Geodesy for a resilient Africa Summer School
29 Jun – 3 Jul 2026 • AIMS-Cameroon, Limbe, Cameroon
The Summer school will be held in person; however, virtual attendees will not be able to give presentations. Registration will be open from February 6 to March 8, 2026.
Partners & Sponsors
From Data to Action: Tackling Africa’s Climate Challenges
The Geodesy Summer School for a Resilient Africa, the first of its kind for Africa and its Small Island Developing States (SIDS), will take place in Limbe, Cameroon, from June 29th to July 3rd, 2026. This intensive program will train up to 30 Africans early- and mid-career researchers, including Master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, young scientists, NGO leaders, climate activists, and key stakeholders, equipping them with advanced expertise in satellite data processing, reference frame applications, and geodetic analysis. Through hands-on training and exposure to the latest scientific methods, participants will gain the tools to monitor environmental threats and develop strategies for long-term resilience.
The summer school will strengthen the capacity of early career scientists and climate-engaged communities to respond to environmental change, establish a collaborative hub for knowledge exchange, reduce reliance on external expertise, and empower African-led solutions. This initiative represents a decisive step toward enabling the continent and its island nations to safeguard people, resources, and ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.
Limbe city bird’s-eye view. Credit: @ericjoelmanej
The Challenges We’re Tackling Together
Sea Level Rise, land subsidence, coastal flooding and tide modelling
Marine Heatwaves, Coral Bleaching, and Sustainable Fisheries
An Integrated Satellite And In Situ Measurement Approach
Tap any icon on the map to uncover fascinating facts!
LLR
(Lunar Laser Ranging)
A technique that measures the precise distance between Earth and the Moon by timing laser pulses bounced off reflectors on the lunar surface. It is used to test theories of gravity and study the Earth-Moon system.
VLBI
(Very Long Baseline Interferometry)
Uses a global network of radio telescopes to observe distant quasars, providing a stable reference frame to measure tectonic plate motion and Earth's orientation in space with extreme precision.
GNSS
(Global Navigation Satellite System)
Uses a global network of radio telescopes to observe distant quasars, providing a stable reference frame to measure tectonic plate motion and Earth's orientation in space with extreme precision.
SLR
(Satellite Laser Ranging)
Measures the distance to Earth-orbiting satellites by timing laser pulses bounced off them. It is essential for determining precise satellite orbits, Earth's gravity field, and the center of mass of the Earth system.
DORIS
(Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite)
A system where a satellite measures the Doppler shift from a global network of ground beacons to determine its own orbit with high accuracy. It is critical for satellite altimetry missions that measure sea level.
Remote Sensing
The science of acquiring information about the Earth from a distance, typically from satellites or aircraft. It is used to monitor land, oceans, and atmosphere, including applications like mapping deforestation, measuring sea surface temperature, and tracking weather patterns.
Satellite Altimetry
A specific remote sensing technique that uses radar pulses from a satellite to measure surface height with centimeter-level precision. It is the primary tool for measuring global sea level rise, ocean currents, and the changing height of ice sheets.
Meet the Lecturers
Franck Ghomsi
National Institute of Cartography, Cameroon.
CEOS, University of Manitoba, Canada.
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Ola M. Johannessen
Nansen Scientific Society, Bergen, Norway. Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of St.Olav in 2008.
Julienne Stroeve
CEOS, University of Manitoba, Canada.
Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Germany.
Jean Marcel
National Institute of Cartography, Cameroon. Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Cameroon.
Local Committee
5 Days of Immersive Learning
Practical training, expert guidance, and projects that matter
Day
1
Geodesy basics & orientation
Introduction to geodesy and Earth science, focusing on variability and dynamics connecting land and ocean processes.
Day
2
In Situ Data Processing
Hands-on training in in situ data processing and baseline analysis, including land subsidence and uplift using InSAR. Develop actionable insights for monitoring land and water dynamics.
Day
3
Satellite Altimetry & Ocean Variability
Introduction to processing satellite altimetry data to track sea level changes, tide modeling, marine heatwaves, and coastal dynamics. Produce visualizations and analyses suitable for research or policy applications
Day
4
Inland & Integrated Applications
Combine GRACE, GNSS, and altimetry data in practical case studies. Refine projects for real-world decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Day
5
Presentations, policy & Networking
Present projects, draft policy briefs, and build a professional network to support future climate resilience initiatives.
Our Partners
