“SDI Days 2024” Conference held in Zagreb

THE CONFERENCE “SDI DAYS 2024” HELD IN ZAGREB

The 14th Conference “Spatial Data Infrastructure Days” was held in the organization of the State Geodetic Administration of the Republic of Croatia on May 28, 2024. This year’s Conference was held in the National and University Library in Zagreb. The conference was attended, among others, by representatives of the countries of the region, who presented current events in the field of spatial data infrastructure in their countries.

On behalf of the Federal Geodetic Administration the conference was attended by Mr. Jasmin Ćatić, senior expert associate for Geoportal SDI FBIH, and held a presentation on the topic “Current affairs in the field of the Spatial Data Infrastructure in the Federation of BiH”.

Through the presentations held in all sessions as well as the accompanying panel discussion, achievements in the field of SDI, future development, plans, as well as the SDI application in current initiatives and trends in the field of spatial data management and land administration in general, were highlighted.

Overview of access to data and services provided by SDI FBiH

Overview of access to data and services provided by SDI FBiH

The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs has been actively working with the SDI FBiH stakeholders on harmonizing spatial data according to the technical specifications of the INSPIRE Directive. Through the ETL procedures project, which began in 2023 and concluded at the beginning of 2024, harmonization was achieved for 12 sources of spatial data under the jurisdiction of 5 SDI FBiH stakeholders.

Harmonization of spatial data involves several phases. First, there is the phase of analyzing the initial data state, data models, and formats, with the main goal being to obtain information about the current data status and provide recommendations for the next phase. The next phase is data modeling, while the final phase involves defining, creating, and executing ETL procedures. After completing all three phases, the final delivery includes an INSPIRE-compliant GML for each data source, an ETL scheme for updating purposes, and accompanying documentation (reports, analyses, models, etc.). Following this, web services are created to facilitate data viewing, and metadata is generated for the treated spatial data sources if not previously created.

The following institutions participated in the latest project with their respective spatial data sources:

  1. Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection of Tuzla Canton
    1. Source: Spatial Planning Documentation (INSPIRE theme: Land Use)
      1. Land use
      2. Planned land use
    2. Source: Spatial Planning Documentation (INSPIRE theme: Protected Sites)
      1. Modrac
      2. Konjuh
  2. Institute for Urbanism and Spatial Planning of Zenica-Doboj Canton
    1. Source: Spatial Planning Documentation (INSPIRE theme: Land Use)
      1. Planned land use – Visoko
  3. Federal Institute for Agropedology
    1. Source: Basic Pedological Map of FBiH (INSPIRE theme: Soil)
  4. Planning Institute of Sarajevo Canton
    1. Source: Spatial Planning Documentation (INSPIRE theme: Land Use)
      1. Hadžići
      2. Bijambare
      3. Spatial Plan of Sarajevo Canton
      4. Urban Plan of Sarajevo Canton
      5. Skakavac
  5. Federal Institute for Geology
    1. Source: Geological Mapping Documentation (INSPIRE theme: Geology)
      1. Lithostratigraphic units in FBiH

The Federal Administration has also developed ETL procedure projects for data sources under its jurisdiction. To date, this has been done for all data from the following themes:

  1. Administrative Units
  2. Geographical Names
  3. Coordinate Reference Systems
    1. Gravimetric Reference Framework
    2. Spatial Reference Framework
    3. Height Reference Framework
  4. Geographic Grid Systems
    1. Division into cadastral plan sheets
    2. Division into topographic map sheets
  5. Addresses
  6. Orthophoto Images
  7. Elevations
    1. Terrain Models
    2. Contour Lines

The Federal Administration will review, enhance, and update all ETL procedures in the upcoming period and create additional ETL procedures for the remaining data. The main goal is a repository of INSPIRE-compliant GML records and accompanying services for all data under the jurisdiction of FGU.

Additionally, as a result of previously completed projects, ETL procedures have been developed for harmonizing the following data sets, which are available for viewing:

  1. Federal Institute for Statistics
    1. Spatial units for statistics
    2. Population distribution and demographics
  2. Federal Hydrometeorological Institute
    1. Meteorological-geographical features
      1. Average temperatures
      2. Average precipitation
    2. Environmental monitoring systems
      1. Observation stations
  3. Sava River Basin Agency
    1. Hydrography (Watercourses, Sub-basins)
  4. Adriatic Sea Basin Agency
    1. Hydrography (Watercourses, Sub-basins, Natural Lakes, Reservoirs)
  5. Environmental Protection Fund of FBiH
    1. Protected areas according to the Nature Protection Law
  6. Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning
    1. Protected areas (Highway Vc)
    2. Land use
  7. Federal Institute for Geology
    1. Basic Geological Map of FBiH

All available data is described with metadata, and over 300 metadata records have been entered for spatial data under the jurisdiction of all mentioned institutions. The entry of additional metadata into the SDI FBiH Metadata Catalog is ongoing.

Current statistics on the Geoportal Viewer are as follows:

Number of data layers

78

Number of covered INSPIRE themes

16

Number of stakeholders sharing data

12

You can access the Metadata Catalog via the URL: https://metapodaci.ippfbih.gov.ba.

For example, on the viewer, you can review data under the jurisdiction of the Federal Institute for Geology:

Basic Geological Map of the Federation of BiH

Additionally, you can find information about how to access the data, the responsible institutions, access conditions, data quality, temporal reference, and more (see the image below). All of this is available by clicking on the Metadata option (arrow in the image above).

Below are a few more examples of spatial data under the jurisdiction of various institutions, which you can view on the SDI Geoportal, and get additional information by consulting the Metadata Catalog.

Pedological Map of BiH
Land Use in Tuzla Canton
Highway Vc - Overview
Protected sites
Address data with search implemented
Digital elevation models
Hidrography data
Census data (Municipalities and Settlements)

The Federal Administration is actively working on maintaining the Viewer and the Metadata Catalog, and it collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure that all spatial data in the Federation of BiH is harmonized according to INSPIRE technical guidelines, made interoperable, and accessible via internet services. Over time, all spatial data will be available on the SDI Geoportal for view service, described with metadata for search and additional information purposes, and the Federal Administration will also work on providing transformation and download services.

For user inquiries or if you encounter any difficulties with accessing and viewing the data, please contact: ipp.fbih@fgu.com.ba.

World Bank approved a new project for the modernization of the Land Administration sector in the Federation of BiH

WORLD BANK APPROVED A NEW PROJECT FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE LAND ADMINISTRATION SECTOR IN THE FEDERATION OF BIH

The Federation of BiH intends to modernize and improve the accuracy and availability of data in the Land Administration sector through the Geospatial Infrastructure and Valuation Enhancement (GIVE) project. For the implementation of the project, which will be managed by the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs, on May 15, 2024, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a loan totaling 23.1 million euros.

The purpose of the GIVE project is to overcome key challenges in Land Administration in the Federation of BiH, with three main goals:

  1. Improvement of geospatial data infrastructure (SDI FBiH, https://ippfbih.gov.ba/),
  2. Updating cadastral and land registry data in the Federation of BiH,
  3. Collecting real estate data and developing a methodology for establishing a mass property valuation system.

The project will increase the interoperability of key geospatial data sets and harmonize land administration registers (cadastral and land registry), which will contribute to improving the business environment, data-driven spatial planning policies, and enhancing the assessment of seismic and climate risks – all of which are crucial for building a more sustainable and better future for all residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By strengthening cooperation between ministries and institutions at the local, cantonal, and entity levels, the GIVE project will also focus on improving decision-making processes. This will be achieved through better data accessibility and capacity-building initiatives that can help optimize public service delivery, improve disaster management, and provide spatial planning information throughout the Federation of BiH.

The project is largely aligned with the World Bank’s strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed at increasing private sector growth and improving public service delivery. It also builds on the country’s Economic Reform Program and supports alignment with EU policies and regulations.

Forty-first session of the SDI Council of FBiH held

FORTY-FIRST SESSION OF THE SDI COUNCIL OF FBiH HELD

On May 21, 2024, the forty-first session of the SDI Council of FBiH was held at the premises of the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs.

The following agenda items were discussed at the Council meeting:

  1. Approval of the agenda for the 41st session of the SDI Council of FBiH;
  2. Adoption of the minutes from the previous 40th session of the SDI Council of FBiH;
  3. Information about and introduction of a new member of the SDI Council of FBiH;
  4. Information on the implementation of the Work Plan for the establishment, maintenance, and development of the SDI of FBiH for Year 2024;
  5. Information on the status of activities of the working groups since the previous session;
  6. Information on the implementation of the SDI component of the DELEF project;
  7. Information on the planned revision of the EU INSPIRE Directive;
  8. Information on the approval for the implementation of a new World Bank project in FBiH;
  9. Other.

