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…

Cast away the computer – a relief at least for a little while

We’re sooo dependent on electronic communications today, it’s a little scary. Have you ever tried not emailing or surfing the internet for more than one day? How does it feel? Not only are we dependent on computers and internet for our daily life (i.e. searching or buying stuff, reading the news, connecting with people via … Continue reading Cast away the computer – a relief at least for a little while

Comforts cost

Cost of living in Timor-Leste is expensive. The currency is US Dollars, but coins are Timorese – it’s a weird combination. A typical meal in a restaurant can range from USD$5-20, and that’s in the “expat” types of places. In typical Indonesian or Timorese-style restaurant that serves usually serves pre-made buffet-style food, the price drops … Continue reading Comforts cost

Houses at Risk from Flooding

This map was created to provide an overall analysis of the flood vulnerability of areas in Timor-Leste, as part of an assessment prior to the rainy season in the country. The map was developed to support the humanitarian response as well as to help develop contingency plans by the United Nations and emergency preparedness measures … Continue reading Houses at Risk from Flooding

After 5 minutes, can you trust your gut?

It’s a weird feeling… not the conjunctivitis I caught in late May, but you know the one; where within 5 minutes of meeting someone you either like them or not. There’s not too much of a problem if you like them because you can just continue talking to them, trading stories, exchanging ideas or cracking … Continue reading After 5 minutes, can you trust your gut?