Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent a revolution in the way spatial data can be captured, processed, analyzed, displayed, and stored for future retrieval. Maps have always been an essential tool for planners and decision-makers, and GIS have greatly enhanced the ability to process and make easily accessible all types of geographic information By linking GIS to relational databases, for example, large sets of data can be made accessible to analysis and retrieval, allowing for the inclusion of comprehensive natural resource and socioeconomic information for planning and decision-making for sustainable development.

Two technologies related to GIS are remote sensing and global positioning systems (GPS). Remote sensing techniques allow for the compilation of extraordinarily detailed images of the Earth's surface through satellite imaging, with which of up-to-date inventories of urban sprawl, natural disasters such as forest fires and floods, assessments of vegetation vigor, and of many other natural resources data can be produced. GPS are very precise instruments for locating exact coordinates on the Earth's surface, which they do by studying satellite signals. The information generated by both of these technologies can then be incorporated and processed using GIS.

A GIS can be an important component of a decision-support system (as is the case for ALES or CRIS), or in fact can constitute a decision-support system on its own, as it can allow for modeling of different scenarios, and the integration of several layers of information with stakeholder requirements. A GIS allows for the essential functions of geographical analysis to be exercised and related to decision support requirements for management. Managers can use this to build models of systems and then use the models to assess the impact of each of a series of potential decisions. GIS technology can help establish cross-sectoral communication - by providing not only very powerful tools for storage and analysis of multisectoral spatial and statistical data, but also by integrating databases of different sectors in the same format, structure and map projection in the GIS system.

With information that records the location of many different properties of the earth, it becomes possible, to use a GIS to relate vegetation cover to infrastructure.  In land use planning, for example, a GIS can be used to find the location of vegetation types of commercial or conservation interest to be left intact, and to suggest alternative areas suitable for developing housing with minimal ecological impact, and maximal protection from natural hazards such as floods, forest fires, etc.  A GIS can be useful both for solving emergency situations created by fire or flood, or for longer-term planning based on the comparison of the distribution of natural resources at different dates, which allows for the estimation of rates of change or consumption.

GIS has become a cost-accessible technology  (for example, free GIS software is available over the internet), and the collective experience of developed and developing countries in setting up and using GIS has become a reliable asset for making good decisions in choosing strategies for implementing these systems in the Caribbean SIDS. 

One of the main information management concerns for Caribbean SIDS is the standardization of data collection and software systems.  In many instances, the type of software that has been used in the past has been decided on a project-specific basis by the international agency that implemented the project. There has been no national policy on standards in GIS utilization. This has resulted in a fragmentation of data and system types, impeding the integration of data into larger datasets and the universal access to coverage data.

GIS expertise is another challenge. Caribbean governments do not have enough people with GIS expertise to develop effective systems. Evidently, the training and development of awareness about GIS and its potential amongst government officials is paramount.

A study done in 1998 under the Caribbean Planning for Climate Change (CPACC) Project (Review of GIS Capability and Needs in CPACC Partner Institutions) concluded that the countries under the program had several commonalties in terms of GIS equipment and strategies of development, with differences at the level of advancement. Thus, countries with relatively advanced GIS capacity and coastal databases included Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago; countries with functional GIS but little coastal GIS databases included the Bahamas, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; countries with GIS equipment but limited GIS databases or expertise include Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

Recently, governments in the region have placed emphasis on the use of GIS, particularly for land use planning purposes, and have established GIS units within several critical ministries.  An example of this is Jamaica's National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA), which ranks as one of the most advanced institutions in the region in terms of GIS capacity.

Ideally, GIS systems and data would be standardized across the region, interlinked, and made accesible through the internet for the sharing of geographical information.

Links to sites relevant to GIS and sustainable development

CDMP Natural Hazard Mapping Resources Page
Information on the use of GIS for hazards mapping and analysis in the Caribbean, including workshops, links to hazard maps, and bibliographical listings useful to hazard and vulnerability projects in the Caribbean. Also includes information on how to effect data exchanges between different GIS systems, an issue of consideration in the Caribbean given the multiple systems in use. http://www.oas.org/en/CDMP/hazmap.htm

CHAMP Inventory of Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment Maps and Data
To support a variety of hazard mapping and vulnerability assessment activities in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Hazard Mitigation Capacity Building Programme (CHAMP) through its Thematic Cooperating Group on Hazard Mapping and Vulnerability Assessment, is developing an inventory of hazard map and vulnerability assessments that have been completed in the region and a list of digital map data available for development of new hazard maps in the region. 
http://www.oas.org/cdera/champ/ 

Data Collection and Automation in GIS Workshop
Training activity held for the creation of coastal resources inventories (CRIS) for the twelve CPACC countries. The course was designed to expose the participants to data collection and data automation techniques in GIS. http://www.cpacc.org/ifownframe.htm

