Working Group 6 (WG V/6) on „Innovative Technologies in Training Civil Engineers and Architects“ and the PHEDCS Institute, under the auspice of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), organized the international conference “Geoeducation for Mining, Architecture, and Civil Engineering – PHEDCS 2023 Almaty” on the 15th and 16th of June, 2023 at the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy at Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. The hybrid conference aimed to bring together scientists and entrepreneurs from various branches related to geospatial knowledge, with a primary focus on integrating professionally and crowdsourced geospatial data into civil, architectural, and environmental engineering.
The conference commenced with an opening speech by Karel Vach, the WG V/6 chair, followed by addresses from Prof. Zhautikov Bakhyt Akhatovich, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Satbayev University, Prof. Kanay Rysbekov, the Director of the Mining and Metallurgical Institute named after O.A. Baikonurov, and Prof. Vladimir A. Seredovich from the Siberian State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The ISPRS and the Technical Commission V, their activities, and upcoming events were presented (such as the Technical Commission V Mid-Term Symposium). The event saw participation from over 100 on-site and 30 virtual attendees. The geography of the event comprised scientists and professionals from China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the United States. The keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Roman Shults and Jaroslav Nechyba.
The first day of the conference focused on topics such as BIM for construction management, non-destructive control, and its integration into BIM, as well as BIM for cultural heritage and digital archaeology. The program included both on-site and online sessions, including a video-poster session. On the second day, discussions revolved around software development for BIM and BIM for construction and cultural heritage. In total, 26 contributions and presentations were made, combining both in-person and online formats. Nineteen of these contributions were subsequently published in the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLVIII-5/W2-2023, 2023 | ISPRS TC V (WG V/6) “PHEDCS 2023 Almaty”. The conference was characterized by enriching scientific and practical discussions, strong interest from the audience, and a welcoming atmosphere on the campus. During the conference, the ISPRS Working Group 6 (WG V/6) had the opportunity to meet with the Rector of Satbayev University, Meiram Mukhametrakhimovich Begentayev. In this meeting, both parties engaged in fruitful discussions about the potential of further collaboration between the university and the ISPRS WG V/6. The discussions revolved around exploring avenues for joint research projects, educational initiatives, and knowledge exchange programs.
The conference program also featured a variety of rich cultural and social events. On the 15th of June, an official Gala Dinner took place at the Mountain resort „Ak-Auyl“ Restaurant, offering a taste of national cuisine. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to visit the Kolsay Lakes National Park, Shymbulak Ski Resort, and take part in a guided tour of Almaty City.
Overall, the International Conference on Geoeducation for Mining, Architecture, and Civil Engineering and WG V/6 Workshop BIM and Geospatial Technologies was a highly successful and engaging event, facilitating valuable exchanges among experts in the field and fostering international collaboration.
Organizing and Scientific Committee with Distinguished Guests
Closing Moment: Participants Gather at the Successful International Geoeducation Conference
Engaging Discussions: A Moment of Inquiry at the International Geoeducation Conference
Engaging the Audience at Geoeducation Conference Sessions
Nature’s Splendor: Captivating Beauty of Kazakhstan’s Kolsay Lake during Conference Social Event