The purpose of this paper is to describe the respective roles of the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP) and the United Nations Regional Cartographic Conference for Asia and the Pacific (UNRCC-AP). The paper draws on documents identified in the reference section and decisions taken at the 4th PCGIAP meeting held in Tehran, Iran, 28 February to 4 March 1998.

The paper has been prepared for consideration at the Special Working Group Meeting (SWGM) of the United Nations Regional Cartographic Conferences that will take place in Aguascalientes, Mexico from 25 to 27 March 1998.

The paper describes:

1. Agenda of the SWGM meeting;
2. Structure of the PCGIAP, including recent resolutions and changes to working group arrangements;
3. Achievements, and strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threat (SWOT) analysis, of the PCGIAP;
4. Resolutions of recent UNRCC-AP;
5. Relationship between PCGIAP and UNRCC-AP; and
6. Relationship between PCGIAP and Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI).

The paper concludes by presenting a conceptual model that links the activities of PCGIAP, UNRCC-AP, other permanent committees and UNRCC's, the Global Map project, and the GSDI.

The agenda of the SWGM is:

1. Inauguration and statement of the objectives of the meeting
2. Review of the present status of the UNRCC's
3. Presentation of the UNRCC's, including but not limited to the consideration of:

1. What are the specific projects and activities in your region
2. What changes if any should be made in the regional conferences
3. What changes if any at the UN
4. What should be the specific objectives for a global map
5. Short and long term objectives, including actors and responsibilities
6. What are your views on the global spatial data infrastructure

4. Presentations by other organisations
5. Open discussion
6. Proposals

1. Towards a new international cooperation in cartography
2. Identification of main subjects of interest
3. Open discussion
4. Proposals: Role of the UN, Coordination between UNRCC's, technological cooperation, relations with other fields and other issues

1. Agreements or Resolutions
2. Closing

A comprehensive description of the role, operation and activities of the PCGIAP can be found on the Internet home page:

Following is a summary of the structure of the PCGIAP.

The PCGIAP was established pursuant to resolution 16 of the 13th UNRCC-AP held in Beijing in 1994 (Annex A). The PCGIAP operates under, and reports to, the UNRCC-AP.

The aims of the PCGIAP are to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of geographic information in accordance with Agenda 21 by providing a forum for nations from Asia and the Pacific to:

1. Cooperate in the development of a regional geographic information infrastructure;
2. Contribute to the development of the global geographic information infrastructure;
3. Share experiences and consult on matters of common interest; and
4. Participate in any other form of activity such as education, training, and technology transfer.

The objectives of the PCGIAP are to:

1. Develop guidelines for the nature of legislative and administrative procedures and orders appropriate to the acquisition and sharing of spatial data;
2. Define the nature of a regional geographic information infrastructure that each country in the region can make available to meet regional mapping requirements as they relate to global mapping requirements, principally consisting of a regional geodetic framework, topographic features and geographic names;
3. Define a framework for the documentation of the status of fundamental datasets and key agencies in each member nation, and for the exchange of such information;
4. Design a strategy for the development of a regional geodetic framework and topographic databases as the basis for regional GIS activity;
5. Prepare guidelines and strategies to assist member nations in the development of digital cadastral databases and where necessary for the implementation of cadastral reforms to meet individual member nation needs; and
6. Determine the need for research, training and technology exchange in relation to the beneficial impact of geographic information on the social, economic and environmental objectives of member nations of Asia and the Pacific region.

The membership of the PCGIAP consists of the directorates of national survey and mapping organisations and equivalent national agencies of the nations from Asia and the Pacific as advised from time to time by the United Nations. Each nation nominates a single representative to the PCGIAP. Member nations are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Member nations of the PCGIAP

PCGIAP meetings are held in conjunction with the triennial UNRCC-AP meetings and also between these meetings. Details of PCGIAP meetings are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Details of PCGIAP meetings

The PCGIAP is managed through an Executive Board. The functions of the Executive Board are to:

1. Plan and coordinate the PCGIAP work program between plenary sessions;
2. Plan the continuing administrative affairs of the PCGIAP;
3. Make recommendations on objectives and activities and work programs to the PCGIAP;
4. Publish and distribute appropriate documents to the members, individuals and organisations concerned; and
5. Prepare and submit reports as on the activities of the PCGIAP to the UNRCC-AP.

The present composition of the Executive Board is shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Present composition of the Executive Board of the PCGIAP

The PCGIAP may establish working groups to address specific issues. In the period 1995-8, four working groups have been operating and their responsibilities are described in Table 4.

Table 4: Working groups of the PCGIAP in the period 1995-98

New working group and taskforce arrangements were agreed at the 4th PCGIAP meeting. These are described in Annex D and are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5: Working groups and taskforces of the PCGIAP in the period 1998 onwards

The resolutions adopted at the 4th PCGIAP meeting are described in Annex D.

The cooperation, goodwill and dedication of many people have enabled the PCGIAP to make some significant achievements in its first three years, including:

1. Three plenary meetings held, with 13 to 20 countries represented;
2. Recognition by a number of international bodies (representatives appointed to those bodies, and several presentations made to international meetings);
3. Work plans developed for each Working Group;
4. Preparation of a comprehensive paper on the Asia Pacific SDI commenced;
5. Survey of the status of SDI in member countries commenced;
6. Survey of the status of DCDB in member countries commenced;
7. Survey of the status of legislative and administrative arrangements for data acquisition and sharing in member countries commenced;
8. Regional geodetic campaign completed, involving VLBI (6 sites), SLR (10), GPS (36) and DORIS and PRARE systems, to develop a regional geodetic framework; and
9. Technical paper on geodetic transformation strategies prepared.

The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the PCGIAP were discussed at the 4th meeting in Tehran and are described below.

The work of the UNRCC-AP is encapsulated in the resolutions adopted at each triennial conference. The resolutions from the last three UNRCC-AP are listed at Annex B.

The 14th UNRCC-AP held in Bangkok, Thailand, in February 1997 tasked the PCGIAP with

The full text of this resolution is contained in Annex C. A discussion paper on the future direction of the PCGIAP (Clarke, 1998) was discussed at the 4th PCGIAP meeting. The discussion included the respective roles of the PCGIAP and the UNRCC-AP.

The PCGIAP believes that its role, and that of the UNRCC-AP, should be as follows:

1. The UNRCC-AP should continue, meeting every three years. The format should be that of a conference, with both invited and presented papers. The conference should have a policy focus. Attendance should comprise country delegations led by the PCGIAP member, and recognised non-government agencies. The PCGIAP Executive, along with the member from the host country, should be responsible for proposing the conference agenda, including identification of the Chairman and invited speakers. The UN should continue providing administrative support, including the issuing of invitations, provision of translation facilities, and publication of proceedings. Key elements of the Conference would include:

1. report from the PCGIAP Executive (achievements and plans);
2. invited presentations on global and other UNRCC developments;
3. national reports from participating countries.

2. The PCGIAP should continue to meet once per year, with every third meeting being incorporated within the UNRCC-AP. The format of these $BAC(Business meetings’ should be that of a committee, focused on work plans and technical issues. Attendance should be limited to the PCGIAP member (head of national surveying and mapping agency, or equivalent), and a small number of technical advisers. The key elements of the meetings would be:

1. Working Group progress reports and plans;
2. Working Group technical meetings.

3. The PCGIAP Executive should continue to operate primarily through e-mail, with ad hoc meetings between the full Committee meetings only as required.
4. The PCGIAP should develop a three-year planning cycle, coinciding with the UNRCC-AP dates. Some sessions of each UNRCC-AP meeting should be run as a PCGIAP meeting, presenting reports from the previous three years and proposed plans for the next three, for consideration by the Conference. Elections for the PCGIAP Executive (including WG Chairs) should be held at the PCGIAP meetings coinciding with UNRCC-AP meetings.
5. Resolutions of the UNRCC-AP should be categorised, with those requiring action to include the person or agency responsible, and the due date. The PCGIAP would include all UNRCC-AP resolutions, and country reports, on its web site, along with a statement of the status of the action items. The UNRCC-AP agenda would include an item for review of the status of $BAB(Bction resolutions’ from the previous conference, with the PCGIAP Executive providing a written report as the basis for the review.

The above approach would limit the size and scope of PCGIAP meetings to a round-table forum of agency heads with a focus on technical issues, enabling such $BAC(Business meetings’ to be held without the expense of organising a major conference. The three-yearly UNRCC-AP would be developed into a major regional conference, incorporating the annual PCGIAP business meeting for that year.

The approach outlined above is summarised in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - UNRCC-AP and PCGIAP Structures and Meetings

The role of the PCGIAP in the GSDI was discussed at the recent GSDI Conference held at Chapel Hill North Carolina, USA. Following are extracts from the paper presented at the GSDI conference (Godfrey, 1997).

A number of issues need to be considered in implementing the GSDI. In considering these issues care must be taken to recognise and understand national, as well as global, needs and interests in order to ensure commitment, cooperation and participation by nations. Key GSDI issues are:

1. The vision for the GSDI - its role and purpose, and the benefits that will be obtained from its implementation;
2. The global issues that will be addressed by the GSDI, for example, sustainable development;
3. The framework within which the GSDI will be implemented, recognising existing institutional arrangements and the role of bottom-up and top-down approaches;
4. The fundamental datasets and technical standards required for the GSDI, recognising national interest issues and ownership rights and responsibilities; and
5. The access and distribution arrangements for the GSDI, and the importance of sharing data, skills and experience.

For the GSDI to be most effective in meeting the needs of the global community, nations must be able to understand, accept and commit to its vision and objectives. The present global concern about sustainable development provides a significant "raison d'etre" for the GSDI. The GSDI can potentially accelerate the achievement of sustainable development by ensuring ready access to fundamental data required for policy, planning, development and management.

The global strategy for achieving sustainable development, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, has already gained the commitment of the international community and provides one of several vehicles for GSDI implementation. At the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly to Review and Appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 (Earth Summit+5), held in June 1997, it was stated:

In this context, a vision for the GSDI might read:

The PCGIAP is proposing to build an APSDI in a similar way to the approach being taken to build a national SDI in many countries. Many countries are linking the SDI at local level into a broader national SDI. The APSDI is envisaged to be a network of linked national SDI. The principal benefit of this approach is that member nations manage and control their individual component of the APSDI and can therefore ensure that it is designed to meet their national needs and objectives, as well as contributing to broader regional objectives. This is achieved without compromising the independence and sovereignty of individual nations. National governments retain responsibility for custodianship of their data and control access to that data. This bottom-up approach is likely to encourage member nation participation in the APSDI. A potential weakness in the approach is the gaps that may arise in the APSDI due to different stages of SDI development in member nations. These gaps need to be filled, at least in the short term, by cooperation and support between member nations in the region, and by participation in global initiatives (for example, global data acquisition programs). Thus a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches is required in order to implement the APSDI.

The PCGIAP believes that this approach is equally applicable to the implementation of the GSDI. The GSDI can be viewed as a network of inter-linked regional SDI, such as the APSDI. Where such regional SDI do not exist consideration should be given to establishing appropriate arrangements for their creation.. The organisation model of the PCGIAP may well apply in other regions. Given that large areas of the globe are unlikely to be covered by regional SDI, either in the short or long term, and given the need for global coverages of fundamental datasets in order to address global issues such as sustainable development, complementary global programs are also required. A combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches is required for implementation of the GSDI.

The GSDI requires an implementation framework that ensures, at the least:

1. The needs and objectives at national, regional, and global level are properly considered and understood;
2. Experiences, problems and solutions are shared, and opportunities for cooperation are fostered;
3. Common approaches are taken wherever possible.

The United Nations provided early endorsement and support for the creation of the PCGIAP and may have a similar role to play in the implementation of the GSDI.

An essential element of the GSDI are thematic coverages of spatial data that are fundamental to the achievement of the global objective of sustainable development. These data should be constructed to a consistent level of quality and be able to be managed and maintained by the data owners (or custodians). In determining these fundamental datasets consideration should given to the sensitivities and capabilities of nations to contribute such data, and to the issue of national sovereignty and authority over datasets. The starting point might be a small number of low resolution and content coverages that are likely to be supported by a majority of nations.

A guiding principle in the establishment of the GSDI should be that fundamental datasets are readily accessible to, and able to be shared between, nations. This principle raises many issues, such as, copyright and pricing, metadata directories, and distribution. However, global issues like sustainable development, are unlikely to be resolved in an effective manner unless these issues are confronted and addressed sensibly.

For a GSDI to be effectively implemented it must encompass a vision that is clearly understood and widely supported. It must address needs at the local, regional, as well as the global level. The key to its success lies in a broad based organisation framework that facilitates participation, cooperation, sharing and a willingness to pursue common approaches.

Many such organisational frameworks already exist at the national and regional level. The PCGIAP provides an example of a regional forum that aspires to build not only a spatial data infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific, but to also support developments in member nations. The GSDI must build on these existing arrangements, therefore implying a need for both a bottom-up and top-down approach to implementation.

Initially, at least, a global sponsor such as the United Nations may have role to play in ensuring the GSDI receives international political support.

Finally, the success of a GSDI will be likely measured on the basis of the ready availability of fundamental datasets that are effectively used resolve global issues such as sustainable development.

The PCGIAP is demonstrating its support for the development of thinking on the GSDI by hosting the 3rd GSDI Conference in Canberra, Australia, 16-18 November 1998. A preliminary announcement of the conference is at Annex E.

The conceptual relationship between PCGIAP, UNRCC-AP, other UNRCC's, other similar organisations, stakeholders in the GSDI and the global map project is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2.. Conceptual relationship between PCGI's, UNRCC's and related organisations, GSDI stakeholders and Global Map project

The Conference,

Noting the rapid development and progress of geographical information systems in all countries in past years,

Bearing in mind that geographical information systems form a fundamental part of the information industry,

Recognizing the urgent need for regional and global geographical information system cooperation and the necessity for experience exchange and technology transfer on geographical information systems,

Recommends that within a year from now, with the initial administrative support of the United Nations Secretariat, directorates of national survey and mapping organizations in the region form a permanent committee to discuss and agree on, inter alia, geographical information system standards, geographical information system infrastructure and institutional development, and linkage of the prospective committee with related bodies in the world.

Following is a list of the resolutions adopted at UNRCC-AP held in 1991, 1994 and 1997. The full text of these resolutions is available from the PCGIAP Internet home page (http://www.permcom.apgis.gov.au).

1. Development of hydrographic surveying and nautical charting capabilities
2. Maintenance of hydrographic surveying equipment
3. Status of hydrographic surveying and nautical charting
4. Monitoring of mean sea level changes

8. Acquisition of cartographic data from airborne and space platforms
9. Remote sensing
10. National atlases
11. International Map of the World
12. Topographic base mapping and using aerial photogrammetry, Global Positioning System and geoid
13. Mapping socio-economic data
14. Large-scale topographic mapping for urban areas
15. Training programs in geographic information systems
16. Raster-vector-data
17. Specifications for aerial photography
18. Sustainable development
19. Access to information for development
20. Information gathering exchange
21. Land information development assistance
22. Regional cooperation and coordination in remote sensing
23. Civil aeronautical charts preparation
24. Geographical names
25. Training needs
26. Urban infrastructure
27. Effective development assistance
28. Consolidation of registration, valuation and surveying functions
29. Education levels for surveying and mapping
30. Establishment of land information systems coordinating committees
31. Exchange of personnel
32. Establishment of management courses
33. Coordination in the development of geographical and land information systems

The Conference,

Recognizing that the contribution of the United Nations regional cartographic conferences for Asia and the Pacific is essential for capacity-building, transfer of technology and technical cooperation for the promotion of global, regional and national strategies for sustainable development,

Mindful of the efforts made by countries in the region to promote the introduction and implementation of new technologies and other mechanisms in the field of surveying, mapping and charting in response to changing needs and of the impact of implementing new approaches to sustainable development and related recommendations emanating from major United Nations conferences,

Aware of financial and institutional constraints and other difficulties which have delayed, postponed or prevented the timely implementation of resolutions adopted at past United Nations regional cartographic conferences,

1. Recommends that member States undertake an assessment of the performance of the past three United Nations regional cartographic conferences for Asia and the Pacific with a view to redefining the role and direction of future cartographic conferences for further strengthening and continued cooperation at the start of the new millennium, and that such an assessment be conducted through the Permanent Committee for GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific, with findings made available to the United Nations Secretariat for review and action, as appropriate, prior to the next Conferences;
2. Further recommends that, as a result of the assessment, a set of criteria be defined and instruments established to facilitate the ongoing process of monitoring the implementation of future conference resolutions.

Noting that:

1. Working Group 3 has completed a major geodetic campaign, and has commenced or identified a number of other important geodetic activities;
2. Working Groups 1, 2 and 4 have also reached significant milestones in their tasks and have presented substantial reports to the Meeting;
3. the participation rate of member countries needs to be improved, through programs that deliver practical benefits and support national development;

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP recommends that Working Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 be concluded, and that the following structure be implemented with key projects and tasks as listed:

1. Executive / Secretariat

1. finalise, approve and publish the APSDI framework document

1. Working Group 1: Regional Geodetic Network

1. implement a regional precise geodetic network
2. define a regional horizontal geodetic datum
3. investigate a regional vertical geodetic datum

1. Working Group 2: Regional Fundamental Data

1. develop a policy for sharing regional fundamental data
2. define and integrate regional fundamental datasets
3. identify Asia-Pacific SDI data nodes
4. undertake regional GIS application demonstrations

1. Taskforce: Development Needs

1. identify member's NSDI development needs
2. recommend support programs and funding options

Noting the:

1. evolving operational arrangements of the PCGIAP;
2. new structure agreed at Tehran for the Committee's work program;
3. the initiatives of other regional and global SDI bodies;

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP recommends that the Executive Board:

1. review the existing Statutes;
2. prepare a revised set of Statutes for consideration by the Committee at the 5th Meeting.

Noting that:

1. the availability of fundamental data from member countries is essential to the:

1. development of the Asia-Pacific spatial data infrastructure;
2. realisation of the economic, social and environmental benefits of GIS;
3. and the implementation of the UN Agenda 21;

2. data sharing avoids wasteful duplication of resources and facilitates data integration;
3. the content, scale and technical specifications of the regional fundamental data are currently being defined by the Committee through Working Group 2;

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP recommends that member countries consider adopting the following principles:

1. Availability: member countries shall produce and maintain their component of the regional fundamental data, in conjunction with development of their national spatial data infrastructures;
2. Access: regional fundamental data produced by member countries shall be made available to other member countries in a manner that facilitates their use in regional economic, social and environmental applications;

and that members report on the outcome of their consideration at the next meeting of the PCGIAP.

Noting the:

1. Success of the APRGP97 campaign; and the
2. importance of linking national geodetic datum to the regional geodetic datum determined by APRGP97;

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP encourages all member countries to participate in:

1. the regional geodetic campaign planned for October 1998; and
2. the WG1 workshop to be held in Canberra, Australia, July 2-3 1998, which will finalise the results of APRGP97 and plan the 1998 campaign.

Noting that:

1. Working Group 2 will be developing definitions of the content, scale and technical specifications of regional fundamental data;
2. these definitions are critical to the development of the APSDI;

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP recommends that:

1. member countries actively participate in the activities of WG2, in particular in the development of the definitions and in their formal consideration at the 5th Meeting of PCGIAP.

Noting the:

1. excellent administrative arrangements and outstanding hospitality provided by the Iranian Organising Committee

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP:

1. expresses its deep appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to the National Cartographic Center for their efforts in making the 4th Meeting both successful and enjoyable.

Noting the:

1. generous offer from China to host the 5th Meeting of the PCGIAP and the excellent administrative arrangements that have been proposed;

the 4th Meeting of the PCGIAP recommends:

1. that the 5th Meeting of the PCGIAP be held in Beijing, China, on 19-23 April 1999.

The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) is an initiative that began at the 1996 Bonn, Germany conference and was continued at a second conference in 1997 Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

GSDI encompasses the policies, organisational arrangements, data, technologies, standards, delivery mechanisms, and financial and human resources necessary to ensure that those working at the global and regional scale are not impeded in meeting their objectives.

The Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific has been invited to host the next meeting and is pleased to provide preliminary notice of the

Initial contact details: