilding" will address actual and =
potential applications of geographic information systems (GIS) in post-=
conflict rebuilding, focusing on data sources, organizational capabilities,=
 products, challenges and lessons learned in the use of GIS. Speakers =
will describe case studies relevant to the resettlement of refugees and =
displaced persons, elections, land distribution, and resources management =
in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and El Salvador.

Moderator: Carmelle J. Cote, International Relations/GIS Consultant, =
Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI) Inc.

Presenters:

=95 "Bosnia Forest Assessment: Using Satellite Remote Sensing to Foster =
Inter-Entity Cooperation in Resources Management"
Harry Bader, Professor of Natural Resources Management, University of Alask=
a, Fairbanks, currently on leave at Yale University, School of Forestry =
and Environmental Studies; and Andrew Balser, Remote Sensing Specialist, =
University of Alaska, Fairbanks

=95 "GIS and Election Analysis in Post-Dayton Bosnia"
Lee R. Schwartz, Chief of the Division of Global Issues, Office of the =
Geographer and Global Issues, Department of State

=95 "GIS and Related Technologies for a Land Distribution Program in El =
Salvador"
Julio Segovia, GIS Specialist, Strategic Development Office, U.S. Agency =
for International Development, U.S. Embassy, San Salvador

=95 "Cross-Border Crisis Intervention: The Use of GIS in Kosovo"
William B. Wood, Geographer and Director of the Office of the Geographer =
and Global Issues, Department of State

Event will be filmed by ESRI Graphics Team

RSVP: Please email Suzanne Wopperer at [log in to unmask] or call 202.429.=
3832