HKSAR geospatial information hub (GIH) : a common geospatial information platform and spatial data portal
Tsoi, Cheong-Wai
Geospatial information is essential to support social and economic development. Hong Kong, as a densely populated and highly sophisticated city, requires readily available geospatial information to facilitate effective government administration. To address geospatial data sharing and accessibility issues, a common geospatial information platform called the HKSAR Geospatial Information Hub (GIH)) is developed in Hong Kong. The GIH is a webbased GIS platform developed by the Land Information Centre, Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, Hong Kong, China. The objective of the GIH is data sharing and convenient access to geographic information. It was formally launched in 2004 in the Lands Department and is continuously evolving ever since. The scope of implementation has already expanded to cover over 50 government departments and planning is underway to offer the GIH service for public access in the near future. Isolated and scattered geographic data from different sources are continuously being converted, integrated and distributed through the GIH through the government intranet. Since its implementation, more and more officers in the government can rapidly access mapping information, aerial photos, land status information, public facility information, ortho-rectified aerial photos, building and address information, countryside information, zoning boundaries, population census data, road and transportation facility information, geodetic survey information, etc. through the GIH. The GIH is more than a stand-alone GIS operated by GIS practitioners. It is a user-friendly common platform where different government departments forged partnership to share and disseminate specific georeferenced attribute information and to access various geospatial information in a convenient way. This paper will elaborate the background, development, functions, implementation and benefits of the GIH. The implementation of the GIH reflects both vision and commitment in supporting a joined-up government for improved delivery of public service. It is a successful example on how the government can provide more efficient and better quality services to serve and protect the well-being of the citizen of Hong Kong by adopting geospatial information technologies and most importantly through collaboration.
Event: XXX FIG Working Week and General Assembly : Strategic Integration of Surveying Services
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