How can geoscientists use GIS in a more efficient and ergonomic manner. The use of GIS is now no longer an emerging technology, however its efficient application to solving geoscientific problems requires careful attention, and first of all the use of statistically sound data bank, as well as new analytical technique for data procedure, before GIS application.

This conference will continue to focus on the added value that geoscience information can bring to decision making through GIS, putting more care on the complex nature of natural systems, their scale invariance and the urgency to include multiscale data on the same polifacetic maps.

     Organizers: Russian-French Metallogenic Laboratory (RFML), the French geological service (BRGM) and Russian enterprise SU-25 (Saint-Petersburg).

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss theory and practice of research and development about the use of geothermal resources, in order to initiate specific actions directed to increase the efficiency of using geothermal energy in Russian Federation.

Representatives of Russian and French organizations working in this direction will take part in the seminar, together with Russian federal agencies.

The workshop will consist of two sessions:
First session (10-00 - 13-00): Basic problems. Reports by participants of the seminar.
Second session (14-00 - 17-00): Round table. Joint undertakings to increase the efficiency of using geothermal energy in Russian Federation.

The workshop will consider the necessity and the opportunity to create a consortium "Geothermal resources”, with a mission to develop real activities in the field.

     This conference will continue to focus on the added value that geoscience information can bring to decision making through GIS.

We often hear that GIS is good for education, but what real examples do we know about?

When we say that GIS is a perfect tool for decision-making, do we realize how many of decision-makers have really understand and have learned GIS technologies? In what ways can we suggest to make GIS easy to use for non-professionals?

How can we maximise the value of GIS application to the benefit of geoscience?
How can GIS contribute to a better visibility and appropriate use of geoscience information?

     Exploration for, and exploitation of mineral deposits provides one of the most foundations for human society. Society cannot be sustained without energy, metals, fertilizers etc., and our continued wealth and prosperity are intimately linked to our ability to use the resources available to us. Mankind is unlikely to be able, in the near future, to find realistic ways of synthesizing different commodities from air or ocean water, or to exploit resources on neighboring planets. Thus, we must rely on the resources within our home planet. Increasing consumer demand, the depletion of known resources, and the need to adhere to stricter regulation of environment and land-use, have meant that the exploration and mining industry is faced with increasingly tough challenges to identify and exploit remaining undiscovered or only partially characterized resources. All segments of the ore geology community need to build a partnership to overcome these challenges. The 12th Quadrennial IAGOD Symposium - 2006 "UNDERSTANDING THE GENESIS OF ORE DEPOSITS to meet the demands of the 21st Century" is devoted to bringing together professionals in different fields of economic geology, geochemistry and mineralogy: academic researchers and experts, students, and mining and exploration company personnel. Join us in Moscow to share understanding and to define common goals for today and the future!

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