Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, February 25-27, 2009

Transcription

1 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, February 25-27, rd BALGEOS BALkan GEodetic Observing System A SCIENTIFIC CHALLENGE FOR THE BALKAN COUNTRIES WORKSHOP THE SECOND CIRCULAR BALGEOS as a contribution to GGOS -

2 INTRODUCTION Geodesy Department of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sarajevo is pleased to host the 3rd Workshop of the BALGEOS (BALkan GEOdetic Observing System) project in the city of Sarajevo, on February 26-28, The present Second Circular is an update of the First Circular and includes the preliminary agenda of the BALGEOS workshop and the call for papers. It also provides preliminary information on the conference arrangements including a general description of the city of Sarajevo, venue information, travel guidelines, grant application and registration form. The circular is being posted at the official website of BALGEOS project: If you have any requests and comments, feel free to contact us at: Web site: balgeos@clg.bas.bg Geodesy Department of Civil Engineering Faculty Sarajevo Patriotske lige Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Contact person: Medžida Mulić, mmulic@yahoo.com, medzida_mulic@gf.unsa.ba Mobile: Tel: Fax: , or Central Laboratory of Geodesy Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Sofia Contact person: Dr. Lyubka Pashova, lpashova@clg.bas.bg Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics Vienna Technical University Vienna Contact person: Mahdi Alizadeh, alizadeh@mars.hg.tuwien.ac.at or Contact person: Ana Karabatić anna@mars.hg.tuwien.ac.at

3 LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Chairperson and coordinator of the project BALGEOS: Prof. Dr. Harald Schuh, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Vienna University of Technology Austria Members from Geodesy Department Sarajevo Faculty of Civil Engineering University of Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Medžida Mulić, Džanina Omićević, Tuno Nedim, Member from Central Laboratory of Geodesy Sofia Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Sofia Bulgaria Dr. Lyubka Pashova, Members from Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics Vienna University of Technology Austria Mahdi Alizadeh Ana Karabatić,

4 OBJECTIVE OF WORKSHOP AND BALGEOS PROJECT The BALGEOS project aims to strengthen the scientific co-operation between Austrian, Bulgarian, Bosnian and Herzegovina and Macedonian institutions, as well as the relevant geodetic scientific institutions from other South-East European countries, to further partners integration in the GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System), as a main component of the IAG. The BALGEOS project will contribute to the regional implementation of GGOS by developing national and regional capacities for coordinating, using and sharing geodetic data and information. The objectives of the BALGEOS project include an evaluation of the possibility to extend the EUREF Permanent Network (EPN) in Southeast Europe, testing the models for space geodetic observations processing, and integration of the obtained results from previous geodetic studies for the regions of Central and Southeast Europe in a unified frame. The research consortium planned and organized two workshops, which were supposed to cover top priorities of the GGOS in Europe, as well as to suggest a way for regional implementation in the Balkans for consideration by the responsible IAG institutions. It is foreseen to disseminate the results by publications in international specialized journals and at geodetic meetings. The project results would contribute to the geodetic strategy for the development of Earth observation systems in Southeast Europe. The expected impact of the joint project is an effective collaboration among partners to successfully initiate activities in the EU 7FP - Theme 6: Environment (including climate change) and other European initiatives. LANGUAGE The official language of the BALGEOS workshop is English. VENUES The workshop will take place at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Sarajevo, street Patriotske lige 30, Sarajevo. Please found the map of Sarajevo as an attachment with pointed places of interest for the BALGEOS workshop. A poster session will be organized if the interest will be shown. Social events will take place in the historical center of the city Sarajevo called Bašćaršija. REGISTRATION Registration Form is attached or can be found on the end of 2 nd Circular Letter. Send your registration form to the LOC: Medzida Mulic mmulic@yahoo.com. Fax: ;

