Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) 6 is a conference being organized by the European Umbrella Organisation for Geographic Information (EUROGI) in conjunction with the Hungarian National GI Association (HUNAGI). The theme for this conference is "From Global to Local." It will be held in Budapest, Hungary, in September 2002. This theme emphasizes the extent to which the GSDI must be seen as part of an overall strategy for geographic information. The decision to hold a conference on this topic in Europe at the present time is particularly appropriate given the large number of local, national, and European Union initiatives that are under way to modernize government.

Conference topics will include reports on many local, national, and regional SDI initiatives throughout the globe and their impact on governments. All authors, when presenting local and/or national SDI initiatives, will be expected to interpret the meaning into a global context. Leading representatives for the GI industry will also be invited to give their views on new trends and emerging technologies. Other presentations will include reports on the work that is being carried out by the GSDI secretariat and its working groups under the auspices of its International Steering Committee. In addition, briefings will be given on current developments from major regions of the world and from sister organizations including Digital Earth, Global Disaster Information Network, Global Mapping, ISO, and United Nations Geographic Information Working Group.

A provisional program and details about registration will be made available in March 2002. Visit www.gsdi.org for more information.