Memorandum of Understanding with IAG

24^th FIG General Assembly, Seoul 2001
Appendices

Appendix to item 15.3

Memorandum of Understanding between the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)

1. Background

The International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Federation of Surveyors (Fédération Internationale des Géomètres FIG) both recognise that each is an international organisation with many complementary activities serving similar professional constituencies involving research and development into varied aspects relating to surveying, engineering surveying and surveying techniques.

FIG specialises in technical and professional areas such as positioning and measurement, engineering surveys, hydrography, geographic information systems, infrastructure development, land and environmental planning, development and management, property valuation, and construction economics and procurement.

IAG specialises in scientific and professional areas such as positioning, advanced space technology, determination of the gravity field, general theory and methodology and geodynamics. IAG furthermore coordinates the work of a number of international services such as the International GPS Service.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to provide an effective framework for a continuing liaison between the two organisations, for maintaining and increasing the opportunities of technical exchange between their members through a continuing programme of co-operation leading to mutual sharing of knowledge and expertise to the advantage of the membership of both organisations.

3. Programme of Activities

In accordance with the background and purpose as described above, both organisations agree to endeavour to intensify their co-operation for mutual benefit. By way of implementation, the following steps will be taken, among others:

Regular contact should be established between the secretariats of both organisations and their elected leaderships to introduce and maintain continuing liaison between the two organisations.
Each organisation should inform the other of all Commissions, Working Groups etc. that it has established and invite representation from the other on to each of these groups where it is agreed that it would be appropriate and sensible.
The themes of mutual interests identified at the moment are:

reference frames and observing systems

positioning, measurements and applications

hydrographic surveying, marine geodesy

geoid determination, height systems

special applications of geodesy to engineering

education

history of surveying and geodesy

cooperation with other international organisations (e.g. UN, ISO)

Each organisation should inform the other of its programme of proposed schools, seminars, workshops, etc. to enable consideration as to whether joint participation would be of mutual benefit and further inform its members on these events when appropriate (e.g. on its home page on Internet).
Both organisations should study possibilities to organise specialised seminars or workshops under the both banners.
Each organisation should invite a representative from the other organisation to attend each respective Congress.
Decision on joint or co-sponsored events which are covered by the subjects listed under 3.3 will be made at a meeting between the IAG Secretary General and the Director of the FIG Office.

4. Financial Commitment

It is understood that neither organisation can commit the other to any expenditure, save that from administering this agreement, without the specific written agreement of both organisations.

5. Legal Status

This Memorandum does not create a legal link between the two organisations who will maintain their mutual independence.

This Memorandum of Understanding is valid until IAG or FIG proposes changes to it. Each organisation has the right to propose changes to this Memorandum at any time. Any changes shall be subject to the agreement of both organisations.

Neither IAG nor FIG will make any agreements with associations which may conflict or compete with this Memorandum of Understanding before giving advance notice and securing the agreement of the other organisation.