Syposium 2015 Booklet

ONE DAY SYMPOSIUM
“Geointegration: National Geospatial Collaboration towards Sustainable Development”

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

UWI Inn & Conference Centre

8:00am - 5:00pm

Symposium Booklet

Programme

8:00am - 9:00am Registration
9:00am - 9:15am Opening Remarks Mr Gordon Wyke – Conference Chair
9:15am - 9:25am Welcome Address Ms Tegan Medina – President, GISSTT
9:25am - 9:55am Feature Address Integrating GIS for Sustainable Development – by Ms Cecille Blake, Global Geospatial Information Management (GGIM) Secretariat, United Nations, Statistics Division
9:55am - 10:00am Opening of Presentations Conference Chair – Mr Gordon Wyke
10:00am - 10:30am Presentation 1 National Spatial Data Infrastructure for Trinidad and Tobago – by Dr Bheshem Ramlal, HOD Geomatics
10:30am - 11:00am Refreshment Break
11:00am - 11:30am Presentation 2 A Look into L&S Cadastral Inventory System – by Ms Nikita Morris, L & S Surveying Services Ltd
11:30am - 12:00pm Presentation 3 GIS in Social Development – by Mr Amit Seeram, Poverty Reduction & Eradication Research & Policy Unit (PRERPU), Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm - 2:00pm Demonstration of a Commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) – by Mr Clive Too Chung, GISCAD Ltd
2:00pm - 2:30pm Tour of Exhibit Hall
2:30pm - 3:00pm Presentation 4 Exploring GIS Opportunities in the Environmental Management Authority – by Mr Ryan Assiu, EMA
3:00pm - 3:30pm Presentation 5 Using Low Cost Unmanned Aerial Systems to Enhance the GIS Dataset – by Mr Christian Persad, Skyline Geomatics Ltd
3:30pm - 4:00pm Presentation 6 An Enterprise GIS Implementation at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission – by Mr Farrell Christopher, T&TEC
4:00pm - 4:30pm Presentation 7 The Use of Big Data Technologies in Local GIS Applications – by Leon Leslie, Cherami Ltd
4:30pm - 5:00pm Closing Remarks/Vote of Thanks Ms Danika Edghill – Secretary, GISSTT

Key Note Presentation

Integrating GIS for Sustainable Development  by Ms Cecille Blake, Team Member, United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management Secretariat

Bio

In August 2012 Cecille joined the United Nations Statistics Division as a member of the Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Secretariat. Her responsibilities include providing secretariat services for the Committee of Experts on GGIM, and the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN). She also has oversight responsibilities on UN-GGIM for countries of the Americas including the regional body UN-GGIM Americas.

From April 1997 to August 2012 she served as the National GIS Coordinator/Senior Director in the National Spatial Data Management Division, now with the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change. There she was responsible for the co-ordination of national GIS activities, inclusive of the development and management of Jamaica’s Spatial Data Infrastructure and the preparation of spatial data management policies, guidelines and standards. Ms Blake successfully led and managed several initiatives aimed at transforming and influencing the capabilities and capacities of numerous government organizations, private sector entities and Professional Groups to deal with GIS and the development of a Spatial Data management Infrastructure in Jamaica.

She previously worked at the then Survey Department in the Land Information System Unit in various capacities and was responsible for the establishment of local area information systems network and the implementation and use of GIS.

Cecille has a first degree from the University of the West Indies – Mona in Geography and Social Sciences and post graduate work in GIS with specialisation in Land Information Systems from ITC in the Netherlands, and Masters in Management Information Systems from University of the West Indies Mona.


Presentations

Presentation 1

National Spatial Data Infrastructure for Trinidad and Tobago – by Dr Bheshem Ramlal, HOD, Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, UWI, St. Augustine

Abstract

A NSDI is the implementation of an integrated information infrastructure that provides geographical and other data to diverse users. It provides government agencies with access to extensive data and tools to support the decision making and policy development processes. In every sphere of government operations, the NSDI may be used for diverse purposes. Applications may include crime analysis and management, national security, urban and regional planning, disaster mitigation and management, land management, transportation planning, education planning, local government planning and decision support, poverty mapping and response, public health, environmental monitoring and management, housing, land settlement, telecommunications, wetlands management, forest conservation and energy efficiency analysis. The benefits of NSDI are quite numerous and very significant to propelling national development.

Bio

Dr. Bheshem Ramlal is a senior lecturer in Geoinformatics in the Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. He has served as president and treasurer of the GIS Society of Trinidad and Tobago and as PRO of the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NSDI Council of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Ramlal received his undergraduate education in Surveying at the University of the West Indies, completed a MSc. Geoinformatics at the ITC in the Netherlands in 1991. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in Spatial Information Science and Engineering from the University of Maine from 1993-1996


Presentation 2

A Look into L&S Cadastral Inventory System – by Ms Nikita Morris, L & S Surveying Services Ltd

Abstract

Managing resources effectively and efficiently is very important in running or executing any business or task. Poor resource management can inhibit a job with respect to cost, time and profit. Using GIS, L & S has developed a cadastral inventory system to aid in proper data and resource management for private cadastral jobs. This system has proven most vital for the retrieval of soft and hardcopy files. Also the system provides an overall spatial outlook of the relationships between jobs completed. This approach has proven to be successful and the system is constantly being updated with complete jobs.

Bio

Ms Nikita Morris is a Project Assistant currently working at L & S Surveying Services Limited. After graduating with a BSc in Geomatics from UWI in 2010, she continued in the Geomatics Engineering and Land Management Department as a member of staff fulfilling research and teaching support roles. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Geoinformatics and some of her current research area and interests involve GIS, Change Detection, 3D Laser Scanning, GPS and PGIS (Participatory GIS)


Presentation 3

GIS in Social Development – by Mr Amit Seeram, PRERPU, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

Abstract

In Trinidad and Tobago there are a number of social safety net services geared toward assisting the poor and vulnerable in securing an increased standard of living and ultimately a thrust toward social development for all. A major component to the effective delivery of these services is the integration of GIS, however, in the past, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has not fully utilised this very important tool and as a result its services do not fully benefit from the advantages that GIS has to offer. At its simplest, knowledge of the locations of the Ministry’s clients, can aid in accountability and transparency, give insights into the poor and vulnerable communities, which supports the decision making and resource allocation by the Ministry. In October 2014, The Poverty Reduction and Eradication Research and Policy Unit (PRERPU) has incorporated GIS into its operations to take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer. This presentation will describe how PRERPU and by extension, the MSD has taken advantage of GIS with the aim of fostering further integration and collaboration with both the public and private GIS sector.

Bio

Amit Seeram is the Vice President of the Geographic Information Systems Society of Trinidad and Tobago. Having graduