Guyana should explore spatial technology – Engineer

As Guyana embarks on the path of sustainable economic development, calls have been made for the country to explore the use of spatial technology to boost the process.

Spatial data are data which identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on the earth. Spatial data are derived from satellite imagery, mapping, and surveying technologies. Hence, spatial data is all about location with many applications and new uses emerging every day.

According to Manager of the Geospatial Information Management Unit (GIMU) of the Natural Resources Ministry, Haimwant Persaud, such data can be used to understand where an event occurred, measure the distance away from your current location, identify what is in that vicinity of the event, show the path to the location, and identify the mode or modes of transportation.

However, he pointed out that in order to attain full potential, a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) at local, regional, national, and transnational levels is required.

“To exploit the enormous potential of spatial technologies the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana should initiate the creation of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure that will facilitate spatial technology, information, and services to be used in addressing some of the major priorities of our nation, while adding value to productivity, reducing costs and enabling GDP growth in the process,” he stated.

SDIs, the engineer explained, are essentially means of assembling spatial data for discovery, evaluation, and application. This infrastructure includes three components: the materials, the technology and the people to acquire, process, and distribute the information to meet different needs in both public and private sectors of a country.

Persaud went on to say that since its conceptualisation in 1991, nearly all countries have embarked on some form of SDI initiative, with the pioneers in this field include Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United States of America. He noted that the primary objectives of such initiatives are to promote economic development, stimulate improved Government functioning, and foster environmental sustainability.

“The use of SDI in improved Government functions can be accomplished in several ways. SDI can improve strategic planning and resource development as in the case of Malaysia. SDI can enhance the state of readiness to deal with emergencies brought about by natural disasters as in the case of Japan. SDI can modernise central, regional, and local administration as in the case of Portugal,” he stated.

Bring the idea within local territories, the Head of the GIMU outlined that a SDI in Guyana will bring enormous economic, social, and environmental benefits. The most important benefit of SDI in Guyana, he highlighted, will be the promotion of economic growth as a result of expanding markets for spatial information products and services locally, regionally, and internationally.

Persaud referred to compiled analysis of the economic value of geospatial data done by Managing Editor of Geospatial World, Arup Dasgupta, in 2013. He said that the data used in the compilation were taken from an economic benefit analysis conducted by several countries.

“It is widely known that data can be treated as a commodity in the limited sense of acquisition and sale but the (analysis) highlights the economic potential of spatial data to their GDP and industries once managed properly,” he pointed out.

Furthermore, the GIMU head stressed that there are many other economic benefits from such technology such as increased efficiency in both public and Private Sector organisations, new opportunities for spatial information business application and services, and improved transport and infrastructure systems.

“The social benefits for Guyana are, improved national and local governance, increased opportunities to engage the democratic process, more improved national security, and opportunities to target groups and areas with special needs. The environmental benefits of a SDI would include promoting sustainable development, enhanced natural resources monitoring and management, and improved coastal-zone monitoring,” he outlined.