In a landmark move towards enhancing national data infrastructure, 17 government agencies have formalized an agreement with the Centre for Geo-information (CGI) under the National Land Commission Secretariat (NLCS). This collaboration aims to integrate geospatial data into Bhutan’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), marking a significant step forward in data accessibility and management across the nation.
The newly formed partnership will enable the public to access comprehensive geospatial data through a centralized online platform set to debut early next year. This platform promises to be the single gateway for the most reliable and up-to-date geospatial information, streamlining access for government bodies, academics, consultants, and the general populace.
Geospatial data encompasses detailed information about objects, events, or features tied to specific locations on Earth’s surface. This includes both natural elements like forests and water bodies, and man-made structures such as roads and urban developments. The data serves a multitude of practical applications, from land and resource management to disaster response and environmental monitoring.
Currently, over 35 government agencies in Bhutan independently manage their own geospatial information systems. This fragmentation has led to significant data duplication, resulting in inefficient use of time and resources. An NLCS official highlighted the inefficiencies at the signing ceremony, stating, “The current process of acquiring data from various agencies is tedious and resource-intensive. Our new online platform will revolutionize data access, benefiting not only government entities but also researchers and consultants who rely on accurate geospatial information.”
The consolidation of geospatial data is expected to support a wide range of applications, including improved land use planning, disaster management, environmental conservation, and the advancement of sustainable development initiatives. Moreover, this initiative aligns with Article Seven of Bhutan’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to information for every citizen, thereby promoting transparency and informed decision-making.
Data on the upcoming platform will be categorized into three distinct types:
- Open Data: Freely accessible to the public without restrictions.
- Common Data: Available exclusively for viewing, without download or modification rights.
- Restricted Data: Provides information about maps without allowing actual access to the map details.
These categories will be managed through metadata, ensuring that essential data information is readily available. An NLCS official added, “With the right justification and approval, restricted data can also be made available to the public. This ensures transparency about the types of data we hold, even if full access isn’t granted immediately.”
During the agreement signing, representatives from agencies including the Department of Human Settlement, Thimphu Thromde, and the Department of Geology and Mines voiced concerns regarding the data sharing protocols and the categorization system. They emphasized the need for clear guidelines to facilitate seamless data integration and accessibility. Additionally, discussions were held on ensuring the timely provision of updated data, acknowledging the challenges associated with surveying and the significant human and financial resources required.
The involved agencies have agreed to reconvene to address these issues, ensuring the online platform meets the needs of all stakeholders before its launch next year.
This initiative is part of a larger JICA-assisted technical cooperation project titled “Promotion of Utilisation of Geospatial Information through the Development of NSDI,” which commenced in 2020 and is slated for completion by 2025. Upon completion, the NSDI is expected to play a crucial role in resolving land-use conflicts, a pressing issue in Bhutan. Currently, over 436,560 acres of land are embroiled in disputes due to inadequate planning and insufficient inter-agency consultation.
With the establishment of the NSDI, Bhutan is poised to enhance its land and resource management capabilities, fostering sustainable development and improving public services across various sectors. The centralized geospatial data platform represents a significant stride towards a more integrated and efficient governmental framework, ultimately benefiting all Bhutanese citizens.
