REFERENCE FRAMES IN PRACTISE

Learn about the latest developments and trends impacting the world of geodetic reference frames and the numerous satellite-based technologies and processing capabilities. 

Date: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May
Time: Saturday full day, Sunday 9:00-12:00
Location: Capetonian Hotel
Fee: 1,700 ZAR (approximately 85 EUR)
Includes: tea and coffee, lunch on Saturday. Morning tea on Sunday

Objective

The main focus is on geodetic reference frames in general with a specific focus on UN initiatives, global and regional frames as well selected national case studies.

Who attends

The technical seminar is aimed at surveyors, spatial professionals, students and operational geodesists who are interested in learning more about practical aspects of reference frames from some of the world’s leading geodesists and geodetic surveyors.

Programme

The organisers would like to thank and acknowledge the following sponsor for their generous support of this event:

Saturday 23 May 2026
9:00 - 9:15 Opening Remarks and Group Photo
Dr. Ryan Keenan, Chair, FIG Commission 5; TBD, Local Organizing Committee
9:15 - 10:15

Session 1: International Geodesy Initiatives

  1. International Committee on GNSS (ICG) at the UN Ms. Sharafat Gadimova, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
  2. International Association of Geodesy (IAG) Prof. Peter Teunissen, President International Association of Geodesy
  3. International GNSS Service (IGS) Dr. Scott Luthke, Director, IGS Central Bureau (Virtual Presentation)
  4. United Nations – Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE) Allison Craddock, UN-GGCE (Virtual Presentation)
10:15 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:30

Session 2: Introduction to Geodetic Reference Frames

  1. GGOS Africa Initiative (30 minutes) Dr. Aletha De Witt, Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa
  2. Introduction to geoids and vertical reference systems (30 minutes) Dr. Siphiwe Mphuthi, University of Cape Town, South Africa
  3. The role of GNSS in establishing and distribution of the ITRF (20 minutes) Dr. Igor Gusev, JSC TSNIIMASH, Roscosmos State Space Corporation, Russia
  4. IAG Early Career Scientist Perspective (20 minutes) Dr. Franck Ghomzi, National Institute of Cartography, Cameroon
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch
 
14:00 - 15:30

Session 3: Practical Implications and Applications for CORS & GNSS Processing

  1. Dynamic Datums, Deformation Models and Transformation/Datum Grids (45 minutes) Dr. Chris Pearson, Trimble & University of Otago, New Zealand
  2. CORS Monumentation (45 minutes) Dr. Rui Fernandes, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
15:30 - 16:00 Break
 

Session 4: Practical Implications and Applications for CORS & GNSS Processing

  1. Managing GNSS Infrastructure and Data (45 mins) Melissa Akoue Mve, Chief Directorate: National Geospatial Information, South Africa
  2. Incorporating CORS into Cadastral Surveys (15 mins) Markus Koper, Trimble
Sunday 24 May 2026
09:00 - 10:30 Session 5: National Reference Frames in Africa
  1. UNOOSA-Sponsored Delegate Presentations
  • Mr. Charles Bakolo, Malawi
  • Mr. Chukwudi Esemene, Nigeria
  • Ms. Edna Ahebwa, Uganda
  • Ms. Hope Naluwaga, Uganda
  1. Country Reports Reports from African countries represented at the technical seminar
10:30 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:00

Session 6: Reference Frames in Africa continued

  1. AFREF Latest Developments (15 mins) Aslam Parker, Vice-Chair, UNGGIM Africa Committee
  2. AFREF Discussion Panel (1 hour) Chaired by Edna Ahebwa, Uganda
  •  Mr. Aslam Parker, South Africa
  • Mr. Ndilipunye Shanyengana, Namibia
  • Mr. Godfrey Toko, Uganda
  • Assoc. Prof. Hussein Farah, Kenya
  • Prof. Roelf Botha, South Africa
Organiser

FIG Commission 5 on Measurement and Positioning in cooperation with UNOOSA ICG, IGS, UN-GGCE

SDGs involved