MOLIT to Host Experts from 16 American Countries for Lectures on Toponymy and Geospatial Information Technology

[Financial News] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) will invite experts from countries across the Americas to introduce South Korea’s place names and geospatial information technology.
According to MOLIT on the 7th, the National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) will host the 5th Toponymy and Geospatial Information Capacity-Building Program from the 8th to the 11th at NGII and other venues.
The program is being held with member countries of the Pan American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH). A total of 19 experts and officials responsible for toponymy and geospatial information from 16 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, will participate.
NGII plans to center the program on expert lectures introducing South Korea’s policies on toponymy and geospatial information, along with the latest technological developments, as well as field visits. This year’s participants will attend lectures on South Korea’s place-name system, historical maps, the National Atlas and trends and implications in toponymic research, as well as the use of geospatial information. Field trips are also planned to the National Map Museum, the National Land Satellite Center and Aegibong Peace Ecopark, where participants can experience South Korea’s geospatial information and history.
Unlike previous years, this year’s program will expand the “Participant Session,” in which participating countries present and discuss their own policies and current conditions related to place names. The initiative is intended to promote the sharing of expertise and experience among member countries. In addition, NGII and the participating countries will jointly hold the “World Map and Geographical Publications Exhibition.” Representative maps from each country, South Korea’s National Atlas, 3D braille globes and other major domestic maps and geographical publications will be displayed.
South Korea joined the organization as a member in 2019 and has hosted four invitation-based training programs since 2021. Although it does not have voting rights, South Korea can officially attend and speak at the general assembly. It is also the only member country in Asia.
Kim Won-dae, director of NGII, said, “This program is a forum for mutual exchange, allowing us to share South Korea’s experience and technology in toponymy and geospatial information while discussing diverse cases from member countries. We will continue building cooperative relationships with countries in the Americas and enhance South Korea’s international standing in the fields of toponymy and geospatial information.”
[email protected] Kyung-soo Jung Reporter