NATIONAL MAPPING IN
U. Hedlund1, U. Okafor2
1 - Swedesurvey
2 - Department of Survey and
ulf.hedlund@lm.se
This paper is a presentation of how
the Namibian National Mapping Agency, DSM – Directorate of Survey and Mapping,
in co-operation with
In September
2005, the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement in
Advances in computer technology and GIS have significantly increased the options available for map visualization. Visualization of objects and phenomena in 3 –D is now a reality. New systems allow computers to simulate and model reality by using visual and auditory cues in three dimensions. These same systems might be used to create virtual maps in which users can traverse and study real and simulated environments and landscapes.
The flexibility of GIS Procedures and the ease of editing electronic map display have made it easier and inexpensive to develop several design prototypes before making a choice. Mapping software provides cartographers with the same type of mileage that text-processing software offers writers. GIS technology is providing cartographers with the accurate drafting that has traditionally required tremendous manual skill, patience, and training. They have also revolutionized map revision procedures, and broadened the horizon to experiment with layout, composition, and symbolization, and to duplicate information from one map to another when producing series of maps. Nevertheless, its use requires that the cartographer be just as familiar with the strengths and limitations of each automated system as with principles of effective communication.
The
approach to this project was to ensure that the geographic information
delivered by the project would become the foundation for the National Base map-
from the perspective of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). It was
also a necessity that the project should contribute to the development of DSM’s
own capacity with respect to GIS and cartography. The project had to produce
various cartographic products, ranging from 1:1 Million to
This paper gives an introduction to how this was achieved and presents how the data produced will form a base for future operations such as establishing a new Namibian cadastre system.