Abstract

Strengthening National Geographic Services in Lao PDR (SNGS)
Track: National Mapping
Authors: Juergen Stadel, Ammala Keonuchan, Ammala Keonuchan, Sami Janne

The implementation of the program (SNGS), funded by Finnish government, is a good example of the challenges similar programs face in the mapping/GIS work in the developing countries. Most of the challenges are related to the lack of accurate up-to-date data and overall capacity to maintain data sets.
Program targets to build up the capacity of National Geographic Department (NGD) of Lao PDR to become the major data provider in the country. The support includes digital aerial photography of Southern-Laos in 45 cm resolution; creation of DTM and orthphotos; related 1:50,000 scale mapping and establishment of seamless GIS database. The 2D digitizing of features is carried out on orthophotos. ESRI software has been procured for QC, editing, establishment of GIS and for the creation of the final map sheets. The topographic line maps series, including grids and surround elements, are produced using ArcGIS Production Mapping extension.