European Galileo Information Days in Riga

May 12-13, 2005, Riga, Latvia

Satellite navigation system Galileo is a joint initiative of European Union and European Space Agency. It is their answer to the challenges of modern global economy and progress in technology. Galileo will be an independent, open, reliable and most technically advanced civil satellite navigation system, with guaranteed precision and continuity of its services. It is expected to be operational in 2008. Galileo is the largest project based on satellite technologies in the history of the EU, employing modern solutions in order to meet the needs of European citizens. Satellite navigation has a wide range of mass market and professional applications, covering many economic activities and all segments of society. It will be used in many different areas, such as transport, finance and banking, search and rescue operations, energy, agriculture and others.
Galileo offers countries across the world a number of opportunities to participate in and benefit from the development of the system. Regions can host Galileo ground stations, service providers can disseminate regional integrity information via GALILEO satellites, while local businesses can deploy regional augmentation elements for professional applications or location based services.

The European Union assigned 1 billion euro to the system development and validation phases. Moreover, 100 million euro is devoted to Galileo mission and application activities in the 6th Framework Programme. In May 2004 with the EU enlargement new member-states became co-owners of the future system. They will be sharing the costs of the system development through their contribution to the EU budget. Therefore they should also be able to share all the benefits that Galileo has to offer.

In order to bring together the European GNSS community and foster international cooperation in the development of Galileo applications, Galileo Information Point Poland and Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation of the University of Latvia have the pleasure to invite you to :

European Galileo Information Days in Riga
May 12-13, 2005, Riga, Latvia

During the conference the following issues will be addressed:

1. Galileo Project status and overview,
2. 6 Framework Programme Galileo calls,
3. Examples of projects and applications,
4. European solutions (companies, associations and programs) aiming at fostering international cooperation in GNSS,
5. Possibilities of obtaining financial support for the projects.

Chairmen of programme committee are:
Professor Janis Balodis – director of Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation of the University of Latvia,
Professor Janusz B. Zieliński – coordinator of Polish Galileo Information Point

Practical details

Registration deadline: 29. 04. 2005

Registration fee: 70€ till 15 April 2005, 100€ 15-29 April 2005

Working Language: English
Venue: University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
Submission of Papers: Topics and abstracts of the presentations should be submitted to 15 April 2005.
Abstracts should be of a maximum of 2 pages, and should include full details of submitter (name, professional address and position, telephone, e-mail, etc).
Accommodation: a list of available hotels in Riga you can download here.
Additional social programme: an excursion to Sigulda on May 14th (additional fee of 40 €). Description of Sigulda you can download here

Social programme (short description): One of the most picturesque towns in Latvia - Sigulda, often called the Latvian Switzerland, is located about 50 km from Riga on the Gauja River valley. Sigulda is situated in the Gauja National Park and is known as the most popular tourist and leisure destination in Latvia. Experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles and heroic figures, visiting the ruins of the 13th cent. Crusader Castle. A short drive along the steep road up the hill will take you to the 13th cent. Turaida Castle. Visit the local history museum and enjoy a relaxing walk in the adjoining sculpture park, dedicated to Latvian folklore.