Global Mapping

1. Definition

Developing digital geographic information with unified format for whole terrestrial area, through promoting transfer of geographic information technology to developing countries by collaboration among national governments, international organizations and academic institution and making such geographic information available to observation, analysis and countermeasure formulation of environmental changes in developing countries.

2. Background

Chapter 40 of Agenda 21 states that development of information is required for sound decision-making for sustainable development. In particular, qualified geographic information is indispensable for accurate global change estimation for present and future, leading to meaningful decision-making. While geographic information has been produced mainly National Mapping Organizations, the data are dispersed in terms of quality, not standardized and almost not digitized. Thus global geographic infrastructure with quality data is required.

3. Detailed Activities

With a view to develop Global Map for whole terrestrial areas by 2007, Global Mapping initiative will:

(1) Convene workshops to promote international standardization of global map with participating countries and international organizations.

(2) Promote data development by transferring of data producing technology through holding seminars and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) group training course for developing countries.

(3) Information dissemination for promoting use of Global Map data.

(4) Enroll non-participating countries through information dissemination and awareness raising campaign.

Global Mapping Project was initially advocated by Japanese government in 1992. The steering body of the Project, International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM) was established in 1996. Substantial activities stared in 1998 by calling countries to participate in the project.

4. Partners

International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM)
National mapping organizations (NMOs) of 124 countries
United Nations Geographic Information Working Group (UNGIWG)
Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)
International Standardization Organization / Technical Committee 211 (ISO/TC211)
Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Steering Committee (GSDI-SC)
European Umbrella Organization of Geographic Information (EUROGI)
EuroGeographics
Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP)
Permanent Committee on Spatial Data Infrastructure for the Americas (PC-IDEA)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
International Cartographic Association (ICA)
Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR)