Doing Business in BRICS China
The National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation (NASG) is the central authority responsible for surveying, mapping and geoinformation in China. NASG has completed 1:4,000,000 topographic database; 1:1,000,000 topographic database and DEM database; 1:250,000 topographic database, DEM database and geographic name database; 1:10,000 DEM database and ortho-image database of 7 major river valleys; 1:50,000 digital raster graphic database, DEM database, geographic name database, land cover database and TM satellite image database. Each province is establishing 1:10,000 topographic database, DEM database, ortho-image database, digital raster graphic database. By the end of 2011, 1:50,000 topographic maps have covered the entire land territory of China and 80% have been updated. China National Spatial Data Infrastructure • National Geospatial Information Coordinating Council coordinates NSDI development and coordinates with the 21 ministerial departments. • The National Fundamental Geographic Information System stores and manages basic geographic data at multiple scales and themes. • Geospatial framework for digital city projects is part of NSDI and so far it has been implemented in more than 270 prefecture-level cities and more than 40 county-level cities. • Map World (www.tianditu.cn) is the public geoinformation service platform. Over 1000 public or commercial applications have been developed on the basis of the Map World website.
India
South Africa
The National Geospatial Information (NGI) is mandated to regulate all land survey activities, provide the necessary control infrastructure and to maintain the SDI. It is mandated to provide data at 1:50,000 scale or equivalent for all topographical information, elevation data, hydrography, transportation, urban centres, etc. NGI is responsible for aerial photography and since 2008, NGI is using digital cameras for flying one third of the country every year, with a three-year refresh cycle. NGI has been producing orthophoto maps at 1:10,000 scale. As user requirement for orthophoto maps has been replaced by orthimagery, all aerial photos are now rectified to orthoimagery.
Established in 1767, Survey of India (SoI) is the oldest scientific establishment of the Government of India. It is responsible for all topographic control, surveys and mapping in India. SoI makes maps available at 1:250,000; 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 scales. Currently, Survey of India is working on producing maps at 1:10,000 scale for the whole country. It is spearheading the ambitious $0.7-bn National GIS project, which envisages a GIS-based decision support system on a well-founded GIS-ready data that is maintained and seamlessly available for the whole nation. National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) • Idea mooted in 2000, NSDI strategy adopted in 2001. • 17 nodal agencies, who are major contributors, are affiliated to NSDI. • India geoportal launched in December 2008. With this launch, NSDI has become the first government agency to host OGC compliant metadata on the Web. • NSDI also guiding the development of SDIs in various states.
South African Spatial Data Infrastructure • NSDI came into being with the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act 2003. • SDI Act provides for data sharing, data discovery, avoiding duplication of data collection, reporting of quality issues, safeguarding of geospatial information, data custodians (with responsibilities) • Currently, detail policies being formulated. • Developing strategy and strategic objectives in lieu of a NSDI national policy framework. • Geoportal hosts electronic metadata catalogue. Revised geoportal to be operational early 2014 Geospatial World January 2014 / 51