Geospatial Technologies Critical for Economic Growth

The use of geospatial information tools and technologies is critical for the greater economic growth and advancement of the country.

This was stated by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, during the launch of activities for Geography Awareness Week and the 20th staging of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on November 3.

The occasion was also used to launch the 30th Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICJ) anniversary banquet.

“Geographic information System technology has been an effective tool for the Ministry of Economic Growth… and several of our branches and agencies as we work to maintain the delicate balance between the built and natural environments,” Senator Samuda stated.

Among them, he said, are the National Land Agency, National Works Agency, National Environment and Planning Agency, the Forestry Department, the National Water Commission, Housing Agency of Jamaica, Urban Development Corporation, and Squatter Management Unit.

“Geospatial information dictates where we build, how we build, and where we put the necessary infrastructure to capitalise on and manage our resources. It allows development to be carried out in an orderly manner through the layering of information that presents a comprehensive profile on a particular area,” he said.

He added that there is no area of governance that cannot benefit from the use of geospatial technologies.

Senator Samuda said the technologies are critical to the day-to-day deliverables of a wide cross section of ministries, departments, and agencies of government.

“It is used by planners, businesspersons, academic and policymakers across our island and around the world,” he noted.

Areas that benefit from geospatial technologies include land information management and maintenance of the fiscal and titling cadasters, road maintenance and safety; the preparation of development plans, environmental management and community development, mapping crime spots and deploying resources, and hazard mitigation and management.

He noted that the use of GIS technology for hazard mitigation and management “enables us to analyse and see where natural disasters have previously occurred and how they have impacted the landscape”.

“We can also try to predict where a natural disaster is most likely to occur and create the most damage,” the Minister said.

Senator Samuda commended the National Spatial Data Management Branch and the Land Information Council of Jamaica for the sterling work they have been doing to shape policy; provide strategic direction; promote geospatial awareness; and facilitate geospatial capacity development, through training and educational initiatives.

Geography Awareness Week will be observed internationally in the third week of November, with November 16 being recognised as GIS Day 2022.

There will also be the 10th GIS technical seminar on November 10, a Thanksgiving Service on November 13, the 20th national GIS day exposition on November 16 and the 30th LICJ anniversary awards ceremony and banquet.