I welcome you to the Symposium of ISPRS Commission VI, planned for September 2002. Technical Commission VI, with the title of "Education and Communications" provides an important input to the activities of ISPRS through its work in education and training, international cooperation and technology transfer, and communications involving the development of ISPRS internet resources and distance learning. Education and training, as well as technology transfer are becoming increasingly important issues in ISPRS as the sciences and technologies of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences grow and take on a more important role in the monitoring and maintenance of the environment. Many countries, especially developing countries are presented with the need to increase the knowledge of their personnel in the fields covered by ISPRS by education and training programs. Modern communications being harnessed by ISPRS enable it to communicate better with its members and hence assist in the processes of education, training and technology transfer.

This Symposium will be held in Brazil, a country that is making great strides in developing education and training programs in the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences. It will be held in Sao Jose dos Campos, the city of the world renown National Institute for Space Research (INPE), which is a leader in research and development in remote sensing and space applications in Latin America. Dr Tania Maria Sausen is a dedicated President of Technical Commission VI and I know that she will provide an excellent program for the Symposium of Commission VI. I want to encourage you to participate in this Symposium, by presenting a paper on one of the topics of the Commission, and by attending the Symposium and contributing to the discussions during the sessions. I am sure that you will find this Symposium interesting and stimulating. I encourage you to take the initiative to participate.

John Trinder
ISPRS President

The twenty first century is a new challenge for educators and students. This Symposium will focus on education and communication into the new millenium, on global specific perspectives and experiences, and this will be an ideal opportunity to meet experts and exchange information in this area. The ISPRS/TC VI Mid Term Symposium is organized jointly by the Brazilian Society of Cartography, Geodesy, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, National Institute for Space Research and São José dos Campos Municipality.

São José dos Campos is the most important aerospace town in Brazil and Latin America. Do not miss this great opportunity to share with us your experience in education, and to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of this city and Brazil.

I look forward to seeing you in São José dos Campos.