Introduction

The National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) is committed to advancing capacity building through high-impact, experiential learning. Our comprehensive portfolio of workshops and training programs is designed to deliver practical, hands-on exposure across key domains including space science, satellite technology, geographic information systems (GIS), and related disciplines. These programs are strategically developed for students, educators, researchers, industry stakeholders, and professionals, equipping participants with specialized skills and applied knowledge to drive innovation and contribute effectively to Pakistan’s growing space and geospatial technology ecosystem.

National Space Symposium 2025

The National Space Symposium 2025, jointly organized by SUPARCO, the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA), and the Institute of Space Technology (IST), brought together leading voices from government, academia, and industry to highlight the transformative power of space science and technology in shaping Pakistan’s socioeconomic future.
The event was graced by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, as the Chief Guest. In addition to delivering the keynote address, the Minister inaugurated the NCGSA research facility, explored its cutting-edge labs, and reviewed pioneering projects in disaster management, agriculture, geo-forensics, satellite navigation, and small satellite development. A symbolic tree plantation marked the occasion, reinforcing the national commitment to sustainability and innovation.
In his remarks, the Minister applauded NCGSA’s contributions to harnessing space technology for national development and urged a continued focus on applied, impact-driven research to build a knowledge-based, globally competitive economy.

Second Workshop on General Relativity, Cosmology, Astrophysics & Particle Physics 2024

The Space and Astrophysics Research Lab (SARL) of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) organized the 2nd Workshop on General Relativity, Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Particle Physics on December 12, 2024, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad.
The workshop brought together over 80 students, researchers, and professionals from across Pakistan. The program featured engaging lectures by eminent professors and domain experts, offering deep insights into cutting-edge topics in astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology, and fostering intellectual exchange on some of the most profound questions in modern science.

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National GIS Summit 2024

The National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) successfully hosted the National GIS Summit 2024 on November 20, 2024, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, to commemorate International GIS Day. The summit brought together a diverse audience of experts, professionals, and students from across Pakistan to explore the transformative role of geospatial technologies in advancing sustainable development.
The program featured thematic sessions on key areas including geospatial solutions for sustainable development, GIS for agriculture and food security, climate change mitigation, disaster preparedness, geo-health, geo-forensics, and the integration of artificial intelligence in GIS applications.

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Workshop on Space Law and Policy 2024

The National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) successfully hosted a two-day Workshop on Space Law and Policy from September 3–4, 2024, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. The event brought together over 60 participants from academia, public institutions, and private organizations, fostering informed dialogue on the legal and regulatory dimensions of outer space activities.
The workshop featured a distinguished lineup of national and international experts, including:

  • Hamza Hameed, Senior Practice Manager, Access Partnership (Singapore)
  • Muhammad Arham Khan, Divisional Head, International Affairs, SUPARCO
  • Dr. Maria Saifuddin Effendi, Assistant Professor, National Defence University (NDU)
  • Muhammad Naveed Hafiz, General Manager, International Affairs, SUPARCO
  • Ms. Aisha Jagirani, Director General, APSCO
  • Dr. Ammar Masood, Dean, Faculty of Computing & AI, Air University

Key topics included space law and international treaties, space governance and diplomacy, regional and international cooperation, cybersecurity, space sustainability, and Pakistan’s National Space Policy. The workshop fostered insightful discussions on space governance, marking a significant step in advancing legal and policy frameworks for Pakistan’s growing space sector.

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International Workshop on Geological Remote Sensing & Applications 2024

The National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA), in collaboration with its partner lab G-SAG (GIS & Space Applications in Geosciences Lab) at NCEG, University of Peshawar, successfully organized a two-day International Workshop on Geological Remote Sensing & Applications on June 5–6, 2024, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. The workshop brought together over 40 professionals and scholars from academia and industry across Pakistan for an immersive learning experience.
Expert facilitators from the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, along with specialists from IST and G-SAG Lab, led a series of engaging sessions. The workshop offered a dynamic mix of expert lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises using actual datasets, equipping participants with practical skills and applied knowledge in geological remote sensing for exploration and mining applications.

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First Workshop on General Relativity, Cosmology, Astrophysics & Particle Physics 2023

The Space and Astrophysics Research Lab (SARL) of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) organized a specialized Workshop on General Relativity, Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Particle Physics on November 28, 2023, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad.
The workshop brought together students, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore the fundamental questions of the universe, covering core concepts and recent advances in theoretical physics and astrophysics. Sessions were delivered by subject matter experts, aiming to deepen participants’ understanding of the cosmos—from the fabric of space-time to the physics of the early universe.

