Salone GeoConnect is a geospatial event is geared towards bringing individuals and institutions that use geospatial information and tools in their operations for humanitarian, research, learning and corporate activities.
The objective is to create a platform on which the geospatial community in Sierra Leone would meet on a yearly basis to discuss and showcase their work and capacitate others within the community
It was held on the 13th to 14th September 2024 at the Geology and Geography Department, Fourah Bay College, Mount Aureol.
We had presentations from different geospatial and humanitarian organizations. They made presentations and showcased their work with geospatial technology in research, consultancy, education and humanitarian work. Speakers were from the Geology and Geography departments at Fourah Bay College, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, INTEGEMS, CODOSAPA, YouthMappers OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone.
On the second day, we conducted introductory training for students from different tertiary institutions. They were introduced to different geospatial tools such as OpenStreetMap ID Editor, HOT's Taskig Manager, uMap, QGIS and drone piloting.
At the end of the event, we developed a framework for community building to ensure that we maintain and build on knowledge gained and expand the geospatial community in Sierra Leone. Each participating institution was given the responsibility to capacitate members of their organizations and contribute to the expansion of the community.