Uganda will this month host a geoinformation science conference. The global meet is part of efforts to address challenges of climate change, land degradation and natural resource degradation.

The conference, which will focus on contemporary technologies of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems is set for October 26-30 and will will also address business intelligence.

"The award to host AfricaGIS conference is partly recognition of the strides Uganda has taken, but also the recognition internationally of the scientific outputs from Makerere University. Novel and state of the art technologies will be demonstrated," said GIS expert Mr Yazidhi Bamutaze.

Mr Bamutaze, a Makerere University lecturer in the Department of Geography yesterday said the conference entitled "Geospatial Information and Sustainable Development in Africa: Facing Challenges of Global Change," will take place at Speke Resort, Munyonyo.

"International reputable companies such as Google, ESRI, Trimble, ERDAS, and United Nations of Space will participate in the conference but most importantly they are also platinum sponsors. That demonstrates the value of the conference. Ugandans and many organisations will therefore have a rare opportunity to interact with these key players," he added.

He said the global conference which will be preceded by pre-workshop trainings on Disaster Management, E-Governance, Natural Resources and Water Resources management, will see government launch its first ever Atlas on Google Earth.