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Resources & Tools
2003/41
June 23, 2003
DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR INNOVATIVE GEOMATICS PROJECTS
OTTAWA — The development of on-line geomatics tools and services in Canada received a boost today. Ten projects will receive Government of Canada funding to help Canadians access geographical information through the Internet. The announcement was made by the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada.
Geomatics is the science and technology of managing geospatial information — information about the geography, environment and natural resources base of a country — to promote sound decision making on developmental and other initiatives. Government of Canada funding for the new projects is through GeoConnections, a national partnership initiative that makes Canada's geospatial databases, tools and services readily accessible on-line. The Government's $2-million contribution to these projects will result in an additional investment of $2-million or more from other partners.
“Canada is a world leader in geomatics, and these projects will allow our partners to remain at the forefront of the industry,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “These projects will provide innovative tools and services that can be adapted to many needs. They will enhance our understanding of the physical world, contributing to the quality of life in our communities and helping build the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations.”
These projects will support the industrial development of innovative geospatial technologies, tools and services, and the delivery of Canadian geospatial information. This information includes topographic maps, air photos, satellite images, and forestry, soil, marine and biodiversity inventories. For example, one project is developing a tool to allow participants in different locations to share and control an on-line map in real time. This tool will be especially useful in emergency situations where important geographic variables must be assessed quickly and accurately.
Another project will help organizations become more efficient in offering their
geospatial data over the Web. This data will be available to anyone with a standard
Internet browser. The project will boost the competitiveness of the Canadian
geomatics industry in the global geomatics market, where Web-server technology
is now emerging.
This funding advances the Government of Canada's commitment to the sustainable
development of our natural resources — contributing to their economic
importance and to a strong society and communities through knowledge, innovation,
technology and international leadership. By integrating our economic, social
and environmental goals, we can ensure our quality of life and build the Canada
we want, for ourselves and for future generations. Funding for GeoConnections
was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget.
Further information on GeoConnections is available at geoconnections.org.
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For more information, media may contact:
Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron
Director of Communications Media Relations
Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada Ottawa
Ottawa (613) 992-4447
(613) 947-8246
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.