- Policy initiatives from the 1980s aimed to establish guidelines for geospatial data standards and multi-national cooperation through agreements like the Digital Chart of the World project and the Digital Geographic Information Working Group.
- The 1987 Defence policy paper and 1994 DI(G) OPS 20-3 directive endorsed standards like DIGEST and S-57 to facilitate geospatial data exchange.
- However, transformational projects like Project Parare in the 1990s that aimed to establish a digital geospatial capability faced challenges and inconsistencies, and the capability is still being developed over 30 years later.
Research and development project proposal written in december 1994. The purpose was to offer a strategy and a commitment to an evolutionary approach in the development of a system to provide Regional Geospatial Information and service.
Research and development project proposal written in december 1994. The purpose was to offer a strategy and a commitment to an evolutionary approach in the development of a system to provide Regional Geospatial Information and service.
Slide presentations developed to demonstrate how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) be used to address climate change, and why ICTs are a crucial part of the solution – i.e. in promoting efficiency, Green Growth & sustainable development, in dealing with climate change and for climate and environmental action. These slide presentations were delivered in February 2011 in Seongnam, near Seoul in Korea.
These presentations were developed and delivered over 2.5 days on the occasion of a Regional Training of Trainers Workshop for upcoming Academy modules on ICT for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Abatement. These modules were developed as part of the Academy of ICT Essentials for Government leaders developed by the United Nations (UN) Asia Pacific Centre for ICT Training (APCICT), based in Songdo City, in the Republic of South Korea.
These presentations were developed in 2011, and are somewhat out of date, but most of the principles still apply. Module 10, which has been published, does not include much of the information outlined in these presentations, which are fairly technical. They were developed to address a significant gap in understanding of the technical basis of using ICTs for climate action and because there is a clear bias in development circles against the importance of dealing with climate change mitigation in developing countries. These presentations are an attempt to redress this lack and are published here with this purpose in mind.
The author, Richard Labelle, is presently working on updating these presentations to further highlight the importance of addressing climate change and the important role that technology including ICTs, play in this effort.
Given by Damon Stanwell-Smith
Coordinator: 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership
Ecosystem Assessment Programme
UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Cambridge, UK
Given at the IE Master in Global Environmental Change
Future Development of NSDI Based on the European INSPIRE Directive – a Case S...Maksim Sestic
(...) Without spatial data and services, it would be impossible to manage space effectively, plan city development, monitor the situation on the ground, or carry out many other activities. This paper gives an overview of different initiatives and efforts in establishing SDI in Bosnia and Herzegovina. State bodies such as the government and the State Geodetic Administration have the main role in collaborating with the public and commercial sectors and also with the academic community. As the main factor in creating a future SDI, the State Geodetic Administration has launched several initiatives the goal of which is the installation of new technologies, equipment and procedures in map production and the establishment of digital topographic and cadastre databases. In the next few years Bosnia and Herzegovina must accomplish numerous tasks to arrange spatial records. These tasks must be accomplished very conscientiously and in a reasonable period of time. It is very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prosperity and for the fulfillment of the conditions established for the process of entering European and international integrations. (...)
The INSPIRE Implementing Rules (IRs) on interoperability of spatial data sets and services and for network services include requirements for setting up a Spatial Data Infrastructure in Europe for supporting environmental policy making as well as policies with impact on the environment. To help Data provider with technical aspects of the IRs as well as with its correct implementation, INSPIRE Technical Guidelines (TG) were developed for each 34 data themes (INSPIRE data specifications) and for the different types of INSPIRE network services (discovery, view, download and transformation).
Spatial objects are mapped, digitalized and stored in a GIS data sets or (spatial) database. Normally, the structure of the data will depend on the specific needs for which the data are collected and used. In order to provide them in compliance with INSPIRE, these source data sets have to be transformed to match the data model prescribed by INSPIRE and have to be provided through INSPIRE download services.
This training will show and illustrate through "hands on" exercises how data sets can be transformed and provided through INSPIRE-compliant services by covering the following topics:
1) Data transformation: This session gives an introduction and explanations about encoding rules, mapping original attributes into the INSPIRE data models and vocabularies and extending data models and vocabularies.
2) Download services: This session will explore the procedure of providing transformed dataset into through an INSPIRE network service, e.g. through an WMS (for view services) or WFS or ATOM feeds (download services).
3) "Hands on" session: This session will give an overview of different architectural approaches (e.g. on-the-fly transformation and stand-alone offline transformation) and concrete software solutions for transforming spatial data and creating INSPIRE-compliant services.
Global Atlas for Renewable Energy - application to MauritaniaIRENA Global Atlas
One of the key activities in IRENA is the development of renewable readiness assessments (RRAs). An RRA is a holistic assessment of conditions for renewable energy deployment in a country, and the actions necessary to further improve these conditions. An RRA is a rapid assessment of how a country can increase readiness and overcome the main barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. It covers all services (transport, heat, electricity and motive power), and sources of renewable energy, with countries selecting those of relevance. The RRA comprises a process and a methodology that includes completing a set of templates and a final report. On the occasion of the RRA Mauritania, the Global Atlas was presented, as a potential supplier of data, data infrstructure and education for zoning renewable energy hotspots.
