Flying – a great way to start a birthday!

Words can’t describe what a wonderful present I received from friends for my birthday. I was told to sleep early because I would have to wake up early the next day. Even though I knew it had to be something related to my birthday, I didn’t really expect much – at the most, it would … Continue reading Flying – a great way to start a birthday!

Day 4 (#GISDay) – It's all about the data!

More and more people keep attending the afternoon seminars… including today’s presentation by the National Statistics Directorate of Timor-Leste. One of the key things in this 10-year old country is to get a better understanding about its population and what are the challenges to its growth. Timor-Leste will be conducting its national census next year … Continue reading Day 4 (#GISDay) – It's all about the data!

Day 3 (#GISDay) – Timor-Leste event is half-way through

There’s 3 days left to With maps, we build the future of Timor-Leste at Casa Europa. I’ll try to get more pictures up of the different things that are going on for the week-long event. After three days, there’s been plenty of positive response from the event – a lot of people didn’t realize that … Continue reading Day 3 (#GISDay) – Timor-Leste event is half-way through

Day 2 (#GISDay) – Kids, military, uni students come for a visit

With maps, we build the future of Timor-Leste keeps going strong at Casa Europa. Day 2 was as popular as the first day. This time around there was a class field trip from the Dili International School who came for a visit – as you can see they were very interested in the 1:50000 floor … Continue reading Day 2 (#GISDay) – Kids, military, uni students come for a visit

Day 1 (#GISDay) – Success in Timor-Leste!

Coinciding with GIS Day, the first day of the GIS/mapping event in Timor-Leste (With maps, we build the future of Timor-Leste) was a success. Given this type of event is the first of its kind in the country, the opening day went smoothly… although there were some bumps along the way as I expected. But … Continue reading Day 1 (#GISDay) – Success in Timor-Leste!

Ho Mapa, Ita Harii Futuru Timor-Leste (#GISDay)

I’m part of the Timor-Leste Geographic Information Group (GIG). For the past few months we’ve been planning to organize an event to raise awareness about mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) work that is going on in Timor-Leste. There isn’t much information about GIS and mapping in Timor. So this event hopes to educate the … Continue reading Ho Mapa, Ita Harii Futuru Timor-Leste (#GISDay)

The Geographic Information Group – GIG

This flyer was created during preparations for GIS Day to explain the Geographic Information Group of Timor-Leste. With the help of members in the GIG, the flyer includes descriptions of the group in English, Tetun, and Portuguese. As the GIG became more established by the end of 2009, the GIG met approximately once a month … Continue reading The Geographic Information Group – GIG

GIS Day

In cooperation with the Government of Timor-Leste, I co-chaired the country’s Geographic Information Group (GIG) between 2008-2010. The GIG was used as a forum for all government bodies and international organizations using spatial information and data for development projects to come together to share information, challenges, and experiences. One of the key activities the GIG … Continue reading GIS Day

Jaco – and it's not about Michael…

Just got back from Jaco Island… at the eastern end of Timor-Leste.  It’s a long ride to get out to the point (about 6 hours on some very questionable roads), but well worth the effort. The scenery changes (i.e. it’s really dry since it’s the dry season) and there is a definite shortage of civilization/people… … Continue reading Jaco – and it's not about Michael…