A Virtual Blackhole of Geographical Data

Africa is called ‘the dark continent’ for may reasons. Primarily because it’s a virtual black hole for information, history and geographical data…

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) could play a vital role in improving agriculture and boosting food security in Africa. However, only a few African countries are capable of developing such systems, partly because of a lack of basic geographical data.

This arose during the third Map Africa conference, which took place in the South African city of Cape Town from August 25 to 26.

The conference revolved around geographical information technology systems, which are computer applications that capture, store, analyse, manage, present, monitor and visualise spatial information that is linked to a geographical location.

A GIS is therefore often associated with an interactive map, which combines tabular data, such as figures and statistics, with geographical or spatial information and computer technology.

…

Anneliza Collett of the South African department of agriculture regards GIS as crucial in managing land: ‘‘We need to know about things such as erosion, about natural resources and which areas are suitable for agriculture. GIS enables us to do so, as it combines all relevant and necessary information in one visual system.’’

According to Derek Clarke, chief director of the surveying and mapping unit at South Africa’s ministry of land affairs, geographical information technology could play an important role in improving farming practices across Africa.

Via ITNA