The GEOSS is a social and software ecosystem connecting a large array of observing systems, data systems and processing services to strengthen monitoring of the state of the Earth. It facilitates data and information accessibility and interoperability to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda and the Disaster Risk Reduction.
https://www.geoportal.org/about
Keynote, Oman Geospatial Expo, Dec 2013Steven Ramage
Invited by Geospatial Media and Oman National Survey Authority (NSA) to deliver overview of current activities relating to international geospatial standards, including ongoing work through United Nations initiative on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).
There are moments in one’s career that, in retrospect, hold significance. The 24th August 2001 is one of those days – 20 years ago today.
On 23rd August I travelled from Adelaide to Canberra and gave a number of presentations on my recent overseas trip on 24 August 2001.
In this document I introduce two audacious initiatives: Aeronatical Intelligence and eGeoBriefs (via an avatar).
UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework towards achieving the 2030 Age...ExternalEvents
UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework: Guyana experience
In August 2018, the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management endorsed an Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), which is anchored by nine strategic pathways within three main areas of influence: governance; technology; and people. The Framework aims to assist countries to move towards e-economies, improve services to citizens, build capacity for using geospatial technology, enhance informed government decision making processes and to bridge the geospatial digital divide in the implementation of national strategic priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is one of the first countries in the world, which is taking action to align its national policy and business drivers on geospatial information management to the IGIF. This work is part of a four year project “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management”, which started in April 2018 with the objective to promote sustainable land use and the reclamation of degraded lands, which is essential to Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy, the national development plan that guides the country’s green economic and socio-cultural development over the next 15 years. The work is funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund. The Guyana Action plan was presented in March 2019 at the World Bank Land and Poverty Conference and in April 2019 at the FIG working week in Hanoi, as an example to other countries and regions.
AAG Session
4204 Data-based living: peopling and placing ‘big data
Tampa, Florida, April 11 2014
Tracey P. Lauriault and Rob Kitchin
National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA)
National University of Ireland at Maynooth (NUIM)
Overview of GEO activities to promote broad open Earth observations data and information, as well as insight into GEO engagement priorities and links to ISPRS.
Slide presentations developed to demonstrate how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) be used to address climate change, and why ICTs are a crucial part of the solution – i.e. in promoting efficiency, Green Growth & sustainable development, in dealing with climate change and for climate and environmental action. These slide presentations were delivered in February 2011 in Seongnam, near Seoul in Korea.
These presentations were developed and delivered over 2.5 days on the occasion of a Regional Training of Trainers Workshop for upcoming Academy modules on ICT for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Abatement. These modules were developed as part of the Academy of ICT Essentials for Government leaders developed by the United Nations (UN) Asia Pacific Centre for ICT Training (APCICT), based in Songdo City, in the Republic of South Korea.
These presentations were developed in 2011, and are somewhat out of date, but most of the principles still apply. Module 10, which has been published, does not include much of the information outlined in these presentations, which are fairly technical. They were developed to address a significant gap in understanding of the technical basis of using ICTs for climate action and because there is a clear bias in development circles against the importance of dealing with climate change mitigation in developing countries. These presentations are an attempt to redress this lack and are published here with this purpose in mind.
The author, Richard Labelle, is presently working on updating these presentations to further highlight the importance of addressing climate change and the important role that technology including ICTs, play in this effort.
Given by Damon Stanwell-Smith
Coordinator: 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership
Ecosystem Assessment Programme
UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Cambridge, UK
Given at the IE Master in Global Environmental Change
Future Development of NSDI Based on the European INSPIRE Directive – a Case S...Maksim Sestic
(...) Without spatial data and services, it would be impossible to manage space effectively, plan city development, monitor the situation on the ground, or carry out many other activities. This paper gives an overview of different initiatives and efforts in establishing SDI in Bosnia and Herzegovina. State bodies such as the government and the State Geodetic Administration have the main role in collaborating with the public and commercial sectors and also with the academic community. As the main factor in creating a future SDI, the State Geodetic Administration has launched several initiatives the goal of which is the installation of new technologies, equipment and procedures in map production and the establishment of digital topographic and cadastre databases. In the next few years Bosnia and Herzegovina must accomplish numerous tasks to arrange spatial records. These tasks must be accomplished very conscientiously and in a reasonable period of time. It is very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prosperity and for the fulfillment of the conditions established for the process of entering European and international integrations. (...)
The INSPIRE Implementing Rules (IRs) on interoperability of spatial data sets and services and for network services include requirements for setting up a Spatial Data Infrastructure in Europe for supporting environmental policy making as well as policies with impact on the environment. To help Data provider with technical aspects of the IRs as well as with its correct implementation, INSPIRE Technical Guidelines (TG) were developed for each 34 data themes (INSPIRE data specifications) and for the different types of INSPIRE network services (discovery, view, download and transformation).
Spatial objects are mapped, digitalized and stored in a GIS data sets or (spatial) database. Normally, the structure of the data will depend on the specific needs for which the data are collected and used. In order to provide them in compliance with INSPIRE, these source data sets have to be transformed to match the data model prescribed by INSPIRE and have to be provided through INSPIRE download services.
This training will show and illustrate through "hands on" exercises how data sets can be transformed and provided through INSPIRE-compliant services by covering the following topics:
1) Data transformation: This session gives an introduction and explanations about encoding rules, mapping original attributes into the INSPIRE data models and vocabularies and extending data models and vocabularies.
2) Download services: This session will explore the procedure of providing transformed dataset into through an INSPIRE network service, e.g. through an WMS (for view services) or WFS or ATOM feeds (download services).
3) "Hands on" session: This session will give an overview of different architectural approaches (e.g. on-the-fly transformation and stand-alone offline transformation) and concrete software solutions for transforming spatial data and creating INSPIRE-compliant services.
Global Atlas for Renewable Energy - application to MauritaniaIRENA Global Atlas
One of the key activities in IRENA is the development of renewable readiness assessments (RRAs). An RRA is a holistic assessment of conditions for renewable energy deployment in a country, and the actions necessary to further improve these conditions. An RRA is a rapid assessment of how a country can increase readiness and overcome the main barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. It covers all services (transport, heat, electricity and motive power), and sources of renewable energy, with countries selecting those of relevance. The RRA comprises a process and a methodology that includes completing a set of templates and a final report. On the occasion of the RRA Mauritania, the Global Atlas was presented, as a potential supplier of data, data infrstructure and education for zoning renewable energy hotspots.
The GEOSS is a social and software ecosystem connecting a large array of observing systems, data systems and processing services to strengthen monitoring of the state of the Earth. It facilitates data and information accessibility and interoperability to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda and the Disaster Risk Reduction.
https://www.geoportal.org/about
Keynote, Oman Geospatial Expo, Dec 2013Steven Ramage
Invited by Geospatial Media and Oman National Survey Authority (NSA) to deliver overview of current activities relating to international geospatial standards, including ongoing work through United Nations initiative on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).
There are moments in one’s career that, in retrospect, hold significance. The 24th August 2001 is one of those days – 20 years ago today.
On 23rd August I travelled from Adelaide to Canberra and gave a number of presentations on my recent overseas trip on 24 August 2001.
In this document I introduce two audacious initiatives: Aeronatical Intelligence and eGeoBriefs (via an avatar).
UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework towards achieving the 2030 Age...ExternalEvents
UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework: Guyana experience
In August 2018, the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management endorsed an Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), which is anchored by nine strategic pathways within three main areas of influence: governance; technology; and people. The Framework aims to assist countries to move towards e-economies, improve services to citizens, build capacity for using geospatial technology, enhance informed government decision making processes and to bridge the geospatial digital divide in the implementation of national strategic priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is one of the first countries in the world, which is taking action to align its national policy and business drivers on geospatial information management to the IGIF. This work is part of a four year project “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management”, which started in April 2018 with the objective to promote sustainable land use and the reclamation of degraded lands, which is essential to Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy, the national development plan that guides the country’s green economic and socio-cultural development over the next 15 years. The work is funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund. The Guyana Action plan was presented in March 2019 at the World Bank Land and Poverty Conference and in April 2019 at the FIG working week in Hanoi, as an example to other countries and regions.
AAG Session
4204 Data-based living: peopling and placing ‘big data
Tampa, Florida, April 11 2014
Tracey P. Lauriault and Rob Kitchin
National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA)
National University of Ireland at Maynooth (NUIM)
Overview of GEO activities to promote broad open Earth observations data and information, as well as insight into GEO engagement priorities and links to ISPRS.
In this session the new WOCAT Network was launched. The new set-up and latest advancements, innovations and challenges were presented and WOCAT national network members talked about their involvement and perspectives in a panel. The Consortium Partners of WOCAT International were introduced and the launch was rounded up with an informal get-together.
CLEARINGHOUSE FOR GEO-SPATIAL DATA FOR AN EMERGENCY PERSPECTIVEAshim Sharma
During an emergency perspective, spatial data plays an important role for analyzing the current
situation and make the decisions accordingly. While this spatial data facilitates all the emergency
forces during such situations, effective management and assessment of all this geospatial data in
a single place is often a problem. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is a critical aspect for planning,
discovery and exchange of information for support of disaster management. For addressing such
problems, spatial data clearing houses were established to bring together geo-data suppliers and
geo-data users. With the establishment of national clearinghouses in 83 countries by April 2005,
database and metadata information can be accessible via internet but in terms of management and
use, declining trends were found. Due to insufficient standardization of process and protocols for
data exchange, the variety of issues arises that delay their use for emergency management. In this
paper, the concept for an appropriate spatial data infrastructures clearinghouse which serves as a
generic platform for crisis management event and advises for changes are presented.
