NSDI Policy Framework of Japan - Roles of the Private Sector in SDI - Hiroshi Murakami (GSI) Geospatial World Forum 2012 Amsterdam
Background Survey Act (1949) mandates the (GSI) to develop and provide fundamental geospatial datasets, and set standards on surveying and mapping and provide technical advice to public organizations so that their surveying and mapping projects should have the results of adequate quality as well as no duplicated efforts with other projects. These standards and technical advice by GSI, combined with GSI s fundamental data, made it possible to have accurate geospatial information with consistent specifications throughout the country, particularly in urban areas, which has become the base data for SDI.
Data Prepared by Local Government
Background With few geospatial experts existing in many government offices, virtually all surveying and mapping projects, conducted by the governments, are undertaken by private companies. Government offices often consult private companies for technical advice on geospatial solutions for their businesses. Most surveying and mapping projects of GSI are also now contracted out to private companies due to the Government policy of reduction of personnel and promotion of outsourcing.
Spending on Surveying and Mapping Geodetic Surveying National Mapping Public Surveys: Approx. 80 % Basic Surveys: Approx. 1 % Private companies develop most geospatial information either through contracts or their own initiatives. Other Surveys: Approx. 20 % Route Surveys Public Organizations Private Companies Web Maps Road Maps Urban Planning Map Utility Management Maps Cadastre Mapping Local Control Points 5
Background According to the Survey Act, geospatial information developed by public organizations including GSI are to be used through their permission. In practice, however, no royalty is charged. Private companies use these public data and add thematic information including road networks and restaurants, and make them available for web mapping, car navigation systems and other applications. There are more than ten different web map services with different thematic information on the Internet provided by private companies.
Web map services by private companies Elevation of the scene center is shown
Web map services by private companies
Web map services by private companies
Roles of the Private Sector in SDI Data production and provision of high quality data, which are indispensable for SDI development, based on the standards set by GSI. Combining thematic information they collect and maintain, especially in urban areas, they provide high quality geospatial data and services. Introduction and dissemination of the latest technologies in surveying and mapping to government projects, which lead to more advanced geospatial applications. Airborne laser scanner, Mobile mapping system, etc.
Applications of New Technologies Measurement of tsunami wave height with Mobile Mapping System DEM data (5 m interval) surveyed after the Tsunami Disaster in March 2011
Roles of the Private Sector in SDI Provision of various tools and thematic information for geospatial applications to meet the needs of users, which expands the user community of SDI. Advanced web map services, Car navigation system, etc. Provision of technical consultation to silominded government offices for better geospatial solutions to their businesses based on SDI concept. Meeting the needs of geospatial expertise in government offices.
NSDI Act (2007) The Government shall take necessary measures that are vital to enhance the liaison between the national/local governments, the industry and academia. In accordance with the NSDI Act, the Government established a forum for better communications and information exchange with the industry and academia. Given that government officials change posts every two years in average, the forum is considered to bring stability and sustainability in government policies on geospatial information. The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System has been one of the topics of information exchange in the forum.
Summary The geospatial industry in Japan is playing vital roles in the development of SDI, works closely with government offices, and hence is very knowledgeable and experienced in SDI, not to mention in surveying and mapping. There has been and will be enhanced dialogue between the Government, the industry and academia through the newly established forum.
THANK YOU! Hiroshi Murakami murakamih@gsi.go.jp