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Following is a question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
Question:
The Government is developing a common infrastructural platform to enable bureaux and departments to upload geospatial information onto GovHK to augment online services and textual information. Moreover, the Government completed an initial study report last year to assess the potential of developing a Spatial Data Infrastructure. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) the aforesaid report has proposed the types of geospatial information that should be made available for public use; if so, of the details;
(b) the report has proposed specific options for integrating various types of information; if so, of the details; if not, whether a further study will be conducted; and
(c) it will consider using the relevant geospatial information and Wi-Fi hotspots provided under GovWiFi at various government properties to introduce electronic guided tour services at libraries and parks, so as to help promote the application of "object positioning technologies"; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
Regarding the questions raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai, my reply is as follows:
(a) The OGCIO conducted a directional study in 2007 to assess the need and potential of developing a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), having regard to the latest international and regional developments in this area. SDI is a collection of technologies, policies and institutional arrangements that facilitates the accessibility and availability of spatial data. The study concluded that a number of government bureaux and departments are developing the building blocks of SDI, and recommended an evolutionary approach be taken for its implementation. Establishing a one-stop portal for delivery of geo-spatial information to the public is among the programmes being developed.
In collaboration with the Lands Department, the OGCIO plans to provide geo-spatial information services to the public through GovHK supported by a geo-spatial information hub. Our plan is to provide information on walks and trails, mobile network coverage in country parks, location of government offices, schools, libraries, leisure, cultural and sports facilities, hospitals, etc. The types and availability of information will be reviewed from time to time based on user feedback and in consultation with the information providers.
(b) We have examined the experience of the Mainland and overseas countries in the development of SDI and noted the development of the Data Alignment Measures Project led by the Development Bureau to facilitate exchanges of spatial data in the planning, lands and public works areas.
The study recommended that the development of SDI should be an evolutionary process riding on the development and experience of the Data Alignment Measures Project and related initiatives. The results of the study will be used to develop initiatives under the 2008 Digital 21 Strategy.
(c) Government is already providing audio-guided service to the public at two major museums. With the introduction of the GovWiFi Programme, we will explore the use of the Wi-Fi hotspots and, where applicable, positioning technologies, in government premises for providing electronic guided-tour services. OGCIO is now liaising with the departments concerned on the feasibility.
Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:19
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