Gov’t Introduces Cloud-Based Drone Imagery Platform for State Entities

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has launched the GOJ Drone Image Server, a platform designed to provide State entities with a centralised repository for accessing, viewing, downloading, storing and sharing processed drone imagery.

Developed by the National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, the platform was recently unveiled during the Spatial ArcGIS User Conference at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.

Speaking with JIS News at the launch, Principal Director of the NSDMB, Alicia Edwards, said the server will enhance access to drone imagery across government entities and facilitate its use in key operations.

She noted that the value of the platform became evident following Hurricane Melissa, when GOJ and private drone operators volunteered their services and equipment to collect imagery of several of the areas most severely affected across the island.

“After Hurricane Melissa, we worked with WeRobotics and Jamaica Flying Labs that were mobilised through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to develop a framework to facilitate GOJ and private drone operators,” Ms. Edwards said.

She explained that the imagery was processed and made available to agencies to support disaster response and relief efforts.

“In capturing that imagery, they were able to process it using the international network of processors provided through Jamaica Flying Labs and WeRobotics, and serve those images up to agencies that needed these files to help with responding, deploying relief and of course to accessing the most impacted communities and persons on the ground,” Ms. Edwards said.

She told JIS News that the experience also highlighted the need for a permanent, centralised repository that would enable government entities to continue accessing imagery long after immediate disaster-response activities had ended.

Ms. Edwards indicated that discussions with government entities also highlighted challenges storing and managing large quantities of imagery within their existing systems.

Consequently, she said the new server will provide a shared space where government entities can collaborate, store imagery and integrate it into their regular operational activities.

The Principal Director further noted that the platform will provide government entities with cloud-based storage for imagery and facilitate its integration into routine business processes and operations.

“Since we have the Infrastructure Unit at the Branch and we also have the expertise, we set up that portal that facilitates not only the sharing and collaborating but also the storing of the imagery to allow entities within the GOJ to manage and use the imagery that they’ve collected,” she said.

Ms. Edwards noted that the platform is accessible to government entities that have drone imagery to share, as well as those seeking access to imagery available within the system.

She explained that access to the imagery will be governed by established protocols to ensure that all information is properly vetted before being shared.

“The imagery would already have been vetted within a governance framework to allow this information to be shared. Once you’re signed in, you’ll be able to access and use this imagery,” Ms. Edwards added.