The CMGS
will continue to act as a focus for those members of the
international community who share an interest in the development of
geographical systems theory for modelling societal and environmental
problems together with its application in the fields of GIS and
remote sensing. This synthesis is intended to promote research on
mathematical modelling, statistical methods and other technological
advances in spatial science. In addition, the specific systems orientation
of the Commission emphasises the importance of research with applied
outputs that have relevance to geographers engaged in a wide range
of policy arenas. The Commission, therefore, aims to foster such interdisciplinary
applications in the following general areas of concern:
-
geographical
systems analysis,
-
geographical
systems theory,
-
geographical
decision support systems and decision theory,
-
geographical
systems dynamics,
-
the
interface between GIS, remote sensing and spatial modelling,
and
-
applications
of systems models to policy making and evaluation.
The IGU
Executive has stressed that 2000 - 2004 is a transition period in
the organisation of its activities when, in particular, Task Forces
will be introduced in addition to Commissions and Study Groups. In
this context, the Task Force is seen as a special instrument by
which the Executive Committee can quickly respond to complex global,
international problems by linking specialists from different
Commissions, Study Groups and other institutions. Given this
initiative, the CMGS intends to establish a number of 'mini task
forces' with briefs to address emerging research themes in
geographical systems analysis like:
These
themes will be pursued by small working groups who will organise
special sessions at the main Congresses and so provide a stimulus
for our publication activities. In addition, it would be expected that
the constitution of these groups encourages the participation of
members of other Commissions sharing related interests. |
