Gov’t can save lots of $$ through proposed GIS strategy – Carnel Smith
It was the occasion of the National Geographic Information System (GIS) Day staged by the National Geographic Information System (NGIS) committee on November 14, 2013. The theme was ‘Discovering the world of technology through GIS’.
As part of the observance, there was an opening ceremony at the Central Administration Building (Breezeway), which was followed by map displays and live demonstrations in the West Atrium.
During his presentation, Mr Smith said over the years several departments have been purchasing the GIS software for individual departmental usages. “Separate departments have been purchasing the GIS just to use it within their department for their personal use or what is necessary division without really understanding or being able to coordinate what happens within other departments,” said Mr Smith.
He said this puts a rock in the pocket of the government. “This costs the government much more money and in a crucial time like now when we are talking that we don’t have money, I see the future, the way forward is for a unit of GIS to be developed just like we have the technical unit for DOIT (Department of Information and Technology) who provides that technical capacity for all departments.”
Considering the fact that licences are very expensive, Mr Smith shared that once there is one unit that can procure the license generally for government and share it with all the various departments there would be a cost save initiative. “We can save tons of money by doing that, besides that it would be better controlled and the department that has the technology and technical expertise to manage GIS can then give all the necessary assistance to the various department that require the technology,” he opined.
He noted, however, that it would require proper staffing.
Smith said this is an idea that was discussed with the new Chief Town and Country Planning Officer and his technical staff, who he said is on board with the shared idea. “He shared the same sentiments with what is happening in GIS.”
The GIS software represents features on the earth, such as buildings, ghuts, and roads, on a computer and is used by persons to visualize, question, analyze, and understand data about the world and human activity. Often, this data is viewed on a map, which provides an advantage over using spreadsheets or databases.
Maps and spatial analysis can reveal patterns, point out problems, and show connections that may not be apparent in tables or text. This is called ‘The Geographic Advantage’.
Maps were on display from various government departments such as the Survey, Conservation and Fisheries, Disaster Management and Town and Country Planning Departments depicting various uses of GIS. Officers from the VI National Technical Steering Committee were also there to give demonstrations on other uses of GIS technology.
GIS Day, a global event held each year, makes people aware of GIS technology and the important contributions it makes in the fields of science, technology, information, and the humanities.
A GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database such as location, streets, parcel number, buildings, terrain, and other physical elements and depicts them as visual layers. This technology allows users to locate geographic features on a map and better understand a particular location. It also enables planners and analysts to make more informed decisions about their communities.
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