News and Updates

Free GIS and Remote Sensing Resources Series – Week 6: GeoAI
On behalf of the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC), we welcome you to Week 6 of our series to promote free GIS and remote sensing resources (webinars, instructional videos, technical manuals, e-books, etc.) to increase capacity, awareness, and skill development for the Pacific Islands geospatial community. Last week, we advertised a free massive open online course (MOOC) hosted by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc (ESRI) on October 22, 2025 for working with various imagery. This week we will …
PGRSC Webinar Series – Geospatial data to support Early Warning and Situational Awareness in the Pacific Islands
On behalf of PGRSC, we are honored to host another webinar in our series to promote and enhance geospatial knowledge sharing and capacity building:Geospatial data to support Early Warning and Situational Awareness in the Pacific Islands Please join the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global) on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Fiji time) as it provides an overview of DisasterAWARE and Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global) capabilities. These capabilities are accessible to anyone in the government or disaster …
Free GIS and Remote Sensing Resources Series – Week 5: Free ESRI ArcGIS Imagery MOOC
On behalf of the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC), we welcome you to Week 5 of our series to promote free GIS and remote sensing resources (webinars, instructional videos, technical manuals, e-books, etc.) to increase capacity, awareness, and skill development for the Pacific Islands geospatial community. Last week, we looked at advanced features of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Programme's Copernicus Browser. This week's resource was sent in by GIS-PacNet community member Sarah Pitcher-Campbell, GIS Account Manager …
Free GIS and Remote Sensing Resources Series – Week 4: Advanced Use of Copernicus Browser
On behalf of the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC), we welcome you to Week 4 of our series to promote free GIS and remote sensing resources (webinars, instructional videos, technical manuals, e-books, etc.) to increase capacity, awareness, and skill development for the Pacific Islands geospatial community. Last week, we introduced you to European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Programme's Copernicus Browser. This week we will expand on the powerful tools and features that are available in the platform …
Webinar Earth Observation Technologies for Climate Resilience in the Pacific
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Earth Observation Technologies for Climate Resilience in the Pacific𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: October 21, 2025𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 13:00–14:30 Samoa Time𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 : register hereOrganized by the 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗖𝗖𝗥) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, and co-hosted with the 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗦𝗣𝗖) / 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰, this webinar is part of the Pacific Climate Change Innovation Lounge series.It brings together leading experts to explore how Earth Observation (EO) technologies, including satellite data, can support …
Free GIS and Remote Sensing Resources Series – Week 3: Introduction to the Copernicus Earth Observation Data and Browser
On behalf of the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC), we welcome you to Week 3 of our posts to promote free GIS and remote sensing resources (webinars, instructional videos, technical manuals, e-books, etc.) to increase capacity, awareness, and skill development for the Pacific Islands geospatial community. Last week, we introduced you to NASA's Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) fundamentals of remote sensing online training program. This week we introduce you to the Copernicus Earth Observation satellites and …
A New PGRSC Member: University of French Polynesia
PGRSC is pleased to annouce a new academia member: the University of french Polynesia. A public higher education and research institution established in Tahiti since 1987, the University of French Polynesia offers a diverse range of multidisciplinary courses and carries out research missions for the scientific, technological, and cultural development of French Polynesia. Educational offerings: Three academic departments: Law, Economics, and Management (DEG), Literature, Languages, and Humanities (LLSH), Science, Technology, and Health (STS), A continuing …
PGRSC Webinar Series – Introduction to NOAA CoastWatch & PacIOOS: Training Course to Access and Use Data for Ocean and Coastal Applications
On behalf of PGRSC, we are honored to host another webinar in our series to promote and enhance geospatial knowledge sharing and capacity building:Introduction to NOAA CoastWatch & PacIOOS: Training Course to Access and Use Data for Ocean and Coastal Applications Please join the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) CoastWatch and Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Fiji time) as both organisations provide an introduction to their programs and training course for …
The Pacific Community and the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council sign an MoU to strengthen Pacific geospatial work 
The Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on outreach, training, and promotion of regional networking in support of strengthening geospatial and earth observation work for Pacific communities, thereby better informing decision-makers and the public about the importance and great potential of these technologies.   The MoU establishes a practical framework for collaboration, including joint promotion across platforms, audience-friendly materials that …
Fiji Times highlights the Pacific Islands GIS & Remote Sensing Users Conference
The Fiji Times has put the spotlight on the upcoming Pacific Islands GIS and Remote Sensing Conference, with more than 300 participants expected to attend. Read the full article here: Fiji Times – 300 to attend GIS Conference
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐆𝐈𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 (𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐓)
On behalf of the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC) This week we take a step back and look at the fundamentals of remote sensing with a 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.Week 2: Are you new to remote sensing or would like to review the fundamentals as a refresher? NASA's ARSET program has developed a series of self-paced training modules and webinar recordings that provide basic understanding of NASA …
PACIFIC GIS & REMOTE SENSING COUNCIL & GEO CONNECT ASIA
