1. Chair, Cesare Mbaria, Kenya
Chair, Cesare Mbaria, Kenya

2. Presentation Contents
Brief Introduction
AFREF and UN-GGRF.
AFREF Membership and Meetings
AFREF Main Objectives
Problem and Consequences
Review of the 2nd UN-GGIM: Africa AFREF WG Meeting
Proposed AFREF Governance and Structures
Resolutions on Objectives, Structure & Recommendations
Distribution of GNSS Stations in Africa
Proposed African Geodetic Organisation
Review of AFREF Progress …. So far
Conclusion

3. Introduction: UN-GGIM: AFRICA AFREF WG
A resolution on GGRF for SD was passed by the 69th UNGA in February, The GGRF system is realized at three (3) levels; Global level – Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF); Regional level – the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF); and Local level – National Geodetic Reference Frame e.g. in Kenya, KENREF AFREF WG formed in November 2015 among other four (4) WGs for Africa. Membership: Kenya - Chair, Botswana, Nigeria, Morocco, Gabon RCMRD, AFRIGIS, UNECA 1st AFREF WG Meeting held in April 2016 during 4th HLF UN-GGIM at UNECA 2nd AFREF WG Meeting held in Nov during Africa GIS2017 at UNECA 3rd AFREF WG being held here today at UNECA
AFREF has been within structures of UNECA since 2004, (14 years ago).

4. Introduction …. Main Objectives of AFREF
To develop regional reference frame, AFREF, in line with UN-GGRF to enable direct and seamless application of GI.
To establish a continental reference system, AFREF, as a basis for national reference networks.
To establish permanent GNSS base stations such that users will be within 500km of a base station and that data is freely available to all users.
To realize a unified vertical datum and to support efforts to establish a precise African geoid.
To align AFREF to UN-GGRF.

5. PROBLEM - CONSEQUENCES :
A multitude of different datums, different ellipsoids and different projections
Confusion within countries as to appropriate datums, projections and transformations to use
Confusion and delays in cross-border projects: - transport corridors, mapping projects, conservation and environment, exploitation of mineral resources
Confusion and conflict regarding international borders

6. Impact of Reference Mismatch
Map dated 1989
WGS-84
Map dated 1957
CLARK 1880

7. Terms of Reference of WG – AFREF
Co-ordinate the implementation of the AFREF project at the continental level, including the establishment, densification and monitoring of the AFREF Data Centers and Data Analysis Centres;
Ensure the alignment of AFREF with the Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF)
Set guidelines and standards for the AFREF in coordination with International Association of Geodesy (IAG)
Provide justification, communication and publicity for the project to political groupings, in particular the Africa Union (AU), stakeholder, international organization and other users;
Provide advice and relevant assistance to member States, in conjunction with the regional centres, IAG and other stakeholders, for the improvement and maintenance of appropriate national geodetic infrastructure, to enhance the AFREF;

8. The terms of reference cont’
Secure funding, equipment and other resources to ensure the success of the AFREF;
Liaison with international organizations, in particular the IAG and UN-GGIM WG on GGRF, for guidance, human and infrastructure capacity development in conjunction with the regional centres to organize training, workshops, seminars etc;
To assist member States, in conjunction with the regional centres, to develop and implement outreach programmes for societies to appreciate the utility values of the national, regional and global geodetic reference frames.
Undertake any other activity that may be deemed relevant to the activities of the WG.

9. AFREF Infrastructure
A sparse continuous operating GPS reference stations has been established in Africa This network includes at least a station in the following countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Botswana, Bourkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya, Benin, Morocco, South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Angola, Mauritius, S. Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Uganda, Cape Verde, Nigeria and Rwanda. Many countries are expected to establish GPS networks soon while following the AFREF guidelines.

10. Review of the 2nd UN-GGIM: Africa AFREF WG Meeting
Proposed AFREF Governance and Structures
Revised AFREF Objectives and Responsibilities
Proposed New Structure for AFREF
Recommendations of the AFREF Meeting
Resolutions on Objectives, Structure & Recommendations
Distribution of GNSS Stations in Africa
Proposed African Geodetic Organisation

11. Revision of AFREF Governance and Structures
Revised Objectives:
Sensitize African countries to the aims and objectives of AFREF;
Encourage African countries to take ownership and to mobilize resources for the implementation of AFREF;
Establish continuous, permanent GNSS stations such that each nation or each user has free access to, and is at most 500 km from such stations;
Define the continental reference system of Africa consistent with ITRF;
Determine the relationship between the existing national reference frames and the ITRF;
Realize a unified vertical datum;
Assist in establishing in-country expertise for implementation, operation, processing and analyses of modern geodetic techniques, primarily GNSS; and
Provide a sustainable development environment for technology transfer, so that these activities will enhance the national networks, and numerous applications, with readily available technology.

