Development of GIS Base Maps For Gilgit & Skardu

ETS, a sister concern of Exponent Engineers was hired to perform the project, the project had following scope:

• Procurement of the following items for base map development:
  • Cloud free satellite image of 0.6m or better spatial resolution from latest available archives of satellite operator from only authorized supplier.
  • Ensuring satellite image subscription for a minimum of 1 year from the operator with a submission of frequency of upgrade for the mentioned period.
  • At least 5m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) should be draped over high-resolution imagery from only authorized supplier.
• Geo-referencing and satellite image draping over procured DEM at 1m field accuracy.
• Develop in-filed benchmarks in both cities as geo-referencing baseline for future with 1m accuracy.
• Digitization & field verification of specified layers.
• Overlaying previous maps over existing inventory to figure out differences between planned and existing maps and highlighting areas of major land encroachment.
• Identify project stakeholders and arrange meetings with each of them and prepare a list of available datasets and maps.
• Coordinating with law enforcing agencies along with the client for ascertaining areas not be included in digitization.
• Review of available attribute data and already available previous maps.
• Filtering available attributes in consultation with the client to compile a final list of attributes to be associated with each layer.
• Gathering collection of decided attributes from primary and secondary sources and compiling these into usable formats.
• Preparation of GIS base map at a scale representing 1:2,500 to 1: 5,000 of cities of Gilgit and Skardu.
• Ensuring that the existing database needs to be integrated as unified Geo-spatial Data with infrastructure details.
• Preparing documentation and reports for the client.
• Ensure that the drawings along with all the relevant data of any part or any amenities, mapped on the GIS base Map should be converted into the standard GIS format without any data loss.
• Ensuring project scalability and its compatibility in future.
• Ensuring interoperability of GIS Base Map Layers and attributes.
• Assisting the client in hiring respective relevant staff suitable for transfer of technology.
• Ensuring complete transfer of technology and data to clients’ designated personnel by involving them into project stream and day-to-day technical matters related to GIS Base Map Development.