Spatial policy and standards update - Margie Smith (Geoscience Australia)ARDC
Spatial policy and standards update - Margie Smith (Geoscience Australia).
Presented at the ANDS facilitated GeoNetwork Community of Practice on April 3rd, 2017 in Canberra.
What's the status of the NSDI?
Cowen's address will provide his perspective on the current status of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). He will draw from his extensive experience with the National Research Council’s Mapping Science Committee, chairing the NRC study National Land Parcel Data: A Vision for the Future, a recent term as chair of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, and his service as vice chairman of the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO) Report Card Committee on the NSDI. Through these activities he has observed and analyzed the Federal geospatial landscape for the thirty years since president Clinton issued Executive Order 12906, Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure in 1994. He will comment on the changing role of various stakeholders in the collection, maintenance and sharing of geospatial data.
Dare to Change 1980Reflections of one of Australia's Military MapmakersRobert (Bob) Williams
It was 40+ years ago!
Reflections of One of Australia’s Military Mapmakers
(SPR / CPL / SGT / SSGT / LT / CAPT / MAJ / DR)
Robert (Bob) Williams
Cartographic Information Systems – DES and MAPPACK:
Then wait; there’s more!
This is an overview of a cartographic mapping package developed at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. The package demonstrates educational and navigational applications and was produced for the semester unit Special Studies in Computing in the course for the award of Bachelor of Arts in Computing Studies.
It was 20 years ago!
Dare to Change - Geographic Intelligence – The Key to Information Superiority
Request for assistance:
“I’ve lined up CDF (Chief of the Defence Force) to give a luncheon talk to the members of ASIBA (Australasia Spatial Information Business Association) on Thursday 10 October. Naturally I will have to write his speech! If you have any particular thoughts on what I might include, I would be grateful. The aim will be to give the spatial industry lobby a feeling that Defence recognises, values and needs quality geo information in many areas.
As well, I’ve agreed to speak to AURISA (Australasian Urban and Regional Information Association) on November 27 – guest / keynote speaker I think. Again any ideas you might want to proffer would be welcome”.
[Director, DIGO]
Geospatial Intelligence in Support of the Australian Approach to WarfareRobert (Bob) Williams
This paper (written in 2003) introduces the term geospatial intelligence to the lexicon of Australia’s national security. The paper describes a framework of concepts as they apply to imagery, imagery intelligence, and geographic, infrastructure and environmental information, referred to collectively as Geospatial Intelligence. The paper also describes the means of acquiring, processing and disseminating the range of products and services to the Defence community, referred to as Geospatial Information Infrastructure.
The article linked to (below) is somewhat of an odyssey. It commences with discussion on, possibly, the first land information system in Australia and my association with it - Eurobodalla.
It then briefly describes follow on applications including a military terrain-mapping product. Subsequent products cover the littoral zone for beach landings. So, it could be described as terrain intelligence.
This idea stemmed from the D-Day invasion maps (Benson and Bigot).
And, so, follows the Benson and Bigot story – an amazing cartographic accomplishment. To view a video of this stunning activity view the link at the end of the article
The article linked to (below) is somewhat of an odyssey. It commences with discussion on, possibly, the first land information system in Australia and my association with it - Eurobodalla.
It then briefly describes follow on applications including a military terrain-mapping product. Subsequent products cover the littoral zone for beach landings. So, it could be described as terrain intelligence.
This idea stemmed from the D-Day invasion maps (Benson and Bigot).
And, so, follows the Benson and Bigot story – an amazing cartographic accomplishment. To view a video of this stunning activity view the link at the end of the article.
Hydrospatial 21 [Education] - Dr Bob Williams
My presentation at Hydrospatial 21 at Cairns in February 2022 was titled "Back to the Future: The Climate for Change and the Hydrographer of the Future". It referred to supplementary information in other presentations.
This supplementary presentation describes "Education" and related topics; a personal experience
EDUCATION is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills and personal development and should be an enlightening experience.
My Hydrospatial 21 presentation titled "Back to the Future: The Climate for Change and the Hydrographer of the Future" contained a number of slides noting supplement.
This presentation is the Capability Development link. CAPABILITY is defined as the capacity to achieve a specific effect, in a nominated operating environment or location, within a specific degree of notice, and to sustain that effect for a given time. CAPABILITY has as its components: personnel; education and training; equipment; organisation; structure; deployment; preparedness; and doctrine
My Hydrospatial 21 presentation titled "Back to the Future: The Climate for Change and the Hydrographer of the Future" contained a number of slides noting supplement.
This presentation is the Rosetta link. It suggests that visionary capabilities are possible and uses components of the Rosetta mission with past capabilities.
Back to the Future: The Climate for Change and the Hydrographer of the FutureRobert (Bob) Williams
This presentation was given at Hydrospatial 2021 held in February 2022 at Cairns, Queensland. The presentation looks at capability of the futuristic Oceania Infrastructure and Environmental Support System.
