ALBANIA A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ON EARTH OBSERVATION ACTIVITIES

Transcription

1 A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ON EARTH OBSERVATION ACTIVITIES The development of the Albanian Geodesy, cartographic mapping and co-ordinate systems is very closely connected with historical events of the country. From this point of view, we can divide the development in four periods: I.1 The First Triangulation Network in Albania was established by Military Geographic Institute of Vienna (MGIW) during , in the framework of the construction of the geodetic basis for mapping of the Balkans in 1 : scale. Geodetic co-ordinates of the points of triangulation were calculated on Bessel ellipsoid, Gauss-Krüger cylindrical projection, with origin the intersection of the Equator by the meridian of Ferro in the year I.2 Later, in the period Military Geographic Institute of Florence (IGM), Italy carried out a new triangulation in four orders for mapping in 1 : scale. The geodetic coordinates of the points of the triangulation were calculated on Bessel ellipsoid, Bonn projection with central meridian Lο=20º, and the origin was determined by the astronomical point of Lapraka, Tirana. At the same time, IGM carried out the Leveling Net (about km). The origin for Heights System was chosen the MSL of Adriatic Sea, determined with a temporary tide gauge of very short recording time (one month). I.3 In the 1955, the specialists of Military Topographic Group of Albania carried out the reconstruction and the densification of the IGM Net in order to grant the request for mapping in 1 : scale. At the same time, the first order network was transformed from the IGM reference system (1934) into the 1942 co-ordinate system, which was based on Krassovsky ellipsoid, Gauss-Krüger projection with central meridian Lο=21º. I.4 The New Albanian Net, constituted from Triangulation and Leveling Networks, was designed, rebuilt, measured and calculated from the Military Topographic Institute of Albania (MTI) during the years The triangulation was designed to fulfill the requirements of mapping till at 1 : scale (on account of accuracy) and for perspective maps at 1 : scale (on account of density). Standard error in the reciprocal position of two adjacent points of the first-order network was planned to be ± m. The triangulation composted from three orders, is based on 7 initial bases at the ends of which were determined the respective Laplace Azimuths. At the middle of the network, Kamza, Tirana was determined the main Astronomical Point. Leveling Networks were designed, measured and calculated at the same time as the triangulation ones, during , from MTI. The Datum of the elevation system was chosen the MSL of Adriatic Sea, determined from recordings of tide gauge for , which was established since before the second world war from the Military Geographic Institute of Florence, Italy. From this tide gauge was establish the Fundamental Bench Mark (FBM) of the First Order Leveling (FOL). Connection between tide gauge and FBM was made through an Initial Leveling Net (ILN). The FOLN was made of four loops, 10 level lines that followed mainly national roads. Realized accuracy for measurements of the first order were: Systematic error = ±0.02 mm/km, Accidental error = ±0.17 mm/km. On this FOLN was based a second and third order. A total length of Leveling Network for three orders is about 4500km, average length between bench marks vary from 2 to 5km. In absence of gravity measurements we hadn t real gravity values at bench marks of leveling lines, so leveling observations were corrected only for normal gravity. In consequence we haven t a correct