The 5th Annual Geo Connect Asia Conference was held on the 9 & 10 of April2025, marking the largest gathering to date for professionals in geospatial, remote sensing, and spatial digital solutions in Asia. This year's event featuredfour overlapping exhibitions, seven interchangeable conferences, and morethan 100 speakers, making it a comprehensive and dynamic platform forindustry experts and enthusiasts. Salote Viti and Lanieta Rokotuiwakaya represented the Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC), invited by Rupert …
Free GIS and Remote Sensing Resources Series: Week 1: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (NASA ARSET)
Free GIS and Remote Sensing Resources Series: Week 1: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (NASA ARSET)On behalf of the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC), we are pleased to announce the start of our weekly posts to promote free GIS and remote sensing resources (webinars, instructional videos, technical manuals, e-books, etc.) to increase capacity, awareness, and skill development for the Pacific Islands geospatial community. PGRSC is more than just an annual conference, we have mission objectives to:- Promote the development of GIS and Remote …
Early Bird Registration extended to the 24 September 2025
Shaping the Future of Geospatial Collaboration in the PacificFrom 24–27 November 2025, Suva, Fiji will host the regional conference on “Building and Enhancing Geospatial Networks in the Pacific Islands.”This event will bring together GIS and Remote Sensing professionals, policy-makers, academics, students, and development partners to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and strengthen geospatial capacity in the Pacific.Why attend?🔹 Participate in technical presentations and interactive workshops🔹 Gain insights from regional and international experts🔹 Network with peers working …
A New PGRSC Member: Fiji National University
The Fiji National University (FNU) was established in 2010 with a clear set of objectives aimed at advancing knowledge, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the welfare of the communities in Fiji and the Pacific Region. Through its efforts in teaching, research, and training, FNU seeks to meet international standards while responding to the diverse needs of the communities it serves.  Objectives of FNU  Fiji National University (FNU) was established to promote higher education, research, …
📣 Registration Now Open for the 2025 Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference!
📣 Registration Now Open for the 2025 Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference! We are pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for the 2025 Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference, happening 24 – 27 November 2025 in Suva, Fiji! This year’s theme,“Building and Enhancing Geospatial Networks in the Pacific Islands,”reflects our commitment to strengthening collaboration and innovation across the region. 🌴 Early Bird Discount – Save 15% until 31 August 2025!Take advantage …
🌐 Just Released: 2025 Issue 1 of the Pacific Islands GIS & RS Newsletter!
We’re thrilled to announce the release of the latest issue of the Pacific Islands GIS & Remote Sensing Newsletter! This refreshed edition marks an exciting new chapter, powered by a dedicated editorial team committed to amplifying the voices and achievements of geospatial professionals across the Pacific. Inside this issue: A recap of the 2024 Pacific GIS & RS User Conference in Suva, Fiji A personal reflection on navigating the geospatial workforce post-university Insights on AI …
📢 Share Your Work with the PGRSC Community!
Are you working on exciting geospatial research, field projects, or innovative applications in the Pacific region? Do you have insights, case studies, or experiences that others in the geospatial community would benefit from? PGRSC invites you to submit your article to our official Newsletter!Our goal is to highlight the valuable work happening across the Pacific and to foster a collaborative network of geospatial professionals, students, researchers, and institutions. ✍️ What Can You Submit? We welcome …
A New PGRSC Member: Rover Mapping
Rover Mapping (GIS and Data Consulting) is an independent geospatial consultancy based in Sydney, Australia. Rover is to wander, within the ever complex world of geospatial systems, mapping and data. We specialise in software implementation, system migration, knowledge and work across public and private sectors organisations across the region. From expertise in the water industry, to government, telecommunications, infrastructure and within software organisations, Rover Mapping is passionate about assisting pacific organisations with current and future …
A New PGRSC Member: Pacific Sud Survey
Pacific Sud Survey is a company established in French Polynesia, dedicated to promoting innovative measurement technologies and making them accessible to as many people as possible. Specializing in hydrography and topography, our expertise covers acoustic, GNSS, and optical measurements. We support you throughout every stage of your projects, from the planning phase to the implementation of tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. Pacific Sud Survey offers advanced mapping methods for underwater, terrestrial, and aerial …

  • by Kat Troche of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific September 2025 marks ten years since the first direct detection of gravitational waves as predicted by Albert Einstein’s 1916 theory of […]
  • NASA and Blue Origin are reopening media accreditation for the launch of the agency’s ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission. The twin ESCAPADE spacecraft will study the solar […]
  • NASA, along with leaders from global space agencies and government representatives worldwide, convened on Monday to further the implementation of the Artemis Accords — practical principles designed to guide the responsible […]
  • A supermoon, and meteor showers from the Draconids and Orionids A supermoon takes over the sky, the Draconid meteor shower peeks through, and the Orionid meteor shower shines bright. Skywatching Highlights […]
  • During its close flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io on December 30, 2023, NASA’s Juno spacecraft captured some of the most detailed imagery ever of Io’s volcanic surface. This image is […]
  • This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features the nebula LMC N44C.
  • This stunning Earth image taken from the International Space Station looks at a large lake in eastern Kazakhstan with golden sunglint: Lake Balkhash. It is one of the largest lakes […]
  • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying NASA’s IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe), the agency’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Follow On–Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) […]

Copernicus Open Hub News