Salalah: The 11th International Conference on Recent Advances in Geographic Information, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) and Dhofar University, concluded with significant recommendations. The conference, held in the city of Salalah, emphasized the development of the second phase of the Sultanate of Oman's Digital Educational Atlas, promoting innovation in modern geographic technologies, and integrating efforts among entities concerned with geographic data, academic institutions, and the private sector.
According to Oman News Agency, the conference also recommended stimulating scientific research and innovation in the fields of modern geographic technologies. It called for developing specialized competencies and skills through advanced training programs and utilizing the conference's outcomes to enhance geographic information applications in education and other sectors.
Furthermore, the conference advocated for the establishment of a specialized Omani association dedicated to employing geographic technologies for educational purposes. This initiative aims to enhance the exchange of expertise and knowledge, support initiatives related to spatial technologies, and expand their use in developing the educational process.
In his speech, Dr. Badr Hamood Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, underscored that geography has evolved beyond traditional maps into applications and modern technologies. He highlighted the importance of leveraging these fields to hone students' skills, develop capabilities, and utilize geographic data to foresee the future while improving information accessibility and efficiency across various sectors.
The conference, held over two days at Dhofar University, featured specialized scientific sessions, research papers, and scientific posters. Participants, including researchers and specialists from within and outside Oman, discussed the latest applications and technologies in geographic information and shared experiences to broaden the use of spatial data in education, planning, and decision-making.
The closing ceremony honored speakers and researchers participating in the conference sessions, along with institutions participating in the exhibition. The event showcased diverse experiences, solutions, and technologies, reflecting the wide-ranging applications of modern geographic information fields.