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Establishment of a National GIS
The Government of Botswana has initiated a project
called Establishment of a National GIS. It's main objective
is to reach a better co-ordination of all geographic
information and GIS activities
in Botswana. The project is managed by Government Computer
Bureau, and is being implemented by the Swedesurvey.
The duration of the project
is one year and covers the first phase of the establishment
process.
Main issues in phase one are:
• Establish a National Co-ordination Committee for
GI and GIS in Botswana
• Improve general knowledge about GIS and Spatial Data
Infrastructure in the GI-Community in Botswana
• Prepare a Master Plan for the complete establishment
process
• Develop a National Metadata Service for Geographic
Information
• Establish a standard for Metadata
• Provide principles for Data exchange
• Prepare for the establishment of a National Co-ordination
Unit
The project started in April 2002. A Workshop was held
on the 12th and 13th November, where the National GIS C-ordination Committee
(NGCC) got together for the first time.
 The two days were filled with presentations, mainly
from the Swedish Consultant, briefing the Committee
about the concept of Spatial Data Infrastructure, Standards,
Metadata and Metadata service among others. There was
also time for discussions, both in the whole committee
as well as in smaller group discussions about different
issues. The NGCC has representatives from Government
Departments, Para-statals and Academia (University
of Botswana). The private sector will be represented
in the User/Reference Group. One of the outcomes from
the workshop was that there will be five permanent
Working Groups in the Committee, which also will include
members from organisations not being represented in
the committee. Another outcome from the workshop was
a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the member
organisations of the Committee, which will be further
discussed before being signed.
The next meeting for the NGCC will be held in late
January. In connection to this meeting there will also
be a workshop for the GI-Community (GIC), where the
Committee will brief the GIC on the initiative and
invite them to discuss ways of co-operation and co-ordination
of GI and GIS.
Sheila Holland
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Botswana NSDI Project |
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