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Summer School on Remote Sensing & GISc. 2023

The National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) successfully organized a five-day Summer School on Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Science (GISc.) from June 19–23, 2023, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. The event was held in collaboration with the Deqing Association for Geospatial Information Professionals (DQGIP) and the Belt and Road International Geospatial Information Training Center, China.
The school brought together over 100 participants from academia and public/private organizations across Pakistan and was facilitated by 24 national and international experts from academia and industry. The program featured interactive lectures and hands-on sessions covering key domains including remote sensing, GIS, photogrammetry, GNSS, and AI/ML applications in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, disaster management, geology, and water resource management—with practical training delivered using the latest geospatial software tools.

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Teachers’ Training Workshop on Space Education 2023

The Space Education and Research Lab (SERL) of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) organized a three-day Teachers’ Training Workshop on Space Education from September 14–16, 2023, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education, an initiative of the International Astronomical Union.
Specially designed for primary and secondary science school teachers, the workshop aligned with the national space education curriculum of Pakistan. It aimed to enhance teachers’ understanding of astronomy and space science, and equip them with interactive tools, teaching strategies, and hands-on activities to inspire young learners.

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APRSAF Space Education Seminar 2023

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Space Education & Awareness Drive (SEAD) of SUPARCO, and the Space Education and Research Lab (SERL) of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) jointly organized the Space Education Seminar of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) on February 1, 2023 at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad,
The event was attended by over 100 students and educators and served as an engaging platform to promote space science education and outreach across the Asia-Pacific region. Experts from JAXA and NCGSA delivered inspiring talks and hands-on activities, introducing participants to key concepts in astronomy, space exploration, and science communication. The seminar concluded with a special stargazing session at IST Astronomical Observatory of NCGSA, organized in collaboration with Astronomical Societies of Pakistan, offering participants a memorable celestial experience under the night sky.

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Workshop on Principles of Project Management 2022

The National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) conducted a four-day workshop on Principles of Project Management from December 27–30, 2022, at the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad.
The workshop aimed to build capacity among students, academicians, and professionals by introducing key project management concepts, tools, and techniques aligned with the PMBOK 6 framework. Participants explored the project lifecycle, process groups, knowledge areas, and core processes through a practical lens. Facilitated by seasoned project managers, academic experts, and industry professionals, the sessions combined interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on group exercises to ensure a strong balance of theory and real-world application.

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Second GNSS Winter School 2022

The GNSS Research Lab of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) organized the Second GNSS Winter School from October 19–21, 2022, at the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad.
This specialized program explored the intersection of GNSS technology and space weather phenomena, focusing on topics such as ionosphere disturbances, signal disruptions, and modeling techniques using GNSS data. Designed for researchers, engineers, and students, the winter school offered valuable insights into mapping and analyzing the effects of space weather on satellite-based navigation systems, contributing to the enhancement of national capabilities in GNSS applications and space environment monitoring.

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First GNSS Winter School 2021

The GNSS Research Lab of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) organized the First GNSS Winter School from February 22–26, 2021, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. It was specifically designed for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals, the program aimed to strengthen foundational and applied expertise in satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies.
The winter school covered core technical domains including GNSS signal structure and modulation, receiver architecture, signal processing algorithms, ionospheric effects and space weather modeling, as well as augmentation systems and emerging GNSS applications. The sessions blended theoretical insights with practical exposure, providing participants with a well-rounded understanding of modern GNSS technologies and their integration in real-world systems.

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180 Seconds Space Film Festival

The 180 Seconds Space Film Festival (180SSFF): Visualizing Space, was organized by the Space Education Research Lab of NCGSA during Summer 2021 at the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad. The festival invited visual storytellers and filmmakers to submit short films—limited to 180 seconds—in the genres of fiction, documentary, and animation.
Centered around the theme “Space Science, Technology, and Its Applications”, the festival served as a creative platform to promote public engagement with space through compelling visual narratives. The initiative aimed to inspire awareness, curiosity, and dialogue around the transformative role of space science in shaping our future.

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Geospatial Hackathon 2020

In response to the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on society, the GNSS and Space Education Research Lab of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) organized a three-day Online Geospatial Hackathon from November 20–22, 2020.
The hackathon focused on leveraging geospatial technologies to address key challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 3, and 4), namely No Poverty, Good Health & Well-being, and Quality Education. Participants from diverse backgrounds collaborated virtually to develop innovative, data-driven solutions aimed at supporting recovery and resilience in a post-pandemic world.

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