Scope

UDMS, the Urban Data Management Society, organises international symposia at various locations in Europe in order to promote the development of information systems in local government.

An important aim of UDMS has been to provide a forum for people to discuss new approaches, to consider new technologies and to share practical experiences in the field of urban data management.

Traditionally the focus has been on urban applications. However, regional and rural issues have always been well represented at UDMS. During the 21st Urban Data Management Symposium, held in Venice in 1999, it became clear that UDMS should broaden its scope.To an increasing degree urban development has its effect on regional and rural zones and vice versa. Especially in the densely populated parts of Europe cities, industry and infrastructure need more and more space.

The impact of this expansion on rural areas should be made visible. New technologies, like the interaction between 3D GIS and Virtual Reality, make it possible to visualise these consequences. Therefore UDMS has decided to focus also on regional and rural aspects at the beginning of a new century.

From an economic point of view land becomes more and more scarce and therefore more and more valuable. From the countries in Central Europe we learn how important it is to solve the land market problems in order to establish a free market economy.

Since 1996 UDMS has also paid attention to developments in Central Europe. As membership of the European Union is now the main aim of these countries, it becomes even more important to discuss these issues..