[Sdi-latinamericacaribbean] Grenada undertakes LIDAR Remapping Project

[Kate Lance]

Grenada undertakes LIDAR Remapping Project 
http://www.caribbeanpressreleases.com/articles/752/1/Remapping-of-Grenada/Project-to-cost-400-00-US.html
The last time Grenada was aerial surveyed was in the 1970s 
 
The Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) contracted TechMap of Georgia (USA) to conduct a LIDAR survey, which was scheduled to commence on November 6. The ARD began developing the Grenada LIDAR Remapping Project in 2005, in conjunction with the Physical Planning Unit of the Ministry of Finance. The principal objective is to support the Government of Grenada in its efforts to improve the quality of physical development and hazard mitigation, based on accurate, comprehensive and current mapping information. The first part of the Project focused on training. In January 2006 the ARD, with support from the United Nations Development Programme, facilitated training for Public Officers on the use of the Geographical Information System (GIS) through satellite technology. 

The second part involves the aerial survey and ground works. In preparation for this, the ARD had the maps from the Valuation Division scanned, which enabled geo-referencing and digitizing of maps for the Land Use Division. However, the last time Grenada was aerial surveyed was in the 1970s. Therefore, even though some Ministries are using GIS, it based on digitized versions of old maps.

The ARD also held meetings in October with representatives of the National Water and Sewerage Authority, Cable and Wireless, Digicel, Grenada Electricity Services Ltd., National Disaster Management Agency, the Royal Grenada Police Force and the Grenada Ports Authority to update these agencies and companies about the Project and determine what actions they need to take in order to maximize the benefits from the exercise.

Total costs for the Project are approximately $400,000 (US). This includes the application of aerial photography that will yield a wide range of technical details in digital form; additional hardware and software for Government agencies that will use the data, as well as more training for Public Officers. This major initiative by the ARD will modernize geographical information and provide the base for the establishment of a National Cadastre, which is the official register and record of the ownership, area, land use and value of each parcel of land in the Country.

The Remapping Project is one of the most significant undertakings by Grenada. It will have a substantial impact on the positive development of the Country. The benefits include: Land use guidelines; Urban development; Environmental management; Accurate assessment of risks and potential hazards; Disaster preparation and management; Forestry management; Mapping of all existing roads; Ability to assess areas for development and cultivation; Revenue generation for Government through the sale of maps; Site selection for human settlements, recreational and other facilities; Lay the basis for Grenada’s Human Settlement Policy for the next 10 years.


 
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