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National network
for Geological and mineral resources information
The work started in establishing network for
geological and mineral resources information and
national scale in mid 2006 after the company
provided the necessary human resources and
technical facilities. The project is expected to
take six years to complete. In the past 3 years
the essential stages have been completed which
included digitization of various geological maps
available at the company in various scales,
especially those of 1:1000 000, 1:250 000 and
1:100 000 scales. All maps were linked to
appropriate data bases using GIS software and
technology. In addition, specialized data bases
were created to serve geological survey, mineral
exploration, mineral investment, geophysical
survey and ground water data as well as updating
of previously prepared data bases in these
fields.
This stage
of work witnessed huge and dense efforts in the
digitization process and converting all data
into the GIS environment, as well as capacity
building and training of GEOSURV staff in
various fields of information technology.
Following this stage and in 2008, the project
witnessed upgrading of its work procedures which
included the introduction of Geodatabase systems
into its program. The building up of this effort
required the introduction of all digitized data
into the new system according to specific rules
considering the geographic entity of each map.
All data were subjected to severe checking and
the international standards were maintained
throughout. Geodatabases were constructed for
the following map series:-
34 files for maps
scale 1:250 000
204 files for maps
scale 1:100 000
1 file for maps scale
1:1000 000
In these files various information are stored
including maps tabulated data and visual data
for each geographic map sheet. The data stored
within these files are final and were prepared
according to GIS specifications. They are ready
to be introduced to multiuser networks. The data
in these files can be updated and processed for
various studies and research projects, and
ensure the integration of all available
information with unified coding and terminology
at high level of precision and ordering which
facilitate easy management of data and fast
decision making.
In the
mean time, internal networks were created within
GEOSURV’S supporting groups working in feeding
digitized information to the web master at the
company directly. The work is in progress now to
expand these internal networks and to prepare
the basic files for distribution, publication
and handling of information within the network
for internal use.
GEOSURV is
working now to achieve its future goals by
establishing GIS center inside the company as
well as in its regional offices in the Iraqi
governorates and to link them to the main
network center. The work includes building up of
needed facilities, software, hardware and
trained staff. The next stage will include
connecting GEOSURV network on a National level,
starting with government ministries and finally
with the international media through the
Internet using GIS Arc Web Server after issuing
proper legislations.
It is
important to mention here that this project is
being planned and accomplished according to
International standards and by GEOSURV
specialists without foreign aid. In this respect
GEOSURV can be considered as the pioneer Iraqi
institute to establish a GIS information network
on a National level. The company can provide
help, assistance and consultation to various
governmental institutes as well as to the
private sector interested in GIS applications in
the fields of Natural Resources, Earth Science,
Land use and various environmental studies.
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