Abstract: In this paper, we present and discuss the data interoperability issues that are considered to place the greatest limitation to the utilization of GIS Technology in Uganda and other similar developing countries. Semantic similarity assessment and geometrical integration assessment are applied to spatial datasets from the major providers of spatial data in Uganda. The major semantic issues are identified as either those originating from different approaches to spatial feature development by institutions, or using ‘equivalent’ spatial data in models that were designed for other environments. Geometrical Integration issues are identified as variations in scale, projections and local adjustments, to generic spatial reference systems and variations in approaches to seamless mapping for UTM projection in Uganda. Documentation of data and legislation on SDI are recommended as key solutions to the interoperability issues in Uganda
Abstract: The northwestern part of the Scandinavian Caledonides, formed by SE- to ESE-directed thrusting through the Neoproterozoic Baltica continental shelf, contains numerous small and often isolated outcrops of diamictite and associated strata. No precise biostratigraphic or isotopic data are available to constrain the age of these sediments, but, on the basis of their stratigraphic position, they have been correlated with the Mortensnes Formation in E. Finnmark and are generally presumed to be of glacigenic origin. The Mortensnes Formation has been correlated with the 580 Ma Gaskiers glacial event on the basis of δ13C isotope studies. Structurally, the deposits occur in the Autochthon (below the Torneträsk Formation), within an external imbricate zone (Lower Allochthon), within cover successions lying unconformably on allochthonous basement (Window Allochthon) palaeogeographically derived from below or outboard of the Lower Allochthon and, more rarely, within the Middle Allochthon, derived from outboard of the Window Allochthon. Evidence for a glacigenic origin is typically poor or lacking. Only in the Komagfjord Antiformal Stack (Window Allochthon), where an up to 40 m thick succession of three fining upwards cycles has been mapped, are the glacigenic deposits comparable in thickness and complexity to the Mortensnes Formation. Other sequences are sometimes < 1 m thick and unconformably overlain by post-‘glacial’ deposits. The Vakkejokk Breccia, a submarine slump in the Torneträsk area of the Autochthon closely underlies the correlative Cambrian-Precambrian lithostratigraphic boundary in E. Finnmark but overlies Treptichnus pedum. Although sometimes interpreted as periglacial, this seems unlikely in view of the 30-50° palaeolatitude during deposition. Calcite nodules (< 1cm size) in the Vakkejokk Breccia were interpreted as glendonite but the microstructure and palaeolatitude makes this unlikely. Diamictites of uncertain origin have also been found in the Ediacaran Lower Siltstone Member of the Torneträsk Formation and unconformably under the ?Lower Cambrian Lomvatn Formation in the Komagfjord Antiformal Stack.
Abstract: - The Reserve, of 41 000 ha., includes the wettest and highest places in the world. It lies south of the Yarling Zangpo R. on either side of the Katmandu-Lhasa highway and includes three National Parks in Nepal. The geological structure of the Reserve is compared with N. Scandinavia - also the result of an (earlier) continental collision. The Reserve contains many rare animals and plants, mostly on the wet southern slopes of the Himalaya. Discusses the value of satellite photography for research in this difficult country. Emphasises the differences in attitudes towards natural resources between the Tibetan inhabitants and Chinese and western would-be developers.
Abstract: This paper is part of ongoing research on the use of Geographical Information
Technologies (GITs) as decision support tools in road infrastructure maintenance
in Uganda. It discusses the gaps in the use of GITs in the road infrastructure
maintenance process of Uganda and the limitations experienced while enhancing
the use of these technologies. Road maintenance organizations using GITs are
often faced with the need and desire to solve similar and cross-cutting technical
problems that are repetitive in nature. However, their current institutional
arrangements do not permit forging of lasting partnerships, use of standardized
data and operating under a coordinated GIS infrastructure. They also lack
common and standardized datasets to address key state-wide and local
maintenance requirements. Challenges to coordinating how geospatial data are
acquired and utilized are the norm in Uganda. Similarly, collection of duplicate
data sets at the local and national levels is a common scenario. We finally identify
the limitations to use of GITs in the sector as; lack of infrastructure to support
utilization of geographic datasets, unavailability of and limited accessibility to
geographic data, lack of geospatial capacity at individual and organizational levels
and the digital divide. Above all, there are no policies for accessibility and
standard use of GITs.
Abstract: A well maintained transportation system of any country plays a key role in infrastructural development thus promoting sustainable development. Road transport in Uganda is by far the most dominant mode of transport. The sector carries well over 90% of passenger and freight traffic. It thus serves as true backbone to support the country’s economy. Roads provide the only means of access to most of the rural communities and effective maintenance of this asset is vital to the Government of Uganda’s (GoU) strategy for economic development and poverty eradication. It is of recent, that preventive maintenance is being appreciated in Uganda and plans of making it a priority are being put in place. The spatial data on which Road Infrastructure Maintenance (RIM) actions are based, are not comprehensive enough. However, Geographical Information Technologies (GITs) are known to enable asset management to function in the collection, storage and analysis of data for decision making. This is an ongoing research expected to develop an integral framework for enhancing the use of GITs as decision support tools in the maintenance of roads in Uganda. A specific application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is to be demonstrated by developing a prototype model to predict maintenance required areas in a section of the study area. Document review, interviews, participant observations, and field visits and measures are cross cuttingly being used to generate the required parameters for consideration in the modelling and development of the framework. Content analysis, GIS spatial analyses and modelling will eventually be used to analyse the gathered data. The content of the paper details the research concept and preliminary findings yet to be fully analysed.
Notes: Rolf Nyberg ; with contributions by Gerhard Bax, Elisabeth Lipcsey, Jan Swantesson ; with contributions by Gerhard Bax, Elisabeth Lipcsey, Jan Swantesson
