Regional Geoid for the Balkans

General

Since a geoid is the ratified framework on which mapping and measuring work in each country is based, creating a common geodetic reference frame for neighbouring Balkan countries will facilitate seamless combination of geographic data across borders. As we know, the effects of climate change and mitigation of the effects are not confined to national borders and increasing regional cooperation among the actors involved in managing these issues would only be beneficial. Background Through the Norwegian Mapping Authority, the Government of Norway has for many years assisted countries in the Western Balkan region in preparing geographic information and in establishing services ensuring access to the information. The partner institutions are (with some variation) functioning satisfactorily, but lack funds to prepare up-to-date geographic information, and access to this type of information for their respective land and sea territories is limited. Data to deal with the effects of climate change is a special challenge, and partner institutions are also challenged with meeting European standards on access to geographic information. Because of the socialist legacy, partner institutions still need to improve their register services for the emerging land markets in privatised properties. The overall goal of this regional project is improved governance on central, regional and local levels; sustainable land use; secure land markets; and safe navigation at sea. Activities •For Bosnia and Herzegovina, activities will focus on 1) Roll-out of a digital archive system, and 2) Improvments to the system for efficient use of GPS technology. •For Montenegro, activities will focus on 1) Establishment of an address register, 2) Improving production of topographic maps, and 3) Improving capacity for preparing sea maps of coastal areas •For Serbia, activities will focus on 1) Establishing a Condominium register, and 2) Improving solutions for data distribution and exchange •For Kosovo, activities will focus on 1) Establishing addresses in more municipalities, 2) Completing the cadastre map database, 3) Rolling out a property register to three municipalities in the north of Serbia, and 4) Upgrading of IT systems at KCA. •For Albania, activities will be focused on 1) Enhancing the capacity of ASIG to provide geographical information to users, 2) Ensuring efficient and professional production of sea maps, 3) Development of a first version og an integrated information system for coastal areas with testing in one area, and 4) Enhancing education in mapping and cadastre at University level. •For Macedonia, activities will be focused on 1) Establishing a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) for 1/3 of the country, and 2) Establishing capacity for storage and distribution of electronic terrain data. In common for all six partner countries, there is a focus on 1.Establishing a plan for improving the vertical component of their geodetic framework, through a regional working group and calculating the vertical reference frame for the region; and 2.Procurement of gravimetric instruments.