2 Orthometric Height System but an approximate one. As far as developing of the GPS Technique and arriving in the establishing of ALBPOS system, it should be underlined that after 90 there are some GPS campaigns and activities as follows: II.1 During October 1994 in collaboration with United States Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center (DMAAC) (today NIMA). The purpose of the survey was to establish World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) positions on 35 existing stations within and on the Albanian geodetic control network. The selection of the stations to be included in the survey was made by M.T.I. personnel. It determined 5 survey stations from astro-geodetic network, 18 stations from horizontal control network and 12 stations from vertical control network. II.2 During February '98 in collaboration with University of Wisconsin, Florida, USA completed a new campaign with the intention to connect the Albanian Geodetic Network to the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRF) and defined the inter-relationship between the local and international reference frameworks. The final coordinates are referenced to ITRF 96, Epoch , and the final WGS 84 geodetic coordinates (ϕ,λ,h). Standard deviations for the computed coordinates of fiducial stations vary 1-2cm while the computed accuracy of the NIMA points were 10cm or better. II.3 For the connection of Albania, to the ETRS 89 network, GPS observations were carried out within the EUREF 98 campaign at 9 new EUREF stations, 5 survey stations from geodetic network and 4 new survey stations from geodynamic network. Additionally, 3 stations at the Rinas Airport in Albania were observed for air traffic control purposes. The processing and analysis of the EUREF 98 GPS Campaigns was performed by the BKG in Frankfurt/Main, using the Bernese GPS software version 4.0. The final co-ordinates for the new EUREF stations were performed by fixing the co-ordinates of four ITRF stations (Wettzell1202) and are given in the International Terrestrial Reference Frame ITRF96, epoch and then transformed to the ETRS89. The standard deviations were ± 2mm in the north and east components and ± 6.5 mm in the height. During September 2007-Aprill 2008, IGM of Florence in collaboration with AGMI ( Albanian Geographic Military Institute) carried out GPS measurements with the purpose to calculate Transformation Parameters between Albanian Coordinative System (ALB86), the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) and the Europe Terrestrial Reference System (ETRS). II.4 ALBPOS Albanian Positioning System was initiated at the beginning of 2006 in order to support the improving of the System of Registration of Immovable Property and Parcels (IPRO) as well as all other activities in construction of Urban Infrastructure, Roads, Highways, Hydropower, etc. This projects was supported financially from European Union (Over 1.3 Mln EURO). This system was implemented and established during the period During the system was under the supervising of a Sweden Company. Soon this system will be available to the Albanian Government. The system is comprised by 16 reference stations (GNSS receivers) and 1 control centre. ALBPOS permanent stations (16 in total) have taken coordinates in the frame ETRF2000 epoch Based on testing performed by the Department of Geodesy as well AIGM and many activities, the ALBPOS assures the positioning accuracy of ± 2 cm using the RTK Method. Apart of ALBPOS, six GPS receivers are currently operating by the Seismology Institute of

3 Albania, that were established at 2001 till 2003 and were financed from NATO used for environment valuation, like earthquake, tectonic movements, etc. At the end of 2006 and 2007, ALUIZNI ( Agency for Legalization of Urban Informal Zones and Buildings) has undertaken a project financed from the Albanian Government and carried out a photogrammetric flying Mission to obtain the Photogrammetric Records to support the planimetric map in scales 1:500 for planar terrains till the scales of 1:2000 for hills and mountainous terrains. It was determined in order to support applications in Digital Photogrammetry and Cartography. Orthophotos were produced and was generated as the main product, which actually cover almost all Albania ( Sq. Km). Orthotphotos are currently used and going to be used from many users and purposes of environmental orientation. Orthophotos are free of charge products for all public and governmental institutions. Also, it is foreseen to support all national and international NGO in activities on various projects for free. Ortophoto 2007 is generated in the WGS- 84 frame and UTM cartographic projection, Geode Model EGM 96. Also Orthophoto 2007 is generated even in the Krassovsky 42 and Alb87 Reference systems. CURRENT STATUS OF EARTH OBSERVATION ACTIVITIES 1. Policies 1.1 National policies and implementation National policies and implementation on Spatial and EO data are based by taking into account the institutional development, EO data and projects, infrastructure projects, private sector development, and establishing the national spatial data systems based on ALBPOS and orthophoto maps as well as increasing the intention of the government on using them in various projects and activities, conforming the INSPIRE Directive of EU. A short presentation of the problems and their solutions is necessary to demonstrate and justify the national policies and implementation issues. In this context the policies are ongoing based in the analyses of the situation: After the '90 due to the political, financial and institutional changes as well as the introduction of new technologies' methods and techniques in geodesy, surveying EO sciences lots of changes were applied in Albania. It should be underlined that: 1. The old geodetic and spatial data system mainly for institutional and legal reasons became out of date and use. Therefore, the National Coordination Committee on Geodesy and spatial data supported by the Ministry of Defense, terminated its function. The Military Topographic Institute was authorized by Law as the most responsible public organization to set the new specifications and standards concerning EO data use and generation from civilians and private institutions. 2. Some very important public organizations ceased their operation and terminated the production of EO data for financial reasons even though they had great tradition and expertise in geodetic and surveying projects. For example, the Geodetic & Geologic Enterprise (Institute) which was responsible for the determination of standards and specifications on Engineering Geodesy, for Urban Surveying, Civil Engineering Works in all Albania, terminated its operation in 1996 and transferred its spatial archive, projects and activities to the Central Technical Archive of the Civil Work Ministry. 3. Similar situation is found also for the Geodesy Department of the Institute Of Land Use

4 and the Institute of Geophysics. 4. At the beginning of 1993 Albania started to establish the new cadastral System ( called the system of Registration of Property and Parcels) oriented towards the ownership registration. New institutions in hierarchical schema were establish for that reason. A big number of offices are established all over Albania and the Central Offices for Registration of Immovable Properties and Parcels is placed in Tirana. 5. All these activities lead to the financial growth of the private sector initiatives. Since 2000 more than 20 private companies (most of them established in Tirana), are now involved in various national and international activities, projects and studies. It should also be noted that these companies are pioneering, introducing modern technologies, new techniques of measurements and processing. Actually they have improved their performance in all directions. It is worth noting to emphasize their specialization and continuous presentation in almost all activities of spatial data generation and surveying, and within this context their participation in environmental projects and studies is very useful. 6. Establishing of the ALBPOS (Albanian Positioning System) and the realization of the flying mission to capture aerial photographs for the orthophotos' production of almost the entire country by the ALUIZNI Agency are two of the most important projects in national level for Albania. Also there is a tendency from some private companies as well as NGO to use satellite images in their studies and projects. GIS is becoming everyday more familiar in both private, public and government sector as well as to support some of the projects in the Environmental area. Fig. 2. ALBPOS Permanent Station on map and Computer Screen on Control Center

5 Based on the situation described above we consider that the national policies and implementation for the generation and use of EO data are becoming everyday more concrete and realistic. Establishing of the Ministry of Innovation, Information Technologies and Communication affirms and reinforces the government's determination for the implementation of national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI), the adoption of the INSPIRE Directive, the establishment of an institutional and legal frame for spatial data generation and distribution, providing their use in a national level, avoiding all misunderstandings and duplication and improving the quality of the final projects deliverables especially for infrastructure studies and the environment. This Ministry and its sector (Department of Digital Albania) is doing all preparatory work to establish institutional and legal frame based on the INSPIRE Directive. MITIK has included and plans to realize many activities towards the development and implementation on the policies on spatial and EO data. MITIK has taken into account the strategy on environment and the development of the infrastructure made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest Protection and Fishing and the Ministry of Civil Works and Transport. In this way the generation of an important infrastructure is delivered in national level like ALBPOS, Orthophoto for Albania, increasing the level of spatial data within a global GIS. In this context the MITIK has focused towards the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive which is considered not only a precondition for the integration of Albania in EU, but also as the main base to establish the National Policies on EU. During this process they made evident three aspects to be consider and solved, which are: Problems of technical background, which have to do with the standards that are connected to the Geodetic Reference System (actually is ALB87), transforming the Orthophotos dated in 2007 into ALB87, considering that ALBPOS is based on ETRF 2000 epoch The main problem to be solved is the absence of technical standards of the international Standard Organization (ISO) which are supposed to be set in order to obtain transformed Spatial Data (SD). Also the implementation of ALBPOS still remains a problem for its continued operation. Problems with institutional schema. It is evident that MTI(IGJUS) which before 90 was a kind of a Head Institution for SD in Albania, doesn t have such a role anymore. This is due to the fact of the changes in politics and the eco-social aspects. Even the establishing Law is out of date and the role of this institute doesn t fulfill the civilians requirements of studies, projects, etc. So, it is clear that the absence of a National Authority for SD, geodesy, cartography, geoinformation, etc. is apparently an obstacle even for the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive. The existing infrastructure of SD products is fragmented, too. For example three main structures i.e. AGMI, ZRPP, ALUIZNI are acting independently and work with their own internal standards, etc. There is no coordination authority above them in order to at least establish their cooperation, avoid duplications and allow exchange of SD products. They are also using different Geo Database Systems and software to support their GIS, resulting to a gap and lack of interpretability among the institutes and absence of the common European Standards. Problems of juridical background. The lack of a juridical and functional Structure (Law package) compatible to the EU legislation allowing the implementation of INSPIRE Directive and the creation of NSDI, is also a very important problem to be solved.

