APPLICATION AREA GEOGRAPHIC ZONE (EXAMPLE) CLIMATIC ZONE Cartography Gabon Tropical regions
ECONOMIC VALUE
Reliable maps are obligatory for the economic development of
a country. Since the end of colonial times, almost no new maps
have been produced which reflect the changes of the last 40
years. Although there are recent map editions (i.e. IGN for
Gabon), they have mainly been produced on the basis of 50 year
old information.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
Incomplete cartography has no direct impact on the
environment.
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
Different ERS-SAR pilot projects have shown the feasibility
of using radar data for cartographic purposes. Therefore, map up-
dating on the basis of an existing information base would
probably result in greatly improved accuracy.
RELIABLE PROCESSING METHODS
Processing methods have been developed by the national
cartographic institutes (i.e. IGN).
POLITICAL VALUE
A reliable cartographic base is of major importance for the
countries themselves, but also for potential donor or investor
nations or institutes. Major political and economic decisions are
based on current maps.
SP-1199