CABINET GIVES THE GREEN LIGHT TO SPATIAL INFORMATION CO-OPERATION

Issued by: Department of Land Affairs

April 29 1999

Land Affairs Director-General, Geoff Budlender, today officiated at the launch of the Directorate: National Spatial Information Framework (NSIF) in Pretoria. The launch comes in the wake of Cabinets decision yesterday (28 April) to endorse far reaching steps to facilitate the co-ordination of gathering spatial data and information throughout South Africa.

The process to develop spatial planning guidelines is being driven by the Deputy-President's office. In response to the need for government to co-ordinate geographic or spatially related information, the Directorate: NSIF was created in the Department of Land Affairs in 1997. This directorate's main tasks is to direct the establishment of a National Spatial Information Framework for South Africa, to provide the parameters for a coherent national spatial data infrastructure and to promote the utilisation of spatial information to effect improved service delivery. Such information is essential for the planning and implementation of sound development exercises and projects.

"There is clearly a need for the integration of planning by the various spheres of government, and its numerous agencies," said Budlerder. "Local Authorities, for example, are required to develop Integrated Development Plans and Land Development Objectives to guide their planning decisions," he said.

At the Launch, the Directorate introduced 2 of it's products: the Spatial Data Discovery Facility (SDDF) and the LINC Viewer. The former is an internet application, linking people, seeking spatial data through electronic networks, with data producers who maintain their data locally. The latter is a viewer that provides access to and related information vital to land reform programs in the Department of Land Affairs (DLA).

Mr Budlender said that products like the SDDF makes information-driven governance possible. He said that Cabinet has recognised the importance of co-operative government and:

• endorsed the creation of the NSIF to facilitate the co-ordination of the gathering of spatial information, in order to promote the exchange, availability and use of spatial data sets which are needed for planning and effective service delivery;
• gave the DLA the mandate and responsibility for implementing the NSIF;
• approved the establishment of a Committee for Spatial Information to ensure that the interests of the Public Service are met with respect to spatial information, and to maximise the benefit from resources which are invested in spatial information gathering and management; and
• resolved that government agencies involved in spatial information should co-operate with the NSIF.

Budlender emphasised that the integration of information depends on the integration of effort'. "A co-operative approach is essential for the success of the NSIF," he said.

More information about the NSIF's activities and products can be obtained by visiting their Web site at www.nsif.org.za or by phoning them on 012-322 5400.

Released by Communication Directorate 29 April 1999

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