A presentation to supplement a presentation titled "Back to the Future: The Climate for Change and the Hydrographer of the Future" given at Hydrospatial21 held in cairns February 2022
Geographic intelligence. This presentation was developed in 2000-2001 in response to a question from a senior military officer who asked "how much geographic information do I need and what can go wrong if I haven't got it"!
Digital transformation and the concept of a 'virtual world' was a topic of interest in the 1990s. The Australian Defence Organisation conducted a number of major capability studies in the mid 1990s including the Environmental and Geographic Information Capability Study. Following on from that I presented this presentation.
eGeoBrief - Afghanistan - Facilities
The Facilities presentation was produced in October 2001.
The overall eGeoBrief has presentations for History, Geography, Politics, Communications, Facilities, Resources, Economy and Envronment.
CAUTION:
Information contained in this product has been compiled from a range of sources from the Internet.
Information has NOT been independently validated.
This product has been developed as a ‘proof of concept’ for electronic geographic briefs (eGeoBrief)
Twenty years ago various organisations and professional bodies were developing leading edge capability in geospatial infrastructures. This presentation following an overseas visit was given to various groups in Canberra on 24 August 2001.
This is a story of an amazing military mapping organisation and its iconic home - Fortuna Villa, Bendigo. The document include many photographs, figures, and descriptions.
My reflection is the the Mid-70s to Mid-80s were Enlightening years. This presentation describes my activities for that timeline including studies at the Canberra College of Education
In presenting his report on the 9/11 Commission Report, Thomas Kean stated "We have failures in: Policy, Management, Capability and above in IMAGINATION". This article follows on from my previous post "Deciphering a Historic Image; To reveal enduring requirements and capabilities". So, now, let me introduce you to Fitzy, desmond, Wally and Ben.
This paper takes us on a journey by deciphering the image to identify nationally important capabilities and to present day challenges focusing on Safeguarding a Nation from contemporary threats.
This presentation by Morris Kleiner (University of Minnesota), was made during the discussion “Competition and Regulation in Professions and Occupations” held at the Working Party No. 2 on Competition and Regulation on 10 June 2024. More papers and presentations on the topic can be found out at oe.cd/crps.
This presentation was uploaded with the author’s consent.
Acorn Recovery: Restore IT infra within minutesIP ServerOne
Introducing Acorn Recovery as a Service, a simple, fast, and secure managed disaster recovery (DRaaS) by IP ServerOne. A DR solution that helps restore your IT infra within minutes.
Sharpen existing tools or get a new toolbox? Contemporary cluster initiatives...Orkestra
UIIN Conference, Madrid, 27-29 May 2024
James Wilson, Orkestra and Deusto Business School
Emily Wise, Lund University
Madeline Smith, The Glasgow School of Art
0x01 - Newton's Third Law: Static vs. Dynamic AbusersOWASP Beja
f you offer a service on the web, odds are that someone will abuse it. Be it an API, a SaaS, a PaaS, or even a static website, someone somewhere will try to figure out a way to use it to their own needs. In this talk we'll compare measures that are effective against static attackers and how to battle a dynamic attacker who adapts to your counter-measures.
About the Speaker
===============
Diogo Sousa, Engineering Manager @ Canonical
An opinionated individual with an interest in cryptography and its intersection with secure software development.
Have you ever wondered how search works while visiting an e-commerce site, internal website, or searching through other types of online resources? Look no further than this informative session on the ways that taxonomies help end-users navigate the internet! Hear from taxonomists and other information professionals who have first-hand experience creating and working with taxonomies that aid in navigation, search, and discovery across a range of disciplines.
Eureka, I found it! - Special Libraries Association 2021 Presentation
Back to the Future: Policy
1. BACK TO THE FUTURE:
Policy
Dr R.J. (Bob) Williams [Retired]
Cartographer
Topographic Surveyor,
Geographer & Geospatial Scientist
February 2022
Supporting slides to
presentation at
HYDROSPATIAL 2021
2. POLICY is a deliberate system of guidelines to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. A policy is a statement of intent and
is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Policies are generally adopted by a governance body within an organization.
The transition from maps and charts to a ‘virtual world’ commenced
through formal directives [Policy] decades ago.
Strategic Policy
A Policy Information Paper, The Defence of Australia, was tabled in Parliament by the Minister for Defence Kim
C. Beazley on 19 March 1987.
A comprehensive geographic information system is vital to the development of a national defence
capability …”.
Cooperative Development of DIGITAL CHART OF THE WORLD (DCW)
Agreement Between The Government Of Australia And The Government Of The United States Of
America Concerning Cooperative Development Of The Digital Chart Of The World - AUSTRALIAN
TREATY SERIES 1990 No.23
The DCW project was a joint R&D (Research and Development) venture involving the US, Australia,
Canada and the UK, and developed internationally accepted standards for the exchange of digitally
based mapping, charting and geodetic information.
