220 delegates attended the GIMS User Conference held at the end of September at The Castle, Kyalami. The theme for this year's conference was 'GIS in Africa' and was keenly illustrated by the diverse representation of delegates from throughout Africa. The event consisted of 27 sessions, workshops and presentations.

GIS experts from ESRI and Leica-GeoSystems were on hand to share their knowledge. The opening addresses were presented by keynote speakers - Dr Michael Sutcliffe, eThekwini municipal manager and Clint Brown, ESRI director of Software Products. Dr Sutcliffe offered insight into GIS from a city manager's perspective and spoke about the challenges and advantages that are facing GIS. Dr Sutcliffe also highlighted the technology divide that frequently occurs between managers and technologists. The lack of communication and understanding are some of the challenges we need to overcome.

As always, the opening by Clint Brown, director of Software Products, gave delegates an update on core product developments. With ArcGIS 8.3 now shipped, the spotlight turned on ArcGIS 9.0, currently in beta testing and due for release later this year. Brown was pleasantly surprised and very positive with the effect GIS is having on the African continent as well as the technical capacity that is available. The fact that Africa has embraced GIS has had an overall positive effect on the continent. A highlight of the conference was the interaction between delegates and also between speakers and delegates. The delegates all had a professional interest in geographic information and a desire to discover how GIMS, ESRI and Leica as well as its partners can support their diverse activities and share knowledge.

The quality of the talks and speakers were of a very high standard. In particular the delegates found the workshops held on the first day to be highly beneficial. Quite refreshing was the number of delegates from outside South Africa and specifically North Africa. This allowed for interesting insight to the work and progress being made in the GIS environment over the continent. Attention was given to issues of African concern, or more importantly that GIS furnishes a unique tool with which to plan and manage change. GIS users are in a position to bring about a better, scientifically-based world. Even so, much remains to be done in the face of ongoing environmental degradation and resistance to change.

For more information contact GIMS, 011 695 0400, www.gims.com