12. OBJECTIVES RESPONSIBILITY
1. Sensitize African countries to the aims and objectives of AFREF;
Steering Committee
Central Bureau
2. Encourage African countries to take ownership and mobilize resources for the implementation of AFREF
3. Establish of a network of continuous, permanent GNSS stations
Operational Data Centres
4. Define the continental reference system of Africa consistent with ITRF
Working Group 1
Analysis Centres
5. Determine the relationship between the existing national reference frames and the ITRF
Working Group 2
National Analysis Centres
6. Realize a unified vertical datum
Working Group 3
7. Assist in establishing in-country expertise for implementation etc. of modern geodetic techniques
RCMRD & RECTAS
8. Provide a sustainable development environment for technology transfer
SC, CB, WG’s, AC’s & Regional Centres

13. Proposed new structure for AFREF

14. Recommendations Amend AFREF Objectives
Current AFREF Steering Committee to become the UN-GGIM: Africa Working Group 1 (WG 1) on African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF) with the revised structure [UN GGIM: Africa WG 1 AFREF].
A permanent Central Bureau is to be established with a fully employed staff member to take the role of the Bureau Manager plus two assistants
At least one additional Operational Data Centre should be identified through a Call for Participation
Three Working Groups are to be established through Calls for Participation.
Analysis Centres are to be identified through a Call for Participation and an Analysis Centre Co-ordinator to be elected from the successful Analysis Centres

15. Recommendations …. Continued
The policies, charters and standards of the IGS and the APREF Station Operator Guidelines to be used as guide for the preparation of the policies, charters and standards of AFREF
AFREF Steering Committee to draft the Statute, Rules of Procedure and Terms of Reference for the UN-GGIM: Africa Working Group on AFREF including the various components within the Working Group
The UN-GGIM: Africa Working Group on AFREF to be guided by and contribute to efforts of UN GGRF including the use of an open data policy and the use of the ITRF as a standard reference frame.
Resolutions
Adopt the proposed objectives, structure and recommendations of the AFREF Meeting

16. Distribution of GNSS Stations in Africa
Background
Some African countries with GNSS CORS are not sharing the data.
In spite of recent progress on GNSS site distribution, the current CORS gap in Africa exceed 50%, Nubian plate being mainly affected
Different methods can be used to determine Optimal Number of GNSS to meet AFREF criteria. However, there is need to come up with a practicable way that can be achievable.
Resolution
UN-GGIM: Africa WG 1 AFREF Steering Committee to encourage countries to adopt on Open Data Policy as per the objectives of UN GGIM & GGRF.
The African countries are encouraged to establish and maintain at least one or two CORS Stations that meet the recommended standards and specifications of the IGS for station installation.

17. Proposed African Geodetic Organization
Background
The need to establish some form of organisation to represent the interests of geodesists in Africa was expressed and supported by the AFREF meeting.
Resolution
The intention to establish an African Geodetic Commission or Association is to be circulated to Universities, Research Organisations and NMO’s regarding the establishment of such an organisation with responses to be returned by end of February 2018.
A letter of intent to establish such an organization to be sent to IAG for comment and advice.

18. AFREF and UN GGRF Background
The AFREF Meeting noted that: -
The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/266 passed in 2015 on Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF) for sustainable development.
United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN GGIM) has established UN GGRF WG
Resolution
AFREF supports the aims, objectives and synergy between AFREF and UN GGRF, UN Sub-Committee on Geodesy.

19. Review of AFREF Progress so far…
Achievements on the recommendations and actions of the previous meetings include : -
GI4SD African action plan highly commendable
Raising awareness of Afref benefits thro’ GI4SD
Sharing of experiences and best practices on GI
Networking among institutions and practioners
AFREF Permanent Stations Guidelines published
Capacity building on Afref done every year at RCMRD
AFREF Newsletter published and distributed quarterly by RCMRD
Established AFREF Data Holding Centre at NGI, South Africa

20. African Action Plan (AAP) on GGIM)
This implementation tool of UN-GGIM for Africa proposes the following on AFREF under section A to A :
Undertaking an inventory of already established COR in every country through a questionnaire/online;
Designing a regional CORS network to optimize the design of national networks;
Designing national networks to guide second administrative levels in locating CORS in their jurisdictions;
Establishing about 44 CORS to ensure at least 1 per country.

21. Afref Hosting ….
GNSS data from AFREF CORS is currently being achieved at AFREF Operational Data Centre, (AODC), currently being hosted by National Geo Information (NGI) agency in South Africa.
Other documents relating to AFREF can be found at AFREF website at UNECA and at RCMRD
One may check the current status of AFREF.

22. AFREF Guidelines
There are developed and documented guidelines for the requirements and installation of AFREF permanent stations, which are based mainly on the IGS guidelines.
There are more than seventy (70) permanent stations in Africa that submit real time data to the AFREF Operational Data Center (ODC) located in the Chief Directorate of National Geospatial Information, Republic of South Africa.

23. AFREF Information Sharing
Information sharing on AFREF is usually done through the AFREF newsletter which is accessible on the web site: -

24. Required resources Trained technical staff – 2 per station.
Positioning equipment – GNSS receivers – USD 20,000 per station.
Reliable power supply.
Computing facilities.
Communication facilities
– Internet, VSAT, telephone.

25. Establishment of a frame work of active GNSS stations / CORS
Countries need to budget for at least one GNSS CORS per year!