(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Given Qatar's ambition of infrastructure development for World Cup 2022, adoption of geospatial information technology is critical for infrastructure, according to an industry expert.
"The use of geospatial information is becoming increasingly critical to the successful completion of large scale and complex infrastructure projects. Whether they be roads, rail or real estate construction. The technology helps achieve higher level of productivity and efficiency in infrastructure building", Chris Gibson, Vice-President at Trimple Navigation Limited told The Peninsula on the sidelines of a conference.
Asked how geospatial is different from Geographical Information System (GIS), he said: "GIS tends to be looking at things more from a two dimensional (2-D) perspective to locate where things are, while geospatial information technology now migrates into a true 3-D model. It is not just a point of collection of data. It is the process of taking information and sending it to the work flows that transcends through industries."
Geospatial is at the heart of enterprises and is a key component of an integrated work flow that ensures projects are completed on time and within budget, and resources are optimally utilized throughout the projects.
Today, technological innovations continue to enhance the capability to acquire huge amounts of geospatial data. However, the critical element for the end user is how that data is interpreted and applied for the tasks in hand.
Gibson is here to give a presentation at the ongoing two-day 'Middle East Geospatial Forum 2012' conference being held at the Qatar National Convention Centre the conference.
He gave a presentation on the overview of how geospatial information and Building Information Modeling is being integrated into the overall project management. He provided examples of the productivity gains that have been realized on infrastructure projects around the world.
The idea behind holding this conference here is because Qatar is on the cusp of significant infrastructure development over the next one decade; and geospatial information would play a signification role. Companies involved in the geospatial industry would have a tremendous business opportunity.
For a layman, if he attends the ongoing Geospatial Forum 2012, he will get to know what are various implications and utilities of the technology for different agencies in their day-to-day operations. Geospatial technology has great implications and benefits for each individual. University students can opt it as a career. Researchers can get a lot of information from the experts and the exhibitors.
"I saw a vendor; he showed me something a web-based application for the telecom industry. It was a great information for me. I immediately took the brochure and other details. Now I will do a feasibility study and check whether this is useful for my organisation or if we can implement it", said Krishna Kumar, Senior Engineer, GIS Access Network Planning Optimization at Qtel.
Commenting on the conference and the exhibition he said that for decisions makers it is an eye-opener. Kumar said that geospatial information technology can find its application in Qatar, in collecting topographic data, satellite images, municipality data, land information, Kahramaa, drainage system, roads, Ministry of Interior, ambulance services, transportation, even in the proposed rail service.
Asked how this technology is relevant and useful for an ordinary person, he said: "Take the example of a new visitor who is not much aware about Qatar. If he logs on to a website he can explore Qatar. One can search for the schools, hotels, restaurants, shops, malls, other landmarks and everything around in him in the environment. It can be explored even while one is walking or traveling."