6 In relation to this issue, a report has been sent recently to the Prime Minister, who has presented his great concern and understanding for the problem. Albania's intention is to speed up the procedures for the creation of an engineering infrastructure to help studies and the protection of Environment and the Urban Planning Development and also to motivate the construction of hundreds small dams of hydropower and increase the Energy capacity, etc. All these activities will be supported by the SD infrastructure provided by the adoption of the INSPIRE Directive, and the conformation to the standards and specifications of EU. The INSPIRE program is taken into account from the Albanian Government, in concrete terms by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Information and Communication (MITIK). The certain activities and measures that are taken from MITIK to support the adoption of INSPIRE can be summarized below: - Establishing of the ALBPOS System (Albanian Positioning system). - Production of the ORTHOPHOTOs for almost of entire Albania in Digital format in both operating cartographic system: International (WGS84, UTM) and the original Albanian Reference System (Krassovsky 42, ALB87). - Maintenance of the national map 1:25000 scale in digital format, vectorized 10 years ago. - Improving the cadastral and registrations system by using the above mentioned products (ALBPOS and ORTHOPHOTOS). - Preparing a strategy for the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive, consisting the preparation of an NSDI, SD Base and a law in conformity with the demands of EU. Specifically the state has: a. Established an Intra-Institutional Working Group, with the objective: "Preparation of a Policy Paper, Action Plan and necessary legal framework for the organization and functioning of institutions responsible for production, exchange, access and use of interoperable spatial data information for the implementation of the EU Directive 2007 / 02/CE "INSPIRE" in Albania. b. Designed a project for the implementation of INSPIRE DIRECTIVE covering the following issues: 1. Identifying, summarizing and analyzing of the main features of the existing similar frameworks around the world and in the EU countries; 2. Developing and presenting to the Government the proposal including short, medium and long term goals. 3. Processing the results of the above-mentioned data and presenting them in the form of a Policy Paper that identifies the gaps and problems in the present legal structure and proposes the legislative and institutional way including an approximate financial cost which will be necessary to implement the new legislation. 1.2 Official national data and projection

7 GEODETIC DATUM Ellipsoid Krasovskij, 1942 Orientation Kamez/ Tirana Vertical Datum Orthometric heights, Durres CARTOGRAPHIC DATUM States cartographic projection: Gauss-Kruger projection (Zone 4) UTM ( 34T) States coordinate system Y-axis - Projection of Equator; X-axis - Projection of Meridian l = 21º; False of origin m (west), for UTM m Scale-m=1.000 for UTM- m= Information sharing policies Organizations providing various spatial Data Sets and Services I. Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs The most complete and updated map and EO data collection is available from some official and public organization as well as updated and specific data from the private sector. The AGMI ( Albanian Geographic Military Institute) known in Albania as IGJUSH (Institute Gjeografik Ushtarak Shqiptar, or as the Geographic Institute of Albania (AGMI), is currently part of the Ministry of Defense and it is essentially responsible for the topographic mapping and geodetic works in Albania. As with many other countries these responsibilities originated for national defense reasons to the military services. Recently, as in most other countries these responsibilities have gradually been transferred to the civilian sector. For the time being at least, they remain part of the military service. It is AGMI that has been legally mandated to perform geodetic works (Law 8907) and therefore it is the main institution producing and providing data on Datum, projection, state triangulation coordinates, state leveling heights and networks as well the producing and providing of Topographic maps which cover all territory of Albania in large, medium and small topographic scales specifically: 1:10 000, 1:25 000, 1:50 000, 1: In detail the inventory of products owned by AGMI are: Topographic Maps at scale 1:25 000, all Albanian territory, 256 map sheet (analog, digital and vectorized); Topographic Maps at scale 1:10 000, Western Part and Sea Line of Albania 200 map sheet ( analog, digital and vectorized); Topographic Maps at scale 1:50 000, conformed with NATO standards; Cartographic projection is TM (Transversal Cylindrical Mercator) with quadratic net by 1000 m. Based on European Data WGS-84. Digital Cartographic Products available for any users: Map of Kosovo at scale 1: ; Map of Albanian Roads (Transport) at scale 1: ; Map of Albanian Roads (Transport) at scale 1: ; Topographic Map of Albania at scale 1:

