Leaving this afternoon, Pittsburgh-Chicago-Paris-Kuala Lumpur. 26 hours. Ugh. Going to the FIG Congress meeting...FIG 2014 Kuala Lumpur
Lots of good technical sessions on the schedule. Not many from the US going. Used to be a few from NGS would go and present, but I am not sure how many if any are going this year. I did not attend last year because it was in Abuja, Nigeria. With the demise of the ACSM annual conference, this is all there is anymore...I have been to quite a few over the last ten years or so, always a lot of good presentations, and I have presented at a couple myself. Neat to see how other surveyors around the world operate.
I am the US delegate to Commission 6-Engineering Surveys. It is customary to have a joint dinner/get together with Commission 5-Positioning and Measurements.
For those not familiar with FIG-browse their web site (www.fig.net). Lots of good info there, and the proceedings from each annual meeting are downloadable.
I booked on American Airlines, only after finishing the booking did I realize that the Paris-Kuala Lumpur leg is on Malaysian Airlines. It showed up during the booking as an AA flight, but it is a code share. Almost all over land, though.
wow! what an adventure! good luck John, safe travels!
If the plane disappears, I will at least try to activate my SPOT locator beacon!
Maybe when you return you could give us a brief overview of the topics discussed? Must say I am just a little jealous. Malay food is one of my favorites. Sumatran is at the top. Not to mention some very beautiful women. 😉
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
One of my duties as a US rep is to prepare a report, which used to go into the ACSM bulletin, not sure if that is still available. I will try to provide links to any good presentations.
Thanks, Gavin. I intend to go to a lot of GNSS stuff even though I am the commission 6 rep. I wish they would merge Commission 5 and commission 6!
FIG does post programs and presentations
See http://www.fig.net/fig2013/technical_program.htm
Edit the year in the link to see previous programs.
I am envious. Good luck and hope you enjoy the Conference.
BTW, many of the Asian airlines far exceed the American carriers when it comes to service. Bangkok Air fed the entire plane a nice lunch during an hour long flight to Siam Riep in Cambodia. Staff was efficient and friendly. I would not fly most domestic carriers if given an alternative.
Cheers,
DMM
Aloha, John: Have a great trip!
Make sure to enjoy various cuisine they have there!
"Selamat Jalan."
FIG does post programs and presentations
The 12 hour flight on Malaysian Airlines was quite nice. Good entertainment system (lots of on demand choices), and the economy seats had lots of legroom. It was a A380, first time I have been on that. Looks like a 747. One neat thing is that they have a camera high up on the tail looking forward, that shows up on the seat back screen during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
The experience at deGaulle in Paris was THE WORST. I have been there before, but for some reason it was chaos. After I changed terminals, I waited in a long line to check in. Then there was a single choke point with about 300 people (not in lines or anything) trying to get past a guy who had to scan the boarding pass. Just people shoving and pushing. Reminded me of the fall of Saigon (not that I was there, but what I have seen on TV). Then another hour long line snaking the whole way around the next floor for passport control, and finally a very slow line at the gate for scanning carry-ons, etc. Makes the whole TSA experience look like a model of efficiency.
So here I am, Sunday morning. Took a train to the central station from the airport, then a taxi. You have to pay for the taxi at a desk, cost depends on how far (zones). Nothing was open yet to change $$, fortunately the guy took a $5 US bill (reluctantly). Otherwise I would be there until 10 AM until the bank opened. The only ATM I could find wouldn't give me any money. At least the hotel changed $$ for me.
I have enjoyed visiting Malaysia too. Regarding the flight, I particularly enjoyed the friendly announcement in the plane a few minutes before landing, (in English): "Welcome to Malaysia. Please remember that in Malaysia, conviction for possession of any illegal drug is punishable by death. We hope you enjoy your stay!".
ww CO PLS
opening ceremony
Although the general assembly was yesterday, and they had technical sessions this morning. the "official" opening ceremony was this afternoon. The Prime Minister of Malaysia gave a pretty good speech, not just your typical "welcome to Malaysia", but he actually talked about the need for surveyors, etc. Very well researched and written and presented.
His name was a bit long, but everyone who said it spelled out the whole thing...
The view from the convention center window...
