Positioning Singapore for the future - SLA conducts first public e-consultation on five-year surveying and mapping master plan

1 The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has set its sight with bearings pointing towards establishing a Surveying and Mapping Infrastructure Strategy Map for Singapore. It is conducting its first public e-consultation on a five-year master plan (2007 – 2011) which maps out a strategic plan that covers an integrated survey network, differential GPS positioning network (also known as SiReNT ), a precise leveling benchmark network and the Geoid Model. It also sets the directions and priorities for both the private and public sectors in their geospatial initiatives and activities.

2 The desired outcome is that SLA will be able to provide better survey and mapping reference services and put in place a reliable, trusted and real-time reference network infrastructure which can be used in cadastral, engineering, topographical survey, aerial mapping and geographical information systems (GIS) applications, as well as new types of day-to-day positioning applications which will enhance overall quality of life, such as in:

• location based services (LBS)
• structural monitoring,
• marine applications & hydrographical surveys,
• land transportation in road management, real-time fleet tracking and monitoring, in-vehicle navigation, vehicle theft protection, taxi booking and dispatching system,
• law enforcement and security services; emergency and rescue services; incident management.

3 Chief Surveyor of Singapore, Mr Soh Kheng Peng said, “We are looking to draw the inputs and experiences of the public, planners and professionals in achieving a world-class surveying and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore, with technological advancements and paradigm shifts.”

4 This is SLA’s first public e-consultation since its formation in June 2001. SLA hopes to create public awareness through this exercise. Ultimately, everyone who has a stake in positioning in Singapore, would be able to reap the benefits of Singapore’s surveying and mapping infrastructure system for various economic and social activities.

Five goals of the strategic master plan:

Data:

1. To provide a reliable, accurate, updated, authoritative and easily accessible surveying and mapping infrastructure system with instantaneous 3D positioning capabilities at a reasonable cost to the user and provider.

Technology:

2. To harness leading-edge technologies in geospatial data acquisition, management, analysis and visualization for a relevant surveying and mapping infrastructure system.

People:

3. To continue to have competent and skilled officers manage Singapore’s surveying and mapping infrastructure system.

Usage:

4. The private and public sectors use the system and its geospatial information extensively for various needs.

Connectivity:

5. Singapore’s surveying and mapping infrastructure system is connected to the world and consistent with international standards.

5 The strategy map lists strategies to achieve the above goals, including reviewing existing data policies and to carry out market-demand and feasibility studies. In terms of technology, SLA intends to move into SiReNT and use new technology such as SMS for the dissemination of information on control markers and 3G wireless technology for the collection and dissemination of information on geospatial information. There will also be more training, collaborations and knowledge-sharing with the private sector.

6 SLA has invited MPA, HDB, JTC, LTA, Mindef, DSTA, Land Surveyors Board (LSB), Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV), NTU and NUS to participate in the survey. The period of consultation is from 5 March 8 am to 30 April at 11.59 pm.

7 Public who has feedback on the proposed goals and strategies outlined in the paper can go to the REACH public e-consultation website or visit www.sla.gov.sg main website.

Issued by:
Singapore Land Authority (SLA)
8 March 2007

About Survey Services of SLA

The Survey Department of Singapore commenced operation in 1826. In 2001, it came under the newly formed SLA. Survey Services (renamed in 2004), is primarily responsible for:

• a reliable surveying and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore;
• maintaining an optimum standard of cadastral surveys in Singapore, and;
• providing superior service to our customers in the private and public sectors.