BOTSWANA'S MAPPING ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE INDEPENDENCE IN 1966
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Phalaagae, L.M.; 2Phalaagae, L.M.
1DEPARTMENT OF SURVEYS AND MAPPING Email: lphalaagae@gov.bw
2DEPARTMENT OF SURVEYS AND MAPPING Email: lphalaagae@gov.bw
Abstract
“ BOTSWANA,’S MAPPING ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE INDEPENDENCE IN 1966” Lucy Mmasepatela Phalaagae Chief Surveyor DEPARTMENT OF SURVEYS AND MAPPING Abstract The Botswana National Survey and Mapping Organization was established in 1962 as the Surveyor General's Office stationed in Mafikeng, South Africa the then capital of British Bechuanaland. The Department moved to Botswana in 1969 and was re-named the Department of Surveys and Lands. The name was later changed in 1993 to Department of Surveys and Mapping. After relocation the department embarked on several modernization projects meant to provide appropriate geo-information to ensure that all possible efforts at Sustainable Development are supported and enhanced. The increased effort at acquiring the country’s geo-information was part of Government’s initiative of a long term vision for Botswana which focused on creating fundamental objectives around the country’s national principles of Democracy, Development, Self-reliance and Unity as a way of driving the country’s development towards prosperity for all. The National Mapping Agency consequently implemented a variety of initiatives with a view to advance productivity and hence delivery of appropriate spatial information in the process creating a spatially enabled nation. This paper therefore looks at the trends of mapping, modernization and technological developments and achievements at the Department of Surveys and Mapping (DSM) and also demonstrates how the department is trying to cope with the ever increasing demand for various maps, Geospatial Information and other challenges in this rapidly changing world.