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) GIS and Sustainable Development
This website provides a general introduction to Geographic Information System technology, explores some of its most common applications (including FAO's use of GIS), and supplies a page of links to digital datasets available worldwide. http://www.fao.org/sd/eidirect/gis/EIgis000.htm

GeoCaribe
GeoCaribe specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, training, technical support, and implementation consulting services. Incorporated in Barbados in 2001,GeoCaribe has evolved to deliver advanced technology to the rapidly developing fields of GIS, Computer-Assisted Drawing for Design (CADD), Automated Mapping/Facilities Management (AM/FM), Remote Sensing, and the application of these technologies to transportation, environmental and infrastructure planning and implementation projects.
http://www.geocaribe.com/Eng/aboutus.htm

PROCIG - Central American Geographic Information Project
PROCIG is a network of Central American organizations promoting research and development on geographic information management in the region. PROCIG is sponsored by the InfoDev program of the World Bank, the governments of Central America, the Tropical Agriculture Center for Research and Training (CATIE), and the International Center of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The principal objective of the project was to promote the integration of statistical and census data with other geographic information in order to generate products for public dissemination. The website contains links to training materials for GIS and links to free GIS software. http://www.procig.org/main.htm

Use of GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques in the Sustainable Agricultural Management and Development. The Indian Experience.
Agricultural sustainability has the highest priority in all countries, whether developed or developing. Aero-space Remote Sensing and GIS technology are gaining importance as useful tools in sustainable agricultural management and development. This paper discusses the integrated use of Remote Sensing and GIS technology in several areas for sustainable agricultural development and management in India, with case studies.
http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/HC270799/LM/SUSLUP/Thema5/617/617.pdf

The Draft Proceedings of the Regional Training Workshop on Methodologies for Coastal Inventories & Information Management.
Includes a presentation on the applications of GIS in coastal resource management: database design and management issues by Dr. Jacob Opedayi. http://www.cpacc.org/ifownframe.htm

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning taxpayers and tax professionals to be on the lookout for emerging scams and protect sensitive information as the filing season approaches.

The IRS released the warning to taxpayers as it observed National Tax Security Awareness Week in concert with its Security Summit partners. The Security Summit includes 42 state tax agencies as well as other entities connected to the tax community – including tax preparation firms, software developers, payroll and tax financial processors, tax professional organizations and financial institutions. Tax filing season is expected to begin in mid-January 2024.

"Identity thieves are relentless and use a variety of techniques," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, who added that he would "urge people to be careful with their personal information and be wary of email and text scams."

"With people anxious to receive the latest information about a refund or other issues during tax season, scammers will regularly pose as the IRS, a state tax agency or others in the tax industry. People should be incredibly wary about unexpected messages that can be an elaborate trap by scam artists, especially during filing season," Werfel added.

IRS MOVE COULD CARRY HEFTY COST FOR SOME TAXPAYERS

The IRS noted that identity thieves will also use latest news events and tragedies as part of an effort to trick taxpayers. 

Another common tax season scam involves identity thieves contacting tax professionals posing as new, potential clients by email or phone to access a company’s systems that could enable them to file fake tax returns to secure a refund.

IRS’ VENMO CRACKDOWN DELAYED BUT NOT DEAD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Taxpayers should be on alert for phishing emails sent by fraudsters claiming to come from the IRS or another legitimate entity like a state tax organization or financial firm that looks to lure unsuspecting victims with the promise of a phony tax refund or false allegations of tax fraud. 

Similarly, "smishing" messages sent via text message have emerged as a similar technique and may claim a taxpayer’s account has been put on hold or send a fake unusual activity report with "solutions" to restore the recipient’s account.

Individuals "should never respond to tax-related phishing or smishing or click on the URL link," the IRS noted. "Instead, the scams should be reported by sending the email or a copy of the text/SMS as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov."

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The IRS notes that it initiates most contacts through regular mail, so taxpayers shouldn’t be getting an unexpected message by email, text or social media about a bill or tax refund.

Partners in the IRS Security Summit also reminded taxpayers and others to never click on any unsolicited communication that claims to be the IRS or another entity in the tax community because such links can surreptitiously load malware onto the device in use. It can also allow malicious hackers to load ransomware that prevents a device owner from accessing their system or file.

CFO at Avanade, overseeing global investment strategy, accounting, budgeting, tax, internal audit, financial planning and treasury.

Give me a multitab spreadsheet thick with numbers, and I will gleefully dig into it as if it were a summer blockbuster novel. Bizarrely, however, not all business leaders share my fascination with the deep intricacies of financial analysis.

Over the course of my career, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the value of storytelling and how to use stories to convey financial information. Whether on a Microsoft Teams or video call or, hopefully again soon, presenting in person, as finance leaders, we can employ storytelling techniques to present financial information in a compelling and memorable way.

Here are some tips I share with my team:

Incorporate storytelling basics into your presentations.