8 Map of Tirana at scale 1:125000; Map TIRANA_Durres_Kavaja Metropol at scale 1:75 000; Map of administrative boundary of Republic of Albania at scale 1: ; Marine Maps of Albania ( Marine Map of Durresi Bay at scale 1:35 000; Marine Map of Vlora Bay at scale 1:35 000); Actually AGMI is equipped with a number of Accurate GPS devices and is doing efforts to gather some GPS experience and support its claim of being the most appropriate owner of ALBPOS system, especially the control center of this GNSS network. Concerning the NSDI aspect it is most likely that the topographic mapping and geodetic works, currently being under the responsibility of AGMI, will in time be transferred out of the hands of the Ministry of Defense. An NSDI is essentially a civilian concept although its content can support the military use, and issues such as data access, data sharing and public services are managed more comfortably within a civilian environment. II. ALUIZNI (Agency of Legalisation, Urbanisation and Integration for Informal Area) is actually the main provider of digital photogrammetric data offered to the public, government and the private sector, in Orthophoto maps with a resolution to provide printed reproduction in scale 1:1000. As a public organization ALUIZNI has clearly grown rapidly during the last years. It is actually one of the main stakeholders in producing, providing and using spatial or EO data which comes from photogrammetric processing. It has realized one of the largest investment in EO production (national ortho-photography, 1 ml EURO equipment for GIS and photogrammetric equipment and software applications ). The ortho-photography is a major national asset and should be used to the best benefit of Albania. ALUIZNI is sharing this data free of charge with other users, i.e. for citizens, the Public and governmental institutions. III. Central Technical Archive is the main provider of topographic plans for all cities and main region in Albania used for urban planning purposes, civil engineering constructions and networks, transport, drainage systems etc. These plans are produced at various scales 1:500, , 1:2000 and 1:5000. IV. Institute of Agriculture Land is the provider of agriculture topographic maps at scale 1:5000 in all the territory of Albania. They can provide a set of cadastral maps created in more the 40 years, and they are considered a good source for land use, study of erosion, forestry, ownership, etc. V. IPRO (Immovable Property Registration Office) The main products used by IPRO in Tirana and other districts are those called Index Maps which describe the ownership on parcels and properties of the country. These maps are produced in scale 1:5000 and have derived from the Institute of land use and the mapping registration process during the last 20 years. Registration of land and its ownerships are based in planimetry maps at basic scale 1:2500.

9 VI. AGS (Albanian Geologic Survey) AGS is also an important provider for data and information through studies and maps. For more then 40 years they recorded in topographic maps in various scales (1:5000 till to 1: ) all their studies, geologic observations and monitoring, various projects and studies on separate fields of geology, geophysics, environment etc. All these documents are collected and systemized in the Central Archive of Geology, a structure of AGS. During the last 10 years AGS established the Department of Geoinformation with the objective to create a digital Information system on Geologic Data. Additionally, AGS policy is oriented towards Geosciences studies and products. Therefore, digital processing of Satellite Images and other photogrammetric data, GIS, topographic maps in various scales are currently used by AGS. AGS is a public Institute and can be considered a useful stakeholder and provider of EO and spatial data. Other important stakeholders: Some of the other important stakeholders can only be suggested in brief here, a more thorough review would be necessary to identify all the significant partners. Their role appears to be very important concerning the policies and decision making on spatial, EO data, surveying, legislation, INSPIRE, etc. Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Information and Communication A key role in INSPIRE Directive, creation of a National Data Base, National geoinformation Agency or Entity, egov etc. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Agricultural planning, Policy and Monitoring, cadastral data and Information, erosion data and studies; AKKP (Property Restitution and Compensation Agency) Old data and maps. Properties and parcels, Index maps, etc; Ministry of Environment, Forestall and Water Management Environmental policies, studies and project-ideas, environmental mapping, floods, Pollution. Ministry of Public Works and Transport Road infrastructure and transport, networks studies, projects, urban planning, illegal areas, e_gov etc; Ministry of Justice, responsible and full assess on System of Registration on Immovable Property and Parcels as well as the access on the ALBPOS System. Regional Environmental Offices (12) in all Albania Territory, dependent from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fishing, responsible for yhe implementation and executing various projects, to issue the Environment Permission as precondition before the execution of Civil Engineering Projects. Urban and Regional Planning Offices and Institute, Dependent from the Ministry of Transport and Civil Works; Private Surveying, topographic and geoinformation Companies; Surveyors, Builders and other Real estate professionals; VII. Cases of freely available data: ORTHOPHOTO is given free for citizens and public Institutions;

10 Type of data Orthophotos, Maps (topographic and thematic) in various scales, Aerial images, Geodetic data (geodetic control points and leveling control points - reperes), historic maps, etc. Cost of Data Related to the cost of EO and spatial Data it should be underlined that a list of prices was approved in 1994 from the government, oriented towards the topographic cadastral and for registration of Properties. After some years these prices and list became out of date and considering the condition of the market economy, the prices were settled as a percentage of the engineering projects cost, taken also into account other factors too (the price list under the condition of terrain, distances of locations, foreign organization prices, etc). Royalties - Usage Restrictions There are no accurate data on this issue, but experience shows that duplications is a common practice due to the lack of information. In case the provider is aware of the use of the geospatial information by another institute or person there can be an agreement between the two parties since the royalties are reserved. As there are, in many cases, public entities delivering free data, it is obvious that usage restrictions seems to be weak and no penalty is applied. 1.4 Need of military clearance for specific data sets Albania Geographic Military Institute (AGMI) was and is maybe one of main producer and provider of spatial data for many users and for various application in Albania during last 20 years. After 90 AGMI lost its privileged status in relation to the civilian public and other government entities and under the condition of Market economy it has become more open. It started to deliver to the government and public institutions various spatial data for free. Related to the private sector, civilian etc. a list of prices is applied. This situation continued till when Albania became member of NATO. After that date restrictions were set again and are now negotiating a new relation with all of the actors to share and exchange SD products. In the case of ALBPOS System AGMI is demanding a leading position as well as for a new service with those actors. The authorities of AGMI have expressed their will to find a way by law to be open with all actors considering spatial data and EO distribution in Albania through collaboration and offering the products based on the rules and space that NATO gave them as well as the space that a new law can give them in the future. 1.5 Use of EO application on environmental decision making processes Spatial and EO data that are provided from map producers are used mainly to design and support the projects developing the Infrastructure, where the environmental conditions are defined as precondition for the continuation of the project implementations. However these data are used from government institutions, public and NGO sector in the decision

11 making process or in many cases in projects which is obvious that they can affect the Environment, its protection and other factor which form its unity. In this context during the last 10 years there is an increasing interest on EO data from many actors which deal with the Environment and its impact for the life and the protection of nature, etc. by using Topographic maps, Aerial photos, Satellite images, GIS as a tool for processing geographic, spatial and EO data. In this context it is clear that digitizing, vectorizing and offering in digital format the topographic maps at scales 1: and 1: is providing great benefits to the state and especially for the engineering and infrastructure entities. Table 3. Use of EO application on environmental decision making processes COUNTRY Applications Projects National Level Topo maps Digitizing topo For all digitalization mapa: territory of medium and large 1: Albania scale. 1: covered from those maps. ALBPOS (Establishing Albanian Positioning System (Establishing Albanian Positioning System) ( ) ( ) Orthophoto Flying Mission for obtaining aerial and orthophoto for ALUIZNI ( ) For all territory of Albania, covered from 16 permanent GNSS Stations. For all territory of Albania, covered from orthohoto Regional Level Local Level Type of EO Data Digitized maps and GIS layers (products) Spatial and EO data EO data 1.6 National remote sensing data distribution centers There are no official national public resellers of remote sensing data. Table 4. National remote sensing data distribution centers Country Distribution Center Organization Status Contac t Info Type of Data Data Availabilit y Sharing policy Data costs N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.7 Relevant national public and private administration institutes, officials Table 6. Relevant national public and private administration institutes, officials Country Distribution Center Organization Status Contac t Info Type of Data Data Availabilit y Sharing policy Data costs N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.8 Coordinators of identified ongoing or completed EU or national sponsored projects Metad ata Metad ata

