Precise, Reliable Geospatial Data System Crucial to Realize Dev’t Goals: Urban, Infrastructure State Minister

Addis Ababa: Ensuring precise, reliable and consistent geospatial data system is essential to realize sustainable developmental ambitions in all spheres, Urban and Infrastructure State Minister Wondimu Seta said.

A National Geodetic Infrastructure Workshop organized by Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) was held in Addis Ababa today.

Opening the workshop, the state minister pointed out that reinforcing efforts in building geospatial data system in a more collaborative and integrated manner is instrumental in ensuring precise, reliable and consistent data that realize sustainable developmental ambitions in all spheres.

Geospatial data system is the backbone of infrastructural and other developmental activities, he said, adding that it has also huge role in urban development, managing land resources at the national level and to build an integrated land data system, among others.

Noting that ensuring smart cities, building huge infrastructure and construction works need precise and reliable data,
he said making the data system consistent is critical to realizing prosperous Ethiopia.

For Wondimu, the land infrastructure data system has to be consistent across the nation.

Therefore, the national workshop is mainly aimed at sharing idea, experiences and laying a foundation to work together toward ensuring integrated data system at national level.

Addressing the workshop, Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) Director General Abdisa Yilma stressed the need for active participation of all pertinent stakeholders both at federal and regional levels in building the geodetic infrastructure.

More specifically, he added that infrastructural and higher educational institutions have huge role to play in building an integrated and up-to-date geodetic infrastructure.

Stating the significant role of the participation of the private sector, the director general said that reinforcing the engagement of the private sector and other pertinent stakeholders will be pivotal to join human and financial resources.

As part of the private sector participation, SSGI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the quality and coverage of aerial images with the private National Airways today.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency