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MAPPED: Alex Shimuafeni, NSA CEO and statistician-general at the launch of the Land Cover Standard and the National Infrastructure Altas yesterday at Safari Hotel in Windhoek. Photo Mariud Ngula
MAPPED: Alex Shimuafeni, NSA CEO and statistician-general at the launch of the Land Cover Standard and the National Infrastructure Altas yesterday at Safari Hotel in Windhoek. Photo Mariud Ngula

NSA unveils infrastructure mapping initiative

NSA committed to data collection and management
The atlas will guide evidence-based spatial planning, while the land cover standard is set to harmonise land cover classification maps.
Mariud Ngula
To provide basic locational information for major infrastructure development in Namibia, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) launched the 2023 National Infrastructure Atlas and the National Land Cover Classification Standard in Windhoek this week.

The two-part event covered various areas of infrastructure, with the atlas serving as a guide for evidence-based spatial planning, supporting governments at all levels to improve infrastructure for societal well-being.

The National Land Cover Classification serves as a standard gazetted by government to harmonise all official land cover classification maps in the country for coordinated spatial planning and national reporting.

Speaking at the launch, NSA board chairperson Salomo Hei said the launch of the two products highlights their collective commitment to data collection and management.

“These products follow the initial publication in 2017 and will account for our infrastructure development progress,” said Hei.

Accurate data needed

The second volume is set to offer further insights at regional and constituency levels, aiding decision-making, planning and monitoring of development activities. The NSA noted that only national infrastructures mapped and submitted to the national spatial data infrastructure database by April last year are included.

National Planning Commission executive director Wilhencia Uiras said: “Accurate land cover data will empower government institutions to make better decisions based on the concept of evidence-based planning.”

Emphasising the importance of geospatial information and adherence to standards, NSA’s CEO and statistician Alex Shimuafeni said precise measurement standards are key. “Implementing land cover classification will allow us to better utilise our natural resources and track progress across various developmental sectors.”

As the primary user of the standard, the land reform ministry urged the assistance of all entities in developing a harmonised national land cover base map.

The ministry’s executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, said it is pleasing to witness the country take the initiative in creating a standard that precisely mirrors its landscapes. Nghituwamata said this is a great counter to the absence of a national standard that prompts experts to use international classifications that may not accurately reflect land cover types and metrics.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-07

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