12 Table 7. Coordinators of identified ongoing or completed EU or national sponsored projects Country Project Title ALBPOS Albanian Positioning System Coordinator Contact Info Web Site References Ministry of Justice Ministry of Defense Ministry of Education (Consortium : AGMI, IPRO, Geodesy Dept., etc.) Address, tel R. MuhametG jollesha Nr.54 link link Digital ortophoto of Albania Ministry of Justice (ALUIZNI) R. Skender Kosturi, Ish IPP, Tirane. link 2. Data Applications 2.1 Existing national data sets Table 8. Existing national data sets Country Organization Data type Coverage Digital or Hardcopy Format (if Digital) Cost Metadata Clearance Royalties A L B A N I A Albanian Geographic Military Institute (AGMI) ALUIZNI Consortium ( MoD, MoJ, MASh) Maps in various scales, Aerial and satellite images, Geodetic data, Historic maps, National Geodetic Data (plan and altitude) Aerial images, Orthophoto orthophoto maps Satellite Positioning and coordinative data Albania Digital and Hardcopy Albania Digital and Hardcopy Albania Digital In GPS extention s and format Tiff & JPG N A N/A N/A N/A Tiff & JPG link N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.2 Processing capability of EO data Albanian Geographic Military Institute, ALUIZNI, AGS, and many private companies ( GIS Albania, GC-AL, Lorenco Co, etc.) have realized in their activities full processing capability of various EO data, such as Aerial Photos, Satellite Imagery, GPS data, scanning data, and terrestrial surveying measurements. Actually they have introduced in their activities and in the production line for processing of such products GIS Software, digital Photogrammetric

13 software (e.g. ERDAS INC.) and many other cartographic software to realize full processing. Concerning the environmental NGO- s they are familiar with the use of satellite images, or even other data but with no high expertise. 2.3 Data collection capability (Aerial Photography, LIDAR) Table 9. Organizations delivering LIDAR and Aerial Photography Country Organization Type Of Data Type Delivery Cost Royalties Organization Time GIS Private Aerial A A A Photography, satellite Images. AL-GC Private Aerial Photography, satellite images A A A Lorenco & Co Private Cadastral and A A A registration Data, GPS data, satellite data 2.4 EUPOS data availability and costs N/A 2.5 Level of conformation with the INSPIRE Directive (if it applies) Considering the Inspire Directive it should be noted that Albania Government is taking the proper actions to implement it. The conformation of the Directive is actually being implemented from the Ministry of Innovation and Information Technologies and Communication (MITIK) and the Department of Digital Albania of this Ministry. A national Coordinator is being appointed, and actually the adoption of INSPIRE directive is at the first steps. A strategy, the first documents and proposals, institutional schema, a draft of the new law for geodesy, surveying and geoinformation are currently under discussion within a working group of experts. Under these activities the UNDP in Tirana is also involved, financing with a fund of over 35 ooo US Dollar the idea to support the adoption the INSPIRE Infrastructure (NISD) as well as the standards and specifications in conformity with those of INSPIRE and European. 3. Capacities Institutional and public awareness on benefits of EO systems in environmental 3.1 monitoring After 90, Albania, converging towards the EU, set its developing agenda and the interest on the Environment which in its institutional developments, activities, projects, etc express the institutional and public awareness on Environment and EO data. The Ministry of Environment, Forestall and Water Management is responsible for the protection of Environment and the identification of problems, announces the projects, studies and addresses them to various actors, organizations and NGO-s to realize them. The establishment of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Information and Communication with the focus straight on the Spatial, EO data and Geoinformation products, by using as key the implementation of INSPIRE Directive is another fact of

