RSGISFORUM initiative is a way to express concern by community of user, developer, and observer of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System in Indonesia to the natural disaster in the Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) and its surrounding.

This initiative began from a discussion in rsgisforum-net mailing-list on the importance of spatial data for the various aspects of post disaster management occurred in northern tip of Sumatera. From a meeting on January 4, 2005, several points were made that hopefully may help each party or institution that will rebuild the area. We are all in agreement to contribute something to the people of Aceh personally, that is without institutional attachment.

The initiative's vision: to make this activity one of the spatial data source or data bank to develop the future of Aceh and North Sumatera (within 1 year).

The initiative's mission: to make the synergy between potential and existing natural resources; develop network among private, non-profit and government institutions to access and share of data; manage spatial data infrastructure in the district and city level.

We hope our modest contribution may help our friends and family in NAD and its surrounding.