Multi-national Co-production – VaCWG and MGCP
DGIWG is the multi-national body responsible to the defence organizations of member nations for coordinated
advice and policy recommendations on geospatial standardization issues.
DGIWG is the custodian of DIGEST (Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard). DIGEST includes
a structure known as VRF (Vector Relational Format) and a Feature and Attribute Coding Catalog (FACC).
VMap Co production Working Group (VaCWG) managed VMap Level 1 [1:250,000 equiv]
The Multi-national Geospatial Co-Production Program (MGCP) was initiated in 2003.
2001
3. POLICY is a deliberate system of guidelines to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. A policy is a
statement of intent and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Policies are generally adopted by a
governance body within an organization.
Ø DCW (Digital Chart of the World) – Research and Development Agreement with Treaty status
Ø DGIWG / DIGEST – Multi-national cooperation through formal agreement [Standards]
Ø VaCWG / MGCP – Multi-national co-production through formal arrangements [geospatial database]
Computers have been used in the map-making process since the 1960s.
From a formal Policy perspective a significant stimulus occurred in 1987.
“The Government’s Defence policy and program is comprehensively covered in the
Policy Information Paper, The Defence of Australia, which I tabled in Parliament on
19 March 1987.
… … …
Recent developments in technologies and systems relevant to geographic information
systems show promise. … …
A comprehensive geographic information system is vital to the development of a
national defence capability and consequently this book is a welcome contribution to
this area of Australia’s defence effort. I hope it will provide stimulus for further research
and discussion”.
Kim C. Beazley, November 1987
Then followed:
Government Information Paper
“The Defence of Australia”, 1987
Policy
4. DCW – Digital Chart of the World - 1990
A project to develop a Digital Chart of the World (DCW) was first proposed by the US Defense
Mapping Agency (DMA) in early 1988. The DCW project was a joint R&D (Research and Development)
venture involving the US, Australia, Canada and the UK, and developed internationally accepted standards for
the exchange of digitally based mapping, charting and geodetic information. The Australian partner in the DCW
project was the Royal Australian Survey Corps (RASVY). The project was funded through the Nunn
Amendment to the 1987 US Military Appropriations Bill, which provided for the funding of approved cooperative
R&D projects with certain NATO and non-NATO countries.
AUSTRALIAN TREATY SERIES 1990 No.23
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA AND THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONCERNING
COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIGITAL CHART OF THE WORLD
Studies
Statement Of Work – Feb 1989
Initial Tile Design Study - Dec 1989
Initial Elevation Data Study – Feb 1990
Initial Aeronautical Info Study – Feb 1990
Vector Product Format – March 1991
Prototypes
Digital Cities Database
Digital Nautical Chart
Digital Terrain Database
Digital Gazetteer
This project resulted in a Topologically-structured [vector] database of the World
[produced from the 1 : 1,000,000 ONC (Operational Navigation Charts).
Features were coded using DMA’s FCS (Feature Coding Scheme). …
DATABASE STRUCTURE COMPATIBLE FOR USE IN COMMERCIAL GIS
VPFVIEW
Vector [Smart] Maps
Policy
5. In 1993, Australia (via Director Royal Australian Survey Corps (RASVY)) was invited to
attend DGIWG (Digital Geographic Information Working Group) as an Observer
Nation. DGIWG is the multi-national body responsible to the defence organizations of
member nations for coordinated advice and policy recommendations on geospatial
standardization issues. It will meet coalition interoperability challenges by creating the
standards and procedures required to enable the provision, exchange and use of
standardized geospatial information.
DGIWG is the custodian of DIGEST (Digital Geographic Information Exchange
Standard). DIGEST includes a structure known as VRF (Vector Relational Format) and
a Feature and Attribute Coding Catalog (FACC).
2001
In addition to work regarding standards, DGIWG develops data products including:
• Terrain Analysis Dataset suitable for cross-country movement applications, line
of sight and range and bearing calculations.
• Transport and Logistics Datasets to support logistics planning and movement of
personnel and materiel and includes road networks, air facilities, maritime ports and
navigable waterways.
• Air Information Dataset to provide information on airfields, airspace structure and
other information on ICAO charts and En Route Charts, etc.
• Digital Nautical Chart containing maritime significant features essential for safe
marine navigation.
• Toponymic Dataset being a list of geographic place names and associated
support, or attribute, information.
STANDARDS & INTEROPRABILITY – MULTI-NATIONAL CO-PRODUCTION
FACC
10 categories
50 sub-categories
270 features
460 attributes
4000 attribute values
Geospatial Standards – MULTI-NATIONAL COOPERATION
Ø Digital Geographic Information Working Group
Policy
6. In November 2003, the Multinational Geospatial Co-Production Program (MGCP) was initiated. This
program contributed toward bolstering international cooperative production and coordination of high-
resolution digital vector data in high-interest regions where inadequate data currently exists. The
project represents the most current evolution of a 10-year, global vector-map level 1 (VMAP1) effort that
began in 1993 and was revamped in 2003. In the new format, the program was created to be not only more
international, but also more streamlined in terms of data analysis and user access.