14 developing the institutional Awareness in Albania. Additionally, establishing a set of environmental Offices in 12 districts in Albania which deal with studies, projects and with the straightway access on the construction of Engineering works, is again a fact of increasing the institutional awareness. UNDP in Tirana is also a potential stakeholder on increasing this awareness. Establishing a set of Environmental ENG-s, designing and implementing of projects on forestry, agriculture, study of erosion in land and in rivers, studies and projects on pollution situation on the crossborder lakes (Shkodra, Ohrid and Prespa), interest on deforestation studies, pollution in urban zones, especially in large cities like Tirana, Durres, etc, are again increasing factors of this awareness. Executing environmental engineering projects from agencies of EU, as a response of public awareness is another fact in this case. It should be noted that the awareness of the Public is increasing every year. The awareness in this case is realized through the activities of NGO-s and from public and governmental organizations. As reaction of this it should be pointed out that Albanian Public is becoming more sensitive and is demanding in various forms that the government increases its care on Environment, on the river erosion, air pollution in cities and urban zones, takes care of floods, cleaning beaches, the detection of shoreline movement takes care of the establishment and construction of Industrial zones and rational energy usage. TV, description media and newspapers are often reflecting this awareness of the Public. Therefore the Public is asking for more projects and studies for the Environment, in order to grand healthy life and conditions. Concluding, it is clear that people is asking even for more accurate and qualitative studies and projects. Organizations and the public have realized that the usage of these data is a very important for the successful realization of projects and studies. Additionally, their use prevent the failure of projects and studies, assures and increases the possibility to improve the environmental conditions, realized by the Ministry of Environment. However the Ministry of Innovation, which is responsible for the adoption of the Inspire Directive as well as for legal matters and the establishment of the institutional frame on EO and spatial data, is interested among others, on the activities of producers and providers of EO data, spatial data and geoinformation products. The collaboration between the two Ministries in order to produce unique policies linking EO and Spatial data with the studies and projects of the end users, is just what is needed to be done in Albania. From an empiric survey realized by NGO-s it became evident that they are not using accurate EO data (orthophoto, satellite image, maps, etc.) due to the fact of using the inexact information and interpretation of the real cartographic and spatial processing. In this way inaccurate information on the objects or phenomena are used during the study and design of environmental projects. 3.2 National budget allocation to EO programs National budget allocation is realized by the Ministry of Environment, Forestall and Water Management, which is the main stakeholder using national budget funding and in this case is the main partner related to the EO programs. The same situation is applied even for the other Ministries when they take part in these program. Albanian Government have signed

15 treaties and agreements with the EU and neighboring countries to participate in European research programs or projects. Therefore, the Albanian government is making arrangements and forecasts to fund with national budget money such activities and obligations. 3.3 Funding initiatives and participation to research programs There are some research programs and funding initiatives which are related with international organizations and have environmental orientation. Various other research programs and funding initiatives are performed from UNDP, the World Bank, EU, neighboring Countries like Greece, Italy, etc. apart from the activities on the Environment realized by the government. E. g. UNDP supported the MITIK with expertise and funded with USD the development of NISD, for the implementation of INSPIRE and the compilation of a Geoinformation Law for SD in Albania. It is important to note that the use of EO data and SD is set as a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the new relative Calls for Proposals. EU is also taking initiatives and funds many programs like in FP7 and FP8, CARDS, INTEREG, etc. E.g. ALBPOS was funded and realized through CARDS 2005, an EU program for the environment and EO data. Dedicated undergraduate and graduate programs, curricula and personnel Relevant 3.4 education and training centers Table 11. Dedicated undergraduate and graduate programs, curricula and personnel Relevant education and training centers Country Institute Undergraduate program Graduate program Training Personnel Web site Curricula Faculty of Civil Engineering Tirana Department of Geodesy Meadle School for Topographic Surveying Karl Gega Tirane. Yes Yes 10 Included in the National Thematic Report of Yes yes 4 REFERENCES AND USEFUL LINKS

16 Altiner, Y., Schüter, W., Seeger, H., The results of the EUREF98 GPS Campaign in Albania, Symposium of EUREF99, Prague Geodesy and Geophysics Department of DMAAC: GPS Geodetic Control Network Survey in Albania, October Gjata, G., Bilbil Nurçe Allaraj, S.: EUREF 2009, National Report of Albania, Developments on Establishing the Albanian Satellite Positioning System, Euref Simposium 2009, Florence/Italy, May Gjata, G., Hasko, G., Geodetic Education and science research under the bologna System, Scopje, September 2009, Balgeos II, Workshop II. Gunter Stangle, Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Space Research Institute: Comments to the Albanian Reference Frames Isufi, E. The First-Order Triangulation Network of Albania, October Memia, S., Progressing Legalization Process for Informal Buildings and Zones, Donation Meeting, Tirana, 28 may Skuka, Q., New Coordinative Reference for Albania and Proposal for future possible coordinative Reference Systems. Presented in the ALBPOS Consortium Meetings Xhialli A., NSDI and INSPIRE in Albania, Bled, Slovenia, June Useful links (accessed July the 8th,2011) gov.al