TeanGeo 2024: Advancing Geospatial Science and Technology for Sustainable Solutions

The 4th International Conference & Exhibition of Advanced Geospatial Science and Technology (TeanGeo 2024) took place from October 22-24, 2024, at the Laico Hotel in Tunis, Tunisia. Organized by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) and the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing of North Africa, the conference drew participants from across the globe, showcasing applications of geospatial technologies in addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. The conference showcased transformative projects and research, demonstrating the potential of geospatial science in addressing urban, agricultural, and environmental challenges.

Delivering his keynote speech, Director of Geospatial Services, at RCMRD Mr. Maphuru, highlighted the enduring partnership between RCMRD and OSS, emphasizing its pivotal role in advancing geospatial solutions. He urged organizations to leverage earth observation data and related products to enhance resource management and promote sustainable development. By harnessing these tools, Mr. Maphuru underscored the potential to address pressing global challenges more effectively, fostering innovation and resilience in decision-making process.

Innovations in urban safety and agriculture took center stage on day one, with an introduction to the Save Watch system, a real-time road monitoring platform that combines cameras, machine learning, and weather data to detect accidents, monitor traffic, and alert city authorities via a web dashboard. This initiative promises to enhance urban safety by reducing traffic incidents and improving emergency response times.

Day two highlighted the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial science where a “70% Decision Support” system designed for dryland agriculture was showcased. This tool combines AI, remote sensing, and hydrometeorology, enabling farmers to monitor water availability, soil health, and crop needs. By accessing this data through an app, farmers can make informed decisions throughout the growing season.

The final day focused on sustainability and energy solutions as discussions led by the G20 Global Land Initiative, promoting conservation, sustainable land management, and restoration took the stage. The initiative’s Global Restoration Data Hub provides resources and best practices to support global land restoration efforts. The day concluded with the GMES & Africa Panel Discussion, led by the African Union, which emphasized regional collaboration and private-sector engagement in geospatial technology development.

TeanGeo 2024 facilitated networking among geospatial experts, fostering collaboration with key institutions such as the University of Twente, the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The event underscored the power of geospatial technology to drive positive change across agriculture, conservation, urban safety, and energy management.

With an eye on sustainable growth, TeanGeo 2024 laid the foundation for collaborative projects that harness advanced geospatial tools to meet the pressing challenges of today’s world. This conference highlights the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in advancing geospatial science for a better, more resilient future.