SPC Geoscience Division

Pacific Island countries and territories are challenged by the necessity to update their maps to reflect the current day realities. “Countries are utilising several mapping systems, or projections, in parallel,” explained Dr Wolf Forstreuter, SOPAC’s Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist. SOPAC is the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

“For example, road networks river systems, coastlines, contour lines and village locations are available on different maps. Often each has different accuracy and a different projection. They do not overlay or fit one on top of the other,” continued Dr Forstreuter.

Dr Forstreuter said that discrepancies are the result of several factors: the mapping carried out by the first surveyors at the end of the 19th century; tectonic shift, which contributes to islands shifting position; legal challenges associated with using old maps, and the need for Lands Departments to move to the use of remote sensing data and new software.

Majuro, March 23, 2011 -  Water is obviously a real  concern for many people here in the Marshall Islands as hundreds gathered at the RMI International Convention Centre over two days this week to participate in the first ever National Water Summit.

The summit looked at some of the most pressing water issues facing the RMI including: water availability, distribution, quality, and management. Most participants also wanted to know what government is doing to resolve these issues and if there is a plan to better manage water.

The President, His Excellency Jurelang Zedkaia, when opening the summit urged participants to find practical ways to work together to solve water issues and urged all Marshallese to take personal responsibility for this vital resource.