5 No registration fee requested! Deadline for registration: February 15, (on-site registration might be possible upon request) You are kindly requested to send your registration form as soon as possible for enabling organization of your stay as better as possible! APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL FUNDS (For colleagues outside the BALGEOS project) Colleagues who are not yet involved in the BALGEOS project but who are interested in the topic of the Workshop are very much welcome to attend our meeting. During the meeting the BALGEOS partners will discuss the future collaboration beyond the project and of course this discussion is open to geodetic experts from neighboring countries. For a limited number of these colleagues travels expenses (train, bus, or low cost flight) can be reimbursed from project BALGEOS. Unfortunately, accommodation and other costs cannot be covered from the project. Those who are interested should send an informal request to the project coordinator: Prof. Dr. Harald Schuh (harald.schuh@tuwien.ac.at) TRAVEL INFORMATION LOC kindly asks all participants to send their travel information to: Medzida Mulic mmulic@yahoo.com. Travel by plane The state-of-the-art Sarajevo airport ( ) is located at the foot of Mount Igman, about 12 km from the town centre. There are no shuttle buses and no bus routes in the vicinity of the airport. At various rates, the major hotels - and some of the smaller ones - offer the airport pick-ups and drop-offs. Otherwise, taxis will take you to town for around 20 BAM. In the cold months, early-morning flights may be delayed or cancelled as the area is sometimes covered with heavy fog until late morning or later. You can change money at the airport exchange desk, rent a car from one of the car rental booths located in the arrival hall, and, in case you need to contact your hotel, buy a phone card at the post office. Also there is a small Tourist Info Point from the Tourism Community of Sarajevo District. It is open Monday-Thursday from 10:00 till 17:00 and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 till 17:00. There are daily direct flights from Munich, Budapest, Vienna (twice per day), Zagreb (twice per day), Belgrade, Ljubljana and Istanbul.

6 BALGEOS workshop participant will be met at the airport by person representing LOC. Travel by train Before the war the rail network connected most Bosnian cities. This has changed dramatically. There are now only three routes that originate in Sarajevo: the Sarajevo-Zenica-Banja Luka- Zagreb route takes about ten hours from start to finish; the northern route to Budapest goes via Tuzla; and the southern route towards the Adriatic coast is Konjic-Jablanica-Mostar-Capljina- Ploce (Croatia). This last route goes through the Neretva Canyon and is particularly scenic. Even on these three routes, trains do not go quite as frequently as the buses do. The rail system is now connected to Eurrail and will soon be offering faster trains to the Croatian coast. To reach the hotel Hecco from the Main Railways Station in Sarajevo you can take the tram number 1 and take off on the last stop "Bašćaršija. The ticket can be bought in the tram and costs 1.7 BAM. We would recommend taking the taxi to the hotel Hecco. It would cost about 10 BAM. You can be met at railway station by LOC representative on your demand. Travel by bus The bus system of Bosnia and Herzegovina functions well. Centrotrans/Eurolines and a range of smaller bus companies have reliable bus routes to many locations. There are daily bus routes from neighboring Croatia and Serbia. Bus travel is reasonably priced and a one-way ticket to the furthest in-country destination from Sarajevo will not cost more than 15 euro. At the main bus stations, you are meant to buy your ticket at the ticket booth, but you can normally get it on the bus as well. Usually there is an extra charge of 1 or 2 KM for each sizeable bag you carry with you. LOC recommends taking taxi to the hotel HECCO from bus station. The price would be about 10 BAM. If you share expenses with your colleagues it would be cheaper than traveling by public transportation. Anyhow, if you prefer to go by tram, please take a tram number 1, and take off at the last tram stop "Bašćaršija". You would need to walk about minutes to the hotel Hecco. You can be met at the bus station by LOC representative on your demand. Travel by car Bosnia and Herzegovina has begun major construction on the C5 corridor that will link B&H with the major motorway routes to the Croatian coast and Budapest. Road conditions have improved in the past years making the driving through B&H safer and more pleasant experience. The road system in B&H tends to be rather curvy as many of the main motorways are constructed through mountain valleys. There are a lot of beautiful sights, the roads tend to be quiet, and there are plenty of nice places to stop for a drink or a meal. Some of the country's best restaurants are right next to the major road. There is a little chance of running out of petrol in the middle of nowhere as there are many petrol stations along all major routes. Equally comforting is the number of garages. For relatively little money, the 'automehanicar' will make repairs and the 'vulkanizer' will fix your flat tire. We would offer a few warnings if you traveling by car in B&H:

