Ghana Geospatial Society Holds Maiden Webinar On Role Of Geospatial Cloud Computing To Economy

Ghana Geospatial Society (GGS) in their maiden webinar on the 24th of August 2022 discussed the topic “Advancing the Role of Geospatial Cloud Computing in Ghana’s Economy, Society and Environment.”

Surv. Jones Ofori-Boadu, the Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Cooperation Services at the Land Commission, presided over the webinar. In his speech, Surv. Jones Ofori-Boadu stated his happiness that the Ghana Geospatial Society could discuss geospatial topics that are crucial to the country's growth and was a force to be reckoned with. He highlighted the Land Commission's assistance and cooperation with the Ghana Geospatial Society.

According to Rev. Prof. John Ayer (Lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST)), geospatial refers to location-based information, and any technology that may be used to access such information is a geospatial technology, including the widely utilized Global Navigation Satellite Systems and remote sensing. He clarified that geospatial information serves as the foundation for development and aids in the modelling of various socioeconomic, security, and monitoring scenarios.

Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe, a Geomatics Engineer at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, delivered a presentation emphasizing the importance of cloud computing to Ghana’s economy.  She defined cloud computing as the use of hosted services such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software over the internet. 

In agreement with Dr. Tagoe, Rev. Ayer described how using cloud computing spares consumers from keeping data on their hard drives by using servers that are located elsewhere but can be accessed online. He outlined the many benefits that cloud computing offers, including cost savings, and an increase in productivity, speed, and efficiency, among many other things. However, he admitted that there are some technological, compatibility, and security challenges that limit how secure data is on the cloud.

Mr. Edward Boamah a Technical Manager of Digital Earth Africa (DEA) gave a presentation on Digital Earth Africa as a cloud computing platform for geospatial computation wherever you are. He explained that the agenda of Digital earth Africa is to have earth observation data available for the usage of everybody within the African content and to support the Sustainable Development Goals and agenda 2063. He clarified that the platform's data availability was intended to translate data into knowledge that will revolutionize our understanding of Africa and help us make wise decisions in a variety of industries, particularly regarding our natural resources. He clarified that the DEA's goal is to increase its ability to use the free platform.

Responding to Dr. Ben Quaye’s (moderator) question about our level or readiness for geospatial cloud computing. All three panelists; Rev. Prof. John Ayer, Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe, and Mr. Edward Boamah agreed that as a nation, we were prepared. However, the main issue was the difficulty in accessing internet connectivity nationwide as well as the expense.

Surv. Kwame Tenadu Snr. the Vice President of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and participant in the webinar expressed his interest in the topic for the webinar and urges collaborative research by institutions and industries.

The Ghana Geospatial Society's mission, vision, and objectives were presented by Dr. Lily Lisa Yevugah of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and Surv. Michael Nyoagbe of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). Additionally, they stated that GGS was a professional organization for geospatial and an institution that was responsible for advancing member interests and acting in their best professional interests to foster an environment that supported the use of geospatial assignments and products thereby meeting national demand.

According to Dr. Yevugah, the GGS's mandate is to promote the use of technology to strengthen the public and private sectors' academic institutions and to keep its members fully informed about geospatial activity advancements on a global scale.  Surv. Nyoagbe described the several membership types that were available as well as how one may become a member. He clarified that anyone studying in the second cycle and tertiary institution or any higher learning programs in courses relating to the field of Geospatial or involved in research in this field qualified to be a student member. Also, individuals who are practicing their profession in any Geospatial related roles.

To standardize data, ensure interoperability, and enable free data sharing among us, as well as to generate metadata, Surv. Ofori-Badu outlined the necessity for the policy that will soon be released. He highlighted how GGS can further this course. Upon the launch of the Ghana Geospatial Society on November 16, 2022, he extended an invitation to all.