Abu Dhabi, UAE -- This morning Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Committee, launched the Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Initiative (AD-SDI), the latest stage of the government's strategy to stay at the cutting edge of geographic information technology and systems. The AD-SDI represents another vital step forward in the government's efforts to bring the benefits of broad-based electronic access to its service provision activities.
H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council said: "As part of this strategy, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council (ADEC) activated ADSIC's Geographic Information Infrastructure Charter (GO-R-026) to undertake the refinement and implementation process."
The AD-SDI will coordinate vital data-sharing activities while leaving primary responsibility for development and maintenance of framework data with specific custodian agencies.
The AD-SDI will facilitate the sharing of geographic data among government agencies and other organizations that use geographic information. Such coordination will improve information sharing, reduce redundancy, increase efficiency, and support more efficient operations and better informed decisionmaking in government. Similar efforts are underway in countries around the world, with leaders in North America, Europe and Asia. A robust SDI is now recognized internationally as a critical foundation element for more effective physical, economic, and social development and environmental resource management.
The AD-SDI builds on important geographic information programs already complete or underway. For example, the UAE Military Survey Department has initiated major projects to extend the digital basemap data for the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi is developing a soils map for the Emirate, has acquired various satellite imagery for all of the UAE, and has initiated an aggressive and proactive program called the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) to increase access and use of quality environmental data for conservation and sustainable development. The Municipal Affairs Department in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain have defined major programs for the update and extension of detailed urban basemap data. The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) has developed and continues to maintain complex water and electrical transmission and distribution information for the entire Emirate.
In this foundation stage of the initiative, AD-SDI will work with key agencies to focus on building a Geospatial Portal to host data reference libraries, a data clearinghouse, and links to the data-hosting agencies. In addition, the AD-SDI will help develop common data coordination procedures and standards, establish an operational model for the new Spatial Data Coordination Center (SDCC) and its interactions with the agencies, and prepare a new strategic plan that will set the long-term course for subsequent phases of AD-SDI development.
Over time, the program will expand incrementally to work with the full range of organizations, including other government agencies, educational and research institutions, civil society, and the private sector. To facilitate the collaborative approach, ADSIC today also announces the launch of the AD-SDI website where all interested users of geographic data can find information, resources and support.
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For Further Information, Please Contact:
Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Committee
Mrs. Batoul Husseini
Chairman's Office
Corporate PR Officer
T: +9712 6961660
F: +9712 6717333
E: batoul.husseini@adegov.ae or adsic@adegov.ae
www.abudhabi.ae
© Press Release 2007