7 1. Take a good map with you. Road signs in some areas are frequent and accurate but they may suddenly be gone altogether. 2. Road signs in the Republika Srpska are mostly in Cyrillic. 3. First-hand and second-hand spare parts for German-made cars are widely available. For other cars, spare parts may be a little more difficult to find. 4. The law stipulates that you always have to carry a spare tire, a jack, an extra headlight bulb, a first-aid kit, a tow rope and a hazard triangle. During a routine police check you may have to show that you do indeed have all that. 5. In the winter period, snow chains are vital. For the detailed information of the border crossing in Bosnia and Herzegovina please see the map on the visit web site: If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call LOC representative: Medžida Mulić Mobile VISA Bosnia and Herzegovina can only be entered with a valid passport. EU, American and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter the country. Most other countries do need a visa, and getting one is possible through the Bosnian embassies in your respective countries. Fees for visas issued by diplomatic/consular offices: 1. Single entry-exit visas and transit visa 32 EUR 2. Multiple entry-exit visas for period up to 90 days 57 EUR 3. Multiple entry-exit visas for period over 90 days 72 EUR Officially, people who enter the country on a visa need to register themselves with the police within 24 hours after their arrival in the country. If you enter Bosnia and Herzegovina by car, you will have to buy vehicle insurance at the border if your country's insurance policy does not cover B&H. It is better to check before departing. It is an uncomplicated and fairly inexpensive affair. You do not need this insurance if you have a green card that covers Bosnia and Herzegovina. If an invitation letter is needed for visas, please inform LOC as soon as possible. Apply early: visa applicants are advised to apply as soon as they decide to attend the workshop. Visa applicants should consult the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Embassies in their own countries concerning Requirements to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Should a letter of invitation be required, please send a requesting e mail to LOC as soon as possible including the following information: 1. Name, family name, parents name, date of birth, and passport number, 2. Copy of your passport showing photos and data of issue, and valid visas, 3. Education and the name of organization you belong to, 4. Information on transportation and accommodation.

8 CURRENCY EXCHANGE BAM (Bosnian Mark) is the currency in use, accepted at regular stores and restaurants. Credit cards are widely accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops. You can exchange money at banks and other authorized money exchange upon presentation of your passport. Be aware that banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. but the cash machines are available 24 hours per day. CREDIT CARDS VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are widely accepted credit cards at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants. ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS Various standards of accommodation have been made available in Sarajevo. Accommodation ranges from tourist class hotels e.g. hostels, bed and breakfast to 5 stars hotel. We recommend the moderate but good, three stars hotel Hecco ( The hotel management provides a special offer and discount prices for the BALGEOS workshop participants. Single room price with breakfast would cost 72 BAM, (approximately 36 Euros (1EURO=1.95 BAM)). Hotel Hecco is built in Bosnian post-modern architecture and modern interior with an international atmosphere. It is located in the old part of Sarajevo, in a quiet area, but at just a 5-minute walking distance from the cultural centre Bašćaršija. The address of the hotel is Street Medrese 1, Sarajevo. If you like to make reservation in another hotel in Sarajevo please visit Lunch and coffees will be served for the BALGEOS workshop participants at the Faculty during the BALGEOS workshop breaks. Dinners will give the opportunities to try excellent local food and enjoy the atmosphere. Otherwise, Sarajevo has a long list of good and high quality dining. Even the traditional pita buregdzenica places offer very inexpensive, traditional flavors. To found out more about what to eat in Sarajevo please visit: WATER Water supply system in the city delivers clear and drinkable water. ELECTRICITY The electrical current is V, AC, 50 Hz throughout B&H.

9 INSURANCE The organizer cannot accept responsibility for accidents that might occur in connection with the BALGEOS WORKSHOP or the excursion trips. Participants are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country. Insurance policies typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical costs in case of injury or illness, and other possible risks of international travel. CLIMATE The temperature in Sarajevo during the period of the workshop may range from -20 to 15 C. More data about this important matter will be found in the third circular. SHOPPING Shops in Sarajevo are generally open on weekdays and Saturdays from 08:00 to 20:00 but closed on Sundays and national holidays. Participants from outside of B&H can reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) they pay if they spend more than 175 in the same shop. SIGHTSEEING AND DAILY EXCURSION The Local Organizing Committee has planned an interesting social program and one-day Excursion. This Excursion will take place to the beautiful old town Mostar, Počitelj a UNESCO heritage ( and the spring of the river Buna (pictures below show Mostar, Buna, and Počitelj). Blagaj-Buna region is characterized by the diversity of its above-ground and underground waters. The source of the Buna is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. It is the finest example of an underground "karst" river. It flows out of a 200m cliff wall and single-handedly creates the Buna River. Unsurprisingly, the Ottoman sultan was impressed, and ordered a "tekija" to be built right next to it. This 16th century house/monastery was built for the Dervish cults and is still one of the most mystical places in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is open to visitors all year round and serves cold drinks, tea and Bosnian coffee in a beautiful garden overlooking the source of the River.