Australia is a member of the Multinational Geospatial Co-production Program (MGCP), which currently
involves 32 nations and is aimed at producing geospatial data at 1:50 000 scale of the entire world. MGCP
member nations will contribute data to a central data warehouse and will, in time, have unlimited access to all of
the data in the program.
In 1996 production commenced on a general purpose product known as VMap Level 1.
The purpose of the VMap Level 1 program was to ensure military / defence readiness for
worldwide operations with a digital geographic information product in a standard format.
The objective of the Level 1 VMap program was to establish a worldwide medium
resolution (1:250,000 scale equivalent) Geographic Information System product and to
complete worldwide coverage at medium resolution. VMap Level 1 was managed by the
VMap Co production Working Group (VaCWG) - Policy Group. VMap Level 1 was to be
distributed on 234 CD-ROM. It was being co produced by US, UK, Canada, Germany,
France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Spain and Greece. Portugal and
Turkey had expressed interest in co production.
2001
Co-Production – MULTI-NATIONAL COOPERATION
Ø VaCWG and MGCP
Policy
CAUTION – By 2016 the MGCP had been down-graded to “producing 1:100 000 scale maps of the entire world.
MGCP member nations will contribute data to a central data warehouse and have unlimited access to a Map of
the World”.
7. DI(G) OPS 20-3 (Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standards and Data Product Standards)
Issue 1 was published by the Department of Defence on 6 May 1994. The original version included three
fundamental concepts:
v Exchange of digital geographic information between defence organizations and systems should be
DIGEST compliant;
v Exchange of digital geographic information for hydrographic purposes should conform to IHO
(International Hydrographic Organisation) requirements; and
v Exchange of digital geographic information with civilian organizations should conform to ASDTS
(Australian Spatial Data Transfer Standard).
Civilian organizations in Australia did not embrace ASDTS and so this directive was deleted on
subsequent issues
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION EXCHANGE STANDARDS
Standards endorsed by Defence for the exchange of digital geographic information are:
a. Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard (DIGEST) for data exchange within Defence
and with Australia's allies;
b. Special Publication No 57—IHO Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data (S–57) for
exchange of digital hydrographic data for navigation.
DIGEST is a generic data exchange standard intended to facilitate the exchange of militarily significant
geographic information. It is sponsored by the Digital Geographic Information Working Group (DGIWG), an
international organisation of Defence agencies (mostly North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) nations). The
Australian Defence Force is an associate member of DGIWG and is represented by the Director of Strategic Military
Geographic Information (DSMGI). DIGEST is the endorsed standard for exchanging digital geographic data in Defence.
S–57 is an exchange standard sponsored by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). The
Hydrographer represents Australia in the IHO forum. While DIGEST does include some hydrographic themes, S–57 is
intended for data supporting nautical charting, navigation, and safety at sea. S–57 is applicable for use by Defence in
order to conform with national and international conventions and laws regarding ship navigation and safety at sea.
Geographic Information Standards 1994
Ø DI(G) OPS 20-3
Policy
8. Transport and Logistics Dataset (TLD) Level 2:
• Will support tactical level planning activities
• Will support network analysis for road, railway and inland
waterway transport networks
• Will include the location of facilities for rest, refueling and
maintenance activities
• Will include a gazetteer function to allow place names to be
associated with transport networks
GB 005 Airport Airfield / Airstrip
DIGEST Product Specification
Ø Transport & Logistics Dataset (TLD) - 1995
Policy
9. 2016
Alison Rose, Assistant Secretary
GEOINT Foundation and Support.
Ms Rose has a Bachelor of Science
(Resource and Environment
Management), majoring in pedology,
geographic information systems and
remote sensing .
LOCATE16 – April 2016
Ø “From data silos to integrated content: delivering richer
and more accessible GEOINT”
Keynote
“Australia is a member of the Multinational
Geospatial Co-production Program (MGCP), which
currently involves 32 nations and is aimed at
producing 1:100 000 scale maps of the entire
world. MGCP member nations will contribute data to
a central data warehouse and will, in time, have
unlimited access to a Map of the World”.
Ms Rose referred to a
Multinational Geospatial Co-production Program
Key points: * Data silos,* Integrated content, * GEOINT delivery
So what went wrong with JP2064 Phase 2 which included a DATA CENTRE identified to
specifically address the topic of a geospatial information infrastructure?
Ms Rose’s illustration regarding ‘stovepipes’
was little different to the illustration in a
presentation to ASIBA (Australian Spatial
Information Business Association) 14 years
earlier in 2002
JP2064 Phase 2 - Geospatial Information
Infrastructure and Services (GII&S)
10. ‘Policy’ initiatives have ranged form Agreements to Instructions
Ø BUT Capability Development evolution has been inconsistent
Policy
The Hydrographic community has been able to evolve its digital products although not as quickly or as
advanced as it could have been.
