A. Introduction

1. This report is a summary of the main points from the 4^th meeting of the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP) held in Tehran. This record highlights the background to decisions made and resolutions adopted at the meeting, and the outcomes from the meeting.

2. The main outcome was the move from a primarily concept focus by the PCGIAP to more of a production focus supported by a restructuring of working groups. Up to the time of the Tehran meeting the PCGIAP had by necessity been dealing mostly with institutional and administrative issues as well as commencing operations for a regional geodetic framework.

3. During the meeting reports were presented by representatives from a number of international coordination and standards organisations in the field of spatial data. The activities of these organisations complement those of the PCGIAP and together contribute to spatial data development at the local, regional and global level.

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B. Attendance

4. The meeting was attended by a total of 35 overseas representatives, including members and experts from countries of the Asia and the Pacific region, and observers from countries outside the region. The full list of participants is attached as Annex 1.

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C. Opening of the
Meeting

5. President's Welcome

The President of the PCGIAP, Dato’ Abdul Majid bin Mohamed, expressed his appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to the National Cartographic Center (NCC) for being host of the meeting and extended a warm welcome to all present. The full text of the President's welcome is at Annex 2.

6. Welcoming Speech by President Deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Mr Shafaat, , delivered the welcoming speech on behalf of The Honorable Mohammad Ali Najafi, President Deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of Plan and Budget Organisation. The full text of the President Deputy's welcome speech is at Annex 3.

7. Keynote Speech

Dr Mohammad Madad, Director General of NCC gave the keynote speech on GIS and National Development. The full text of Dr Madad's speech is at Annex 4.

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D. Agenda

8. The initial agenda was by necessity amended a number of times during the course of the meeting. The final agenda adopted for the meeting is at Annex 5.

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E. President's Report

9. The President of the PCGIAP, Dato’ Abdul Majid bin Mohamed, presented his report covering the period from the 3^rd meeting of the PCGIAP at Bangkok in February 1997.

10. The President noted the efforts of Mr Tony Bevin, New Zealand (Chairman of the former Working Group 2 – Cadastral) and Mr Brendan Godfrey, Australia (Secretary) for their contributions prior to their departure from PCGIAP activities. The President welcomed the new Secretary Mr Drew Clarke, Australia. The full text of the President's report is at Annex 6.

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F. Secretary's Report

11. The Secretary of the PCGIAP, Mr Drew Clarke, presented his report covering the period from the 3^rd meeting of the PCGIAP at Bangkok in February 1997. The report highlighted the main achievements of the Secretariat over the past 12 months. The full text of the Secretary's report is at Annex 7.

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G. Report of UNRCC
Asia and the Pacific

12. Mr Chan Hun Seok, Malaysia, presented the report on the 14^th UNRCC-AP meeting held at Bangkok in February 1997, on behalf of Mr Jose Solis, The Philippines, who could not be present. The full text of the report is at Annex 8.

13. United Nations Press Release DEV/2134 on the 14^th UNRCC-AP meeting was included in the meeting folder.

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H. Report of UNRCC
The Americas

14. The President presented the report on the 6^th UNRCC-The Americas meeting held at New York in June 1997. Dato’ Majid noted that the UNRCC-The Americas is considering the model of the PCGIAP in developing a similar Committee for The Americas. The full text of the report is at Annex 9.

15. United Nations Press Release NR/227 on the 6^th UNRCC-The Americas meeting was included in the meeting folder.

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I. Report from EUROGI

16. Mr Michael Brand, President of EUROGI gave a presentation from which the main points are summarised below.

17. Mr Brand expressed his appreciation at being invited to attend the Tehran meeting noting the mutual benefit coming from increased understanding and from participation between the respective forums.

18. EUROGI was established in 1993 with help from the European Commission.

19. EUROGI aims to promote and encourage support of geographic information (GI) matters at the European level. It comprises 16 of the countries within Europe. CERCO is a member of EUROGI – refer Item O on CERCO.

20. Amongst its range of activities are to increase communication and facilitate data exchange between GI bodies in Europe and globally, and to represent Europe at the global level. EUROGI considers key sectors to bring into the GI debate would include business, space, navigation, and IHO.

21. Further information on EUROGI can be obtained from the Web site at

http://www.frw.ruu.nl/eurogi/forum/gsdi.html

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J. Report from ISCGM

22. Mr Kunio Nonomura, Japan, Chairman of International Steering Committee for Global Map (ISCGM) gave a presentation on the Global Map initiative. The concept of Global Map has become widely recognised globally and was noted in the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the implementation of Agenda 21 in June 1997.

23. Mr Nonomura noted that Global Map is moving more into a production stage with the development of specifications in conjunction with ISO/TC211, and an action plan. As well he explained that the goal for the first phase development of Global Map is by the year 2000. Production will commence in SE Asian countries. Mr Nonomura said that there is a budget figure of around US$150,000 for Global Map in JFY98.

24. There are 15 members from 14 countries now involved in Global Map, with Iran$BCT(B Mr Abbas Rajabifard being appointed to the ISCGM at the most recent meeting held at Gifu, Japan in November 1997. ISCGM will hold its next meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA, hosted by the US Geological Survey, EROS Data Center, during the week of June 15-19, 1998.

25. A report on Global Map was included in the meeting folder. Further information on Global Map can be found on the web site at: http://www.iscgm.org

26. During the meeting in Tehran it was acknowledged that Global Map datasets would serve as regional datasets over Asia and the Pacific up to the time of specific regional data becoming available through the activities of PCGIAP.

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K. Report on
GSDI Conference

27. Mr Peter Holland, Australia, represented the PCGIAP and gave a presentation at the 2^nd GSDI Conference held in North Carolina in October 1997. The paper used for the presentation can be found on the PCGIAP web site at http://www.permcom.apgis.gov.au/ under Technical Papers.

28. A handout on outcomes from the North Carolina GSDI Conference was provided to participants at the Tehran meeting. As well, this information can be found via the EUROGI web site at http://www.frw.ruu.nl/eurogi/forum/gsdi.html on "Emerging GSDI" which has a link to the GSDI '97 web site at http://www.gov.state.nc.us/gsdi97/. Alternatively, information can be obtained from the PCGIAP Secretariat.

29. It was agreed at the North Carolina Conference to invite the PCGIAP to host the next GSDI Conference in the Asia Pacific rim. The PCGIAP accepted the invitation and Australia has agreed to hold the 1998 Conference at Canberra in November in between related events in that country.

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L. Presentation
on Future
Directions

30. The Secretary acknowledged the achievements of the PCGIAP and the goodwill and cooperation amongst members. Mr Clarke spoke to his discussion paper on future directions of the PCGIAP and a copy of the paper was provided to participants.

31. Mr Clarke noted recommendations coming from the 14^th UNRCC-AP meeting for action by the PCGIAP, including:

• identify new funding options for spatial data infrastructure programs;
• assess the performance of the past three UNRCC-AP meetings and present a proposal for their future role and direction (including mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of Conference resolutions);
• implement a WWW facility for monitoring implementation of UNRCC-AP Conference recommendations, and for national reporting;
• strengthen cooperation in the Global Map project;
• establish cooperation with the ESCAP Regional Space Applications Program;
• link the Asia Pacific SDI into the Global SDI initiative.

32. In addition the PCGIAP Executive Board, at its November 1997 meeting in Kobe, requested the Secretary to prepare a discussion paper addressing future directions for the Committee, including consideration of the UNRCC-AP recommendations and the role of the PCGIAP in creating fundamental regional datasets, for consideration at the Tehran meeting.

33. In consideration of the likely future role of the PCGIAP and the recommendations of the 14^th UNRCC-AP, Mr Clarke identified four key issues to be addressed by the PCGIAP:

1. participation rates by member countries;
2. design of the work program (and hence of the working groups);
3. availability of resources to pursue the program;
4. functional relationship with the UNRCC-AP.

34. Mr Clarke outlined his proposals for the future operations of the PCGIAP including a proposed restructuring of the working groups. In addition he said that the UNRCC Special Working Group Meeting at Mexico in March 1998 and the GSDI Conference at Canberra in November 1998 were two significant milestones in developing a global spatial data framework.

35. The meeting used the Secretary$BCT(B discussion paper as the basis for amending the structure and operations of the PCGIAP. The paper can be found on the PCGIAP Web site at: http://www.permcom.apgis.gov.au/

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M. Presentation by NCC

36. Mr Abbas Rajabifard, Iran presented a report on NCC and he and a representative from the cadastral area answered questions from the floor. Reports on geo-information in Iran, work on standards at NCC, and on the cadastral project in Iran were included in the meeting folder.

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N. Report from
ISO TC/211

37. The PCGIAP President, Dato’ Abdul Majid bin Mohamed, delivered a report on the ISO TC/211 meeting held in Oxford in October 1997. The full text of the report is at Annex 10.

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O. Report from CERCO

38. Mr John Leonard, Secretary General of CERCO, gave a presentation. Mr Leonard expressed his gratitude at being given an opportunity to attend the PCGIAP meeting and explain CERCO. The following main points were noted.

39. Created in 1978, CERCO is an association of Europe's national mapping agencies. CERCO has no executive power nor is it a political or technological body. As well, it is not a commercial body, but it has created a commercial organisation, MEGRIN, for the production and marketing of pan-European data.

40. CERCO's main interests are managerial. It aims to raise awareness, to influence and lobby, to provide an information network and facilitate data sharing. Noting CERCO's similarities with many aspects of the PCGIAP Mr Leonard advocated a closer relationship with between the two bodies.

41. A short report on CERCO was included in the meeting folder. Further information on CERCO can be obtained from the Web site at http://www.ign.fr/cerco/cerco.html

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P. Report from MEGRIN

42. Mr Claude Luzet, Executive Director of MEGRIN, gave a presentation from which the main points are summarised below.

43. MEGRIN was created in 1991 by CERCO as a commercial organisation for the production and marketing of pan-European data. MEGRIN comprises 19 of Europe's national mapping agencies.

44. Mr Luzet said that two main issues for MEGRIN are edge-matching for a seamless database for Europe and civilian/military cooperation in spatial data matters.

45. One benefit deriving from MEGRIN is a practical exchange platform for spatial data in Europe. Mr Luzet said there would be benefit with continued cooperation between PCGIAP and MEGRIN in conjunction with CERCO.

46. A short report on MEGRIN was included in the meeting folder. Further information on MEGRIN can be obtained from the Web site at http://www.ign.fr/megrin/megrin.html

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Q. Reports from
Previous Working
Groups

47. Reports from the working groups operating up to the Tehran meeting were presented as follows.

Working Group 1 - Geographical Information Infrastructure and Institutional Framework

48. The report of Working Group 1 was presented by the Secretary of WG1 Peter Bowen, Australia and the draft paper previously produced by WG1 was provided in the meeting folder.

49. The aim of this paper "A Spatial Data Infrastructure for the Asia-Pacific Region" is to define the regional infrastructure, and to explain why it is required, how it would operate, and its applications. The meeting accepted that this paper is a good start in producing a framework document for the APSDI. Further information can be found on the PCGIAP web site.

Working Group 2 - Issues Relating to Cadastral Infrastructure

50. Following the resignation of New Zealand's Mr Tony Bevin from the chairmanship of WG2, Mr Peter Holland, Australia agreed to carry this role up to the Tehran meeting. Mr Holland gave the WG2 presentation at the meeting. The report of Working Group 2 was provided in the meeting folder.

51. In determining principles and options for the development of jurisdictional cadastral infrastructure and cadastral management systems WG2 has made a good start in researching the status of cadastral systems in member countries as well as with cadastral reform and modernisation issues. Further information can be found on the PCGIAP web site.

52. WG2 acknowledged the excellent and comprehensive work carried out by FIG Commission 7 in the development of national cadastral systems and proposed that strong links be maintained with FIG Commission 7.

Working Group 3 - Asia and the Pacific Regional Geodetic Networks

53. Due to the Chairman of WG3, Indonesia$BCT(B Mr Rudolf Matindas, not being able to travel to Tehran, Indonesia had requested Australia to present the WG3 report at the meeting and Mr John Manning gave this presentation.

54. The effective development of the APSDI requires a uniform regional geodetic datum being established along with transformation parameters between the regional datum and the geodetic datums of member countries. In order to achieve this goal WG3 had a number of endorsed projects to carry out, the first main project being "The Asia and the Pacific Regional Geodetic Project" (APRGP97).

55. Data acquisition for APRGP97 was completed in October 1997 from a regional campaign of space geodesy observations using VLBI, SLR, GPS and DORIS. Mr Manning reported that the dataset is now available and there is the opportunity to assist in technology transfer for countries that wish to process the data. Mr Manning noted the WG3 symposium planned for July 1998 in Canberra for presentation of the final results of the campaign; the meeting encouraged participation in the symposium.

56. The report of Working Group 3 was provided in the meeting folder and further information can be found on the PCGIAP web site.

Working Group 4 - Legislation and Administrative Arrangements for the Acquisition and Sharing of Spatial Data

57. Chairman of WG4 Mr Peter Holland, Australia presented the report of WG4. WG4's main aim was to define a set of acknowledged principles that member countries would be able to adopt regarding acquisition and sharing of spatial data at the regional level.

58. WG4 collated information from a questionnaire to member countries that proved to be a valuable start in beginning appreciate the extent of the variety of issues, good practice in and between countries, and barriers to sharing data. Mr Holland presented and explained the rationale and the principles for sharing data, and he outlined the support consistently stated by UNRCC-AP for sharing data across the region.

59. Two resolutions (1. prototype metadata directory; 2. principles) were proposed by WG4 and it was agreed to consider them under the new working group operational arrangements. The report of Working Group 4 was provided in the meeting folder and further information can be found on the PCGIAP web site.

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R. Restructure of
Working Groups

60. Following extensive discussion in plenary and by the Executive Board, the meeting agreed to the intent of the new directions proposed in the Secretary's Discussion Paper (refer Item L on Future Directions). The former working groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were concluded and three new operational groups were formed in addition to the Executive/Secretariat.

61. Tehran meeting attendees divided into groups to meet and carry out discussions under the new titles of the Working Groups and Taskforce. Discussion Group Facilitators and Reporters were nominated by the PCGIAP President for the meetings as follows.

62. Working Group 1 - Regional Geodetic Network: Dr Junyong Chen, China and Mr John Manning, Australia to facilitate Working Group discussions and report back to the meeting.

63. Working Group 2 - Regional Fundamental Data: Discussion Group Facilitators were Mr. Saeid Noori Bushehri, Iran and Mr. Hiroshi Une, Japan and the Reporter was Mr. Peter Holland, Australia.

64. Taskforce - Development Needs: Discussion Group Facilitators were Mr. Low Oon Song, Singapore and Mr. Hak Chan, Honk Kong, and the Reporter was Mr. Steven Jacoby, Australia.

65. The above meetings developed operational plans and proposed office bearers for the new Working Groups and Taskforce.

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S. New Working
Group Arrangements

66. Office bearers for the new Working Groups and Taskforce were elected in plenary. The new structure follows along with the main points from reports presented in plenary by representatives of the new Working Groups and Taskforce. Outlines of initial main activities of the three operational areas and the Executive/Secretariat are also included.

Executive / Secretariat

67. This group will operate as the Executive Board, with support from the Secretariat, undertaking strategic issues on behalf of PCGIAP. The meeting agreed that the draft paper produced by the former WG1 should be finalised as the most important priority task. PCGIAP would then publish it as an APSDI framework document.

Working Group 1: Regional Geodetic Network

68. Chairman – Indonesia, Mr Mr Rudolf Matindas
Vice Chairman – Australia, Mr John Manning; China, Dr Junyong Chen.

69. Mr Manning presented the report on behalf of the WG1 discussion group. The report was accepted by the meeting and a copy is at Annex 11.

70. It was acknowledged that the overall geodesy requirement for the region is to develop a geodetic framework for spatial data. The work of the previous Geodesy Working Group and the concepts developed during the discussion group meeting were used as input to the forward work program.

71. A decision was made to expand the proposed Regional Geodetic Datum objective into separate horizontal and vertical projects at this stage although it is considered that in the long term a full three dimensional approach to datums could be employed. Subsequently the following three projects submitted to the PCGIAP were endorsed:

• Project 1 Precise Regional Network - implement a regional precise geodetic network
• Project 2 Regional Horizontal Datum - define a regional horizontal geodetic datum
• Project 3 Regional Vertical Datum - investigate a regional vertical geodetic datum.

Working Group 2: Regional Fundamental Data

72. Chairman – Australia, Mr Peter Holland
Vice Chairman – China, Dr Jun Chen
Project Coordinator – Iran, Mr Saeid Noori
SDI Nodes – China, (until a replacement is found)
Regional GIS Applications – Russia (name to be advised).

73. Mr Holland presented the report on behalf of the WG2 discussion group. The report was accepted by the meeting and a copy is at Annex 12.

74. Many significant issues were raised by participants during WG2 discussions and the following was agreed for WG2.

75. Objectives

To establish regional fundamental datasets and mechanisms for sharing these data, and to foster an understanding of the benefits of use of regional fundamental data.

76. Workplan

1. Development of policy for sharing fundamental data
2. Definition, development, and facilitating integration of regional fundamental datasets
3. Development of network of APSDI data nodes (directories)
4. Development of regional GIS application demonstrations.

Taskforce: Development Needs

77. Chairman – Malaysia, Dato’ Abdul Majid bin Mohamed
Core Group – Australia, Mr Drew Clarke; Iran, Mr Abbas Rajabifard; Japan, Mr Kunio Nonomura.

78. Reporter, Mr Jacoby presented the report on behalf of the Taskforce discussion group. The report was accepted by the meeting and a copy is at Annex 13.

79. Initial main activities:

• identify members’ NSDI development needs - including geodesy, cadastral and mapping
• recommend support programs and funding options.

80. The absence of a primary group to address cadastral issues was agreed to at the meeting for the following reasons:

• the Taskforce was set up with the expressed purpose of providing a forum to address cadastral (and other) issues including development needs, cadastral reform, and training and exchange of ideas on cadastral matters
• there is no specific regional cadastral work program requiring a dedicated working group
• the extensive work being carried out by FIG Commission 7 was recognised and PCGIAP did not want to duplicate this effort; the Taskforce will liaise with FIG Commission 7.

81. (Resolutions 1 – 5 that were adopted at the Tehran meeting reflect the changed approach for the working groups. All Resolutions adopted at the Tehran meeting can be found at Annex 14. Also refer Item U on Resolutions.)

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T. Statutes

82. During the meeting it was acknowledged that the PCGIAP Statutes need reviewing. This became particularly evident following the restructure of the working group arrangements and functions. The Executive Board developed a resolution (adopted as Resolution 2) proposing a review of the statutes.

83. The meeting agreed that the Executive Board would produce revised draft Statutes, to be made available prior to the next meeting in Beijing in 1999 for consideration and agreement by PCGIAP at that meeting. The Secretariat will produce initial revised draft Statutes for consideration at the next Board meeting at Canberra in November 1998.

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U. Resolutions

84. The meeting adopted seven resolutions, in particular for the new structure and the new Working Group and Taskforce arrangements as follows.

Resolution 1 - Structure and Work Plan

Resolution 2 - Statutes

Resolution 3 - Principles for Fundamental Data Sharing

Resolution 4 - Development of the Regional Geodetic Network

Resolution 5 - Development of Regional Fundamental Data

Resolution 6 - Vote of Thanks

Resolution 7 - 1999 Meeting.

85. The full contents of the seven resolutions adopted in the Tehran meeting are at Annex 14.

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V. Next Meetings

86. China's Mr Fei Xuhui presented plans for the next meeting of PCGIAP in Beijing. The main points were:

Date: 10-23 April 1999

Venue: Beijing International Conference Center

Recommended Accommodation: Grand Continental

Contact: Tel. + 86 10 6834 6614 or 6833 9095
Fax. + 86 10 6831 1564
Email. fanbsm@public.bta.net.cn

87. Meeting Information to be provided by October 1998.

88. Refer Resolution 7, Annex 14. It was noted that the PCGIAP meeting for 2000 would be held in conjunction with the UNRCC-AP meeting proposed for Manila.

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W. Closing of Meeting

Concluding Speech by PCGIAP President

89. The President of the PCGIAP, Dato’ Abdul Majid bin Mohamed, thanked all participants for their contributions during the meeting. He pointed out the efforts of non-members who made the effort to attend the meeting and pass on their valuable experience.

90. The President said that the PCGIAP had made significant steps forward during the meeting in Tehran. He concluded by expressing his sincere thanks to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to the National Cartographic Center for their excellent efforts in hosting of the meeting and wished all present a fond farewell until the next meeting.

Closing Speech by Iran

91. Dr Mohammad Madad, Director General of NCC gave the closing speech on behalf of the host country, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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X. Official Dinner

92. During the course of the meeting an official dinner was held and the following speeches made by:

• President Deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
• PCGIAP President

93. Full texts of the speeches can be found at Annex 15, and Annex 16 respectively.

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