National geospatial master plan to be ready by May 2018

PUTRAJAYA: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (NRE) is developing the National Geospatial Master Plan (NGMP) towards realising the potential of geospatial technology, in line with the government's National Transformation 2050 (TN50) plan.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the master plan, expected to be completed by May next year, would encompass the development of a clear policy, a sound legal and enforcement framework, a strategic plan for national geospatial management and national geospatial enterprise architecture.
There are five important deliverables through the implementation of NGMP, namely the draft on the Geospatial Policies of Malaysia, draft on the Bill for National Geospatial Implementation, proposed structure of the Governance to Manage Geospatial Systems, proposed Design of Enterprise Architecture for National Geospatial Implementation and National Geospatial Strategic Plan (2017-2027).
"The master plan will strengthen governance through the fortification of national geospatial efforts with effective implementation, coordination and enforcement, besides empowering the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure programme by managing geospatial information more clearly and comprehensively," he said at the opening of GeoSmart Asia 2017, here, today.
GeoSmart Asia is an international conference and exhibition with focus on promoting the value of geospatial technology and applications in various development sectors. More than 1,000 geospatial professionals representing 300 organisations across 25 countries in the region are participating in this year's three-day forum themed,  'Commercialisation and Commoditisation of Geospatial Information'.
Wan Junaidi said geospatial technology, information and services had been addressing some of the major concerns of nations, such as improving asset management, reducing water leakage, saving construction costs, increasing agricultural productivity and many others.
He said geospatial information played an important role as a catalyst for socio-economic development of a nation, as well as providing strategic information for physical planning and national security.
"The success of the government in implementing development projects that leads to high economic growth depends largely on the availability of reliable and timely geospatial information.
"Geospatial information also needs to be viewed as one of the nation's critical enablers to support the management and preservation of sustainable environment for future generations," he said.
Wan Junaidi said geospatial management coordinated at all government agencies and the private sector at the national level would ensure the development and use of geospatial information in a competent and efficient manner, thus creating more value for money and improving the country's competitiveness. — Bernama