"On behalf of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping of China (SBSM), I'd like to extend my warm congratulations to the opening of the congress and my sincere welcome to all the participants.

"On the eve of the Beijing Olympic Games, scientists from more than 80 countries and regions of the world are gathering in Beijing to attend the 21st ISPRS Congress where they will exchange the latest achievements in geospatial science and discuss new developments in photogrammetry and remote sensing. This is a significant contribution to the peaceful use of geospatial science and geographic information for the benefit of modern civilisation.

"Just before the opening of the congress, Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang met some of the participants of the Congress on behalf of the Chinese government. He introduced the important role played by the geospatial sciences in China, especially during the earthquake relief effort in Wenchuan, and spoke about our ongoing efforts to promote the development of this science. He expressed the desire and resolution of the Chinese government to continue on the road of peaceful development. He also advocated the use of geospatial science to promote sustainable development and better serve the interests of humankind.

"In today's society, science and technology has been a major driving force in supporting economic developments and the growth of human civilisation. The development of photogrammetry and remote sensing allows the global community to better understand our environment, assist in disaster management and more generally, improve our quality of life.

"Since the 1970s, when Chinese scientist Wang Zhizhou proposed the concept of full digital mapping, SBSM has been engaged in promoting the revolution of Chinese surveying and mapping technology. At present, digital surveying and mapping technology systems are being established in China. Basic national geographic information databases at 1:1,000,000, 1:250,000, and 1:50,000, and a number of provincial databases at 1:10,000, and city and county databases at larger scales have been established. SBSM is making efforts in the development of IT-based surveying and mapping systems, which are characterised by real-time acquisition, automatic processing, network services and socialised applications.

"In the rescue and response effort after the Wenchuan earthquake, SBSM swiftly built monitoring and data capture systems using aerial photography, satellites and low altitude platforms. Scientists captured and processed high resolution remote sensing imagery of the disaster-hit areas and integrated these with existing resources to produce orthographic maps and 3D GIS service systems.

"Altogether, around 53,000 maps and 11 terabytes of geographic information data were provided. This information is not only crucial for ongoing disaster assessment, relief and monitoring, but also site selection, sub-disaster monitoring, disaster prevention and infrastructure reconstruction. The international community showed their sympathy and provided generous support to the Chinese government and people during the relief effort. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to ISPRS council members and colleagues in the field of photogrammetry and remote sensing for their condolences and assistance.

"SBSM has always attached importance to international co-operation and collaboration in science and technology, and takes an active part in the activities of the ISPRS. We encourage fellow colleagues and professionals in the field of photogrammetry, remote sensing and geospatial science - both from home and abroad - to strongly support international co-operation. By promoting data sharing, expanding academic exchange and improving understanding and communication, together we can build a new silk road of information from imagery which will contribute to the peaceful interests of humankind and sustainable development.

"In one month, the 29th summer Olympic Games will be held in Beijing. 'One World, One Dream' is the slogan we put forward for the games. It is meant to carry forward the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship and peace, and promote the understanding and friendship of the people of all nations. Welcome to Beijing.

"I wish you a successful 21st ISPRS congress."