Executives have so much information thrown at them and so little time. To make an impact, determine the two or three points you want your audience to home in on, and build your presentation from there. Most of us have learned this the hard way, but it is worth repeating: The worst mistake you can make is studying what is on your presentation deck. People can read faster than you can speak. If you give too much to read, they won’t listen to you.

The antidote to the dreaded “spreadsheet pasted onto a slide” is visuals. Personally, I’m a big fan of illustrations and images, and I use them as often as I can. My team and I spend a bit of time thinking how best we can present financial data as a visual. While we can’t get away from numbers completely, we use them as sparingly as possible and make sure they are presented in a crisp, clean, uncomplicated format.

Understandably, almost everyone walks into a presentation asking themselves, “Why do I need to know this?” If you don’t answer this “so what” question upfront, too often you’ll find your audience double-tasking or scrolling through their phones. I often set the stage, saying something like, “Understanding these numbers will allow us to determine what level of investment we can comfortably make in the coming quarter,” or whatever is appropriate to the situation.

Avoid financial jargon and acronyms. Even when I am speaking to a financially astute audience, I know that the familiar financial terms I may use without thinking could cause confusion. My company is in professional services and technology — an already acronym-heavy industry. So it is even more important for certain fields. Better that everyone easily understands the point I am making.

One of my most important lessons over the years has been the importance of practice. Practice your presentation multiple times. Then once you think you have it mastered, practice it again with a nonfinance person or two who may have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you presenting your material so clearly that they come away with an understanding of your main points? Were you able to hold their attention?

Keep an eye on the energy of your audience.

This is more challenging to do now that we are generally working remotely, but keep tabs on how your audience, whether it’s your leadership team, board of directors or shareholders, is reacting. We all know how hard it is to stay attentive and engaged. If you find yourself scheduled in the middle of a long day of presentations, do something to change the dynamic. One easy trick: Consciously vary your tone of voice. A monotone is deadly. Especially on conference calls, smile while you are speaking, when appropriate. You will be surprised how much more inviting you sound.

If you are presenting an ask, such as a sales goal, and sense your audience is dubious about your ability to achieve it, break it down into steps. Then it feels possible. Another tactic is to translate a financial goal into a reference that is easily relatable. As a fictional example, say we want to grow 10% in a given time frame. I might say, “That’s equivalent to adding a country’s monthly revenue to our portfolio.”

Hit bad news head-on.

If there’s something that will be a red flag, bring it up first. In situations like that, I will often say, “You’re probably asking yourself…” and then be ready with an answer, approach or proposed solution. Years ago, a sales leader I know walked into a meeting wearing a football helmet. It broke the tension, reset the energy in the room and gave him the opening he needed to present the challenges his unit was facing — and then move on to his proposed solutions.

With just as much style and even a bit of gallows humor, it’s equally important to develop a way to keep your cool if things go sideways, because let’s be honest: Not every presentation will go well.

Don’t feel like you have to go it alone.

While most of us did not study design as part of our finance curriculum, likely there are people in your company who did. At our company, I am fortunate to have access to a network of presentation and user experience professionals. When I am faced with an important presentation, I turn to them to help me create visually compelling materials. Consider consulting with your own company experts.

Of course, in the end, it all comes back to numbers. As long as we help others understand what the data is telling us, as clearly and memorably as possible, we have equipped our audiences to make the best decisions possible. If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate storytelling into your presentations, a book I have found particularly helpful is Weekend Language: Presenting with More Stories and Less PowerPoint by Andy Craig and Dave Yewman.

Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?

UBS AG is committed to taking reasonable steps to provide protection for essential activities should any event disrupt normal business operations. UBS AG has developed a rigorous Business Continuity Management (BCM) program to maintain the highest standards of resiliency at all times during our daily practices. The BCM group is an integral part of UBS' normal business operations.

UBS AG recognizes its responsibility to help protect global financial systems and, as such, meets regulatory guidelines and recommendations through a global, regional and structured approach. UBS AG’s BCM program considers various levels and types of disruptions that might affect a building, business district, city or a wide-scale condition within a region or multiple regions. A dedicated team of business continuity professionals ensure that recovery plans are documented, reviewed and tested.

UBS AG is committed to ensuring that its BCM program is comprehensive and up-to-date, particularly as new information, techniques, and technologies become available. UBS AG actively engages with industry bodies to develop and enhance resiliency within the financial sector and partners closely with regulatory bodies to advance Business Continuity planning in all regions. Although we have taken significant steps to develop and implement sound business recovery plans, we cannot guarantee that systems will always be available or recoverable after a disaster or significant business disruption. However, we believe that our planning for such events is robust and consistent with many of the best practices established within the industry enabling an effective response that safeguards the interests of our key stakeholders, reputation, brand and value-creating activities.

Employee confidentiality agreements are meant to prevent employees from disclosing confidential information about their employers. These agreements give employers assurance that their trade secrets, such as customer lists and business plans, are protected from their competitors. An employee's obligation to keep information confidential can last even after the employee has left the company.