10 For more information about Mostar and famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) and Počitelj please visit: Another excursion to the Olympic Mountains: Igman, Bjelašnica, and Jahorina could be organized if the interest will be shown. SARAJEVO CITY Sarajevo is a city in which even strangers can feel at home. Neither geographically expansive nor characterized by large buildings, the city retains a particular, arresting charm with its abundance of busy café's and abiding tradition of hospitality. The city's breathtaking backdrop of seemingly endless hills and towering mountains have in a sense always isolated the city, creating a timeless world, which despite its seclusion has always kept its doors open to the rest of the world. Although Sarajevo is a capital city typified by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it also possesses a unique ambience that seeps into the soul. This city epitomizes a partial centuries-old struggle against outside influences combined with the absorption of these influences into one of the most diverse cultures in Europe. Indeed, few places on earth feature an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue within easy walking distance of each other. If there were any city in Europe that effortlessly straddles east and west, it is Sarajevo. Here the Byzantine and Ottoman empires of the east and the Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires of the west left an indelible mark through culture, traditions and religions. A walk through Sarajevo is a walk through its past. From the oriental Ottoman quarters lined with sweet shops, café's and handicraft workshops, to the administrative and cultural centre of Austro-Hungarian times; Sarajevo encompasses the very best of both worlds. In Sarajevo, people have time for family and friends. It is often said that a man's wealth here is not measured in his material belongings but rather in his friendships. Map of Sarajevo and an artistic map of Olympic Sarajevo are shown below.

11 For more information about Sarajevo please visit: Some of many bridges in Sarajevo over river Miljacka

12 ACCOMPANYING PERSON PROGRAM A varied social program can been defined and made available for accompanying person. The wonderful cultural and natural resources of the Sarajevo city and its surrounding towns (Visoko, Ilidža, Mostar, Travnik, Jajce) could be some of the destination sites, as well as Olympic Mountains, which are on a short distance from Sarajevo Center, with very nice skiing facilities. The program will also include cultural activities and typical gourmet enjoyments. A traditional cultural event, the International Festival Sarajevo Winter will take place in Sarajevo at the same time. The figure below shows posters of the festival. International Festival Sarajevo Winter 2009 is dedicated to the promotion of European Year of the Innovation and Creativities under the motto: Imagine. Create. Innovate Details of Sarajevo cultures and touristic destination can be found out on the web sites: and You are encouraged to let us know your interest. More details will be provided in the Third Circular.

13 The LOC and the coordinator of BALGEOS project hope to see many of you at the Workshop in Sarajevo

14 LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE BALGEOS Workshop University of Sarajevo Faculty of Civil Engineering- Department of Geodesy Patriotske lige 30, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel.: , Fax: or REGISTRATION FORM Title: Prof. Dr. Mr. Mrs. First Name Last Name Full address Country address Phone Fax Affiliation (Company or Institute) Speaker Title of contribution: No Registration fees! Request for Grant application Yes No Accompanying person(s) 1st Title Prof. Dr. Mr. Mrs. First Name Last Name 2nd Title Prof. Dr. Mr. Mrs. First Name Last Name Date of arrival Date of departure Nights of permanence How will you probably reach SARAJEVO? by bus by car by train by plane I would like to make reservation for the accommodation in Hotel HECCO. Yes No In case of double room name the person you will share the room with: Title Prof. Dr. Mr. Mrs. First Name Last Name I would like to participate to Daily Excursion to Mostar-Buna-Počitelj on Friday YES NO I would like to go to Sarajevo Sightseeing, Saturday morning, YES NO Please send your Registration Form to LOC as soon as possible, not late than February 15.