SIRGAS is a non-profit organization whose main purposes are the definition, realization and maintenance of the 3D geocentric reference system for the Americas, including a gravity field-related vertical reference system. Its initiatives are concentrated on a continuous improvement of its components to be consistent with the state-of-the-art in geodetic issues and to satisfy in a better way the user needs.

As a member of the Commission 1 (Reference Frames) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and as a Working Group of the Cartographic Commission of the Pan-American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH), SIRGAS provides the adequate support to develop and combine all scientific and practical activities related to precise geo-referencing and navigation, Earth sciences research, and multidisciplinary applications. The achievements of SIRGAS as a reference frame and as a technical community are possible thanks to the maintenance of an active network of people and organizations working in the same direction and contributing to the different SIRGAS objectives.

Recent achievements, on-going activities, and new challenges are presented and discussed in the SIRGAS Annual Meetings. In this opportunity, we have the kind invitation from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional Tommy Guardia (IGNTG) to hold the SIRGAS Meeting 2013 in Panama City, Panama, from 24 to 26 October. In the days before the SIRGAS meeting, between October 21 -23, 2013, the School on Reference Systems, Crustal Deformation and Ionosphere Monitoring will be held. This school is oriented to the integration of the Caribbean Countries into SIRGAS.