For example, “By the mid 80s, the North Sea Hydrographic Commission (NHSC) began work on defining what
was initially called an Electronic Chart and Display System and was later amended to include the all-important
word 'information', giving rise to the now familiar term Electronic Chart Display and Information System or ECDIS”
https://www.hydro-international.com/content/article/the-iho-s-role-in-the-development-of-ecdis
AusENC are encrypted using the IHO S-63 data
protection scheme. They can be used in IMO
compatible Electronic Chart Display and
Information Systems (ECDIS), or in smaller and
simpler compatible Electronic Chart Systems
(ECS) which can decrypt IHO S-63 data.
The Topographic community has not been so fortunate.
In May 1991, the Government introduced a Commercial Support Program (CSP) to promote the transfer of non-core support activities from
Defence to industry, emphasising that the CSP must be understood as part of wider initiatives to strengthen civil-military relations, which would
foster Australia’s strategic defence interests and its policy of self-reliance. The Royal Australian Survey Corps’Army Survey Regiment located at
Bortuna Villa, Bendigo was identified to undergo two separate commercial support reviews: one logistic (Tier One), the other technical (Tier
Two). The In-House Option was selected as the Preferred Commercial Option and the contract awarded in April 1994.
The implementation of the second CSP would prove to be “painful” … A Defence decision in November 1994 to introduce PROJECT PARARE
in two phases dramatically narrowed options. Phase One would establish the Army Topographical Support Establishment (ATSE) staffed by
defence civilians to conduct digital topographic tasks of Australian sovereign territory. It was decided that a study would be conducted to
determine the ADF’s total digital requirement including examination of core strategic non-sovereign tasks and another major capability
submission would precede the implementation of Phase Two.
The Royal Australian Survey Corps was disestablished in 1996 - Projects and initiatives would be poorly managed
11. PROJECT PARARE was named in 1988 from the Royal Australian
Survey Corps motto, videre parare est, and planning began in
1989.
It was hard for many “to grasp the revolutionary new way of
thinking about topographic information in which their primary
goal, the printed map, became just one of many products from a
topographic database that would provide a vastly increased
military capability for the Australian Defence Force.
PROJECT PARARE was to be a digital system that could produce
a variety of products from a spatially related topographic
database. Maps and charts, reports, photo products, statistics
and topologically structured spatial data would provide the
topographical base reference layers for a military geographic
information system. The topographic information provided would
assist with terrain analysis, command and control systems,
weapons systems, and war gaming”.
Valerie Lovejoy’s
Mapmakers of Fortuna
A History of the Army Survey
Regiment
Ex-Fortuna Association,
Bendigo, 2003
ISBN 0 646 42120 4
Ø A transformational project at a time of major organisational change
Project Parare – [Army JP42 – Joint Project] 1988-1996
PARARE would be split and re-split and downsized and delayed until the Project was terminated.
It was replaced by JP 2064 – Geospatial Information and Services. That project would also be subject to
changes, often at the advice of people with limited qualifications.
THIRTY YEARS ON THE ‘TRANSFORMATIONAL CAPABILITY IS YET TO HAPPEN
12. So, how is this ‘non-hydrographic’ information and capability development
relevant to ‘HYDROSPATIAL’?
JP indicates, from a Defence perspective, a Joint Project meaning that the project has, or can have,
application in the Land, Air and Sea environments.
For example, the Digital Chart of the World
Included”:
Studies
Statement Of Work – Feb 1989
Initial Tile Design Study - Dec 1989
Initial Elevation Data Study – Feb 1990
Initial Aeronautical Info Study – Feb 1990
Vector Product Format – March 1991
Prototypes
Digital Cities Database
Digital Nautical Chart
Digital Terrain Database
Digital Gazetteer
Terrain Analysis Dataset suitable for cross-country movement applications, line of sight and
range and bearing calculations.
Transport and Logistics Datasets to support logistics planning and movement of personnel and
materiel and includes road networks, air facilities, maritime ports and navigable waterways.
Air Information Dataset to provide information on airfields, airspace structure and other
information on ICAO charts and En Route Charts, etc.
Digital Nautical Chart containing maritime significant features essential for safe marine
navigation.
Toponymic Dataset being a list of geographic place names and associated support, or attribute,
information.
DIGEST prototype
data products were
developed for:
SLIDE 4
SLIDE 5
These datasets would cover the littoral zone as proposed by Hydrospatial
Unfortunately, these datasets have never been produced!
13. Photo taken in December 1979 of
[then] SSGT Bob Williams
Military symbols produced using
PLOT10 software
[Then] SSGT Bob Williams – First supervisor of the
Royal Australian Survey Corps’ Input Sub-system of
Automap 1 at ‘Fortuna’, Bendigo -1976
Dr Bob Williams an observer at DGIWG
meting held in Madrid, Spain 1993. He
was the first Australian participant.
Robert (Bob) Williams
One of Australia’s Military Mapmakers