Wolfgang Schäuble becomes Patron of INTERGEO 2009

Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble, German Federal Minister of the Interior, will be the patron of INTERGEO 2009, thereby underlining the global importance of the leading world trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management.

With less than seven months to go before the event, renowned representatives from the sector have already booked over half of the spaces in Halls 1 and dm-arena at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior coordinates the collection, management and provision of official geodata across different administrative bodies. These responsibilities are dealt with by the Interministerial Committee for Geoinformation Activities (IMAGI), which is monitoring the development of Germany's geodata infrastructure (GDI-DE) as a fundamental responsibility of the state and as part of the provision of basic public services. Core tasks include standardisation of data and provision of cost-free data access for all departments and authorities.

INTERGEO, as the hub of this vibrant market, is expected to attract over 15,000 experts to Karlsruhe from all five continents to explore geoinformation systems, mobile phone navigation, three-dimensional data capture, satellites, remote sensing and the development of natural spaces and the countryside. Around 450 companies will be showcasing innovative geo-based solutions. With 20 percent of visitors and nearly 30 percent of exhibitors coming from outside Germany, INTERGEO is the world's largest industry platform.

The response so far from exhibitors for the 15th INTERGEO, whose theme is "Knowledge and Action for Planet Earth", is highly encouraging, with over half of hall spaces already booked.

The INTERGEO Congress Karlsruhe 2009 is held in parallel with the 57th German Cartographers' Day and Geodetic Week. Over 1,500 experts will be explaining the latest developments and discussing solutions from research and practice. Key themes include early-warning systems for risk and crisis management, sustainable construction amid the financial and banking crisis, energy and environmental issues - in the light of Europe's environmental policies.

The three-day INTERGEO congress trade fair is an event organised by DVW e.V. It will take place from 22 to 24 September 2009 in Karlsruhe.

Internet: www.intergeo.de