Public Servants to be trained in Geographic Information Systems

Roadtown, Tortola - Ten public servants will begin a two-day training session on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) today.
They will be introduced to the basic concepts of GIS, which is a computer-based system for collecting, storing, manipulating, analysing and presenting geographic information.

Public Relations Officer, BVI National GIS, Mrs. Rozina Norris-Gumbs, told the Department of Information and Public Relations, “the course provides a foundation for new users to GIS helping them to understand what GIS is, what it can do and how other users are using it.”

She explained that the participants will work with special software which will help them to “visualise geographic data; it will allow them to create maps, to query the GIS database, to perform analysis and solve geographic problems using a systematic approach.”

At the completion of the training session, the ten participants will be certified to operate the ARC GIS Desktop which is one of the basic software applications used by GIS. Their certification will bring to 15, the number of public servants trained in GIS.

Participants in the training session will come from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, BVI Fire and Rescue Services, the Development Planning Unit, Inland Revenue, Land Registry, Town and Country Planning, Public Works and Survey Departments.

The training will be conducted by Ms. Kerry-Ann Mahabeer of Spatial Innovision Limited’s Jamaica office who last Friday facilitated an information session on GIS and the benefits of utilising the technology which was organised by the Town and Country Planning Department.

The training exercise is coordinated by the BVI National GIS Committee which operates under the Town and Country Planning Department. It is in keeping with the department’s mission to ensure sustainable development by promoting the wise use of land, effective communication systems and facilitate the harmonious change while enhancing the Territory’s strong cultural heritage.