As the Coordination Body of the SDI of FBiH, the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs prepared information for Council members regarding the implementation of the Work Plan for the establishment, maintenance, and development of the SDI of FBiH for 2024. In accordance with the SDI Strategy for the period 2023-2027 and the Action plan for 2024, activities related to increasing the number of entities and available resources continued to improve the level of availability and interoperability of spatial data. Efforts also continued on the development of a formal framework that will be the subject of future actions in the area of the SDI of FBiH. Additionally, in the coming period, there will be a focus on promoting the importance of the SDI through the development and implementation of a communication plan.

Geospatial World Forum (GWF) held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

GEOSPATIAL WORLD FORUM (GWF) HELD IN ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Geospatial World Forum (GWF) is a collaborative and interactive platform that demonstrates the collective and shared vision of the global geospatial community. GWF is an annual gathering of geospatial professionals and leaders representing the entire ecosystem of public policies, national mapping agencies, private sector enterprises, multilateral and development organizations, scientific and academic institutions, and large end-users from government businesses and citizen services.

In the period from May 13 to 16, 2024, the 15th Geospatial World Forum (GWF) was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. On behalf of the Federal Geodetic Administration participated Mrs. Jelena Zelić and Mr. Jasmin Ćatić. At the “National Mapping Summit” session, Mr. Jasmin Ćatić held a presentation on the topic „Digital transformation of the land administration sector in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina“, and presented key moments and milestones in this process from the aspect of the FGA.

Several hundred delegates from more than 70 countries of the world participated in this year’s Forum, and a fair was organized where it was possible to see the latest technology when it comes to spatial data management.

Training on “Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure” held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

TRAINING ON "GEOSPATIAL KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE" HELD IN ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

A three-day training program on “Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) for National Development” addressed key issues regarding the growth of geospatial knowledge, the impact of new technology ecosystems—including artificial intelligence, big data analysis, cloud computing, robotics, and drones—on user segments, and the role and relevance of the shift from data to knowledge in national development. Participants had the opportunity to learn about relevant practices and share experiences, all aimed at improving data management, promoting data sharing, interoperability, better decision-making, and adapting to new technologies.

Representatives from the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs had the opportunity to attend the organized training in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from May 10 to 12, 2024. The training was attended by Ms. Jelena Zelić, Senior Advisor for NSDI and International Cooperation, and Mr. Jasmin Ćatić, Senior Associate for Geoportal NSDI FBiH. This engagement resulted in the awarding of appropriate certificates that confirm their active participation and contribution to the training.

The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs participated in the “Global Land Governance and Policy Forum” organized by the World Bank

THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION FOR GEODETIC AND REAL PROPERTY AFFAIRS PARTICIPATED IN THE “GLOBAL LAND GOVERNANCE AND POLICY FORUM” ORGANIZED BY THE WORLD BANK

The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs participated in the “Global Land Governance and Policy Forum” organized by the World Bank, in Washington, D.C. in period of May 13-17, 2024. The Conference, after a two-year break, brought together participants from governments, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to discuss issues regarding land and climate changes.

For over two decades, the World Bank Land Conference catalyzed the global land community which deals with land issues, providing a platform to present research, discuss challenges and good practices, and inform policy dialogue. The Conference encourages cross-sectoral knowledge exchange and has incubated numerous investments, initiatives, and research projects led by diverse stakeholders, including the Voluntary Guidelines, the Sustainable Development Goal on Secure Land Tenure, the Land Governance Assessment Framework, and the Stand for Her Land Campaign.

The theme of the 2024 Conference is “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action.” The 2024 Conference therefore aims to highlight effective strategies for securing land tenure and access in support of climate change mitigation and adaption. Participants discussed more effective strategies for securing land rights and access to land, as well as the challenges facing developing countries.

On the first day of the conference, the forum “Global Land Agenda: Global Land Governance and Policy” was held, which was attended by the Director of the Federal Geodetic Administration, Mr. Željko Obradović. Director Obradović participated in the closing arguments of the session, by giving speech and look back at the panel discussions by lecturers during the forum. In his speech, Director Obradović shared experiences in land management of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government, civil society and the private sector in solving land issues, and gave an overview of the global challenges in the land administration sector.

Participation in the World Bank Land Conference was an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices with other countries, as well as to establish new contacts and partnerships. The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs, of course, remains dedicated to further work on reforms of the land administration sector in the Federation of BiH for all citizens.

The representatives of the Federal Geodetic Administration at the conference were the Director, Mr. Željko Obradović, and Assistant Director, Mr. Denis Tabučić.

Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs

Working hours: 08:00 - 16:00
Contact phone: 033/712-616
E-mail: ipp.fbih@fgu.com.ba

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