G-SIG Showcases Geospatial Technology for Anticipatory Mapping at FOSS4G Conference in Tasmania, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania, 5 – 8 November, 2024 — The association of Grupo Sistema Informasaun Geografia (G-SIG), represented by its President, Mr. Ponciano da Costa de Jesus, proudly participated in the Free and Open-Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) regional conference held at the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Organized by OSGeo Oceania, this prestigious event convened geospatial experts, practitioners, and advocates from across the Pacific, Asia, and other parts of the world to explore and promote the use of open-source geospatial technologies. The conference was held in conjunction with State of the Map (SotM) Oceania, supported by the OpenStreetMap Foundation, and served as a major platform for advancing collaboration, innovation, and capacity building within the open mapping community.

During the conference, Mr. Ponciano da Costa de Jesus delivered a presentation highlighting G-SIG’s initiatives on open mapping and the application of geospatial data for anticipatory action in Timor-Leste. The presentation focused on G-SIG’s anticipatory mapping efforts in Bobonaro Municipality, showcasing how open-source geospatial tools are being leveraged to support disaster preparedness and response, particularly in relation to flood and landslide risks.

This marks the first-ever participation of a Timorese youth-led organization at a regional FOSS4G event. Although the conference is held annually across the Pacific region, G-SIG’s involvement in this year’s edition represents a significant milestone for Timor-Leste in the international open geospatial dialogue.

G-SIG extends its sincere appreciation to OSGeo Oceania for the generous support that made this participation possible. As a youth-driven association committed to the advancement of geospatial technology in Timor-Leste, G-SIG remains dedicated to empowering Timorese youth through knowledge-sharing and skill development in open-source platforms such as OpenStreetMap, QGIS, and other related technologies.

Through its ongoing efforts, G-SIG strives to build a future where geospatial innovation plays a vital role in strengthening disaster resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development across Timor-Leste.