GGOS-Africa

Geodesy measures the Earth's time-variable size, shape, and gravity. Its role is fundamental to various scientific fields, including navigation and mapping, climate change, engineering, meteorology, and natural hazards.

The precise geographical information systems (GIS) produced through geodesy are essential for providing services to individuals, households, and businesses, managing land rights and development permits, as well as developing and maintaining national and regional infrastructure to access water, waste management, electricity, transport, education, health facilities, markets, and security. Consequently, geodesy is recognised as contributing directly and indirectly to all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

However, the status of geodetic infrastructure across the African continent needs thorough documentation, and the current infrastructure must be expanded to allow African nations to participate in and contribute to global geodesy effectively.

This project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to establish the African affiliate of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS-Africa). This initiative will enable African nations to play a more active role in international geodetic efforts, such as those outlined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/266, "A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development." This will benefit the scientific community and support policymakers in making informed decisions across various areas, including climate change, disaster management, and urban planning. Our vision will be pursued through the following key goals:

• Assessing Africa's geodetic infrastructure and resources.
• Developing strategic infrastructure plans using simulations.
• Training early-career African geodesists through workshops and collaborations.
• Establishing GGOS-Africa to coordinate geodetic activities.
• Raising awareness among policymakers about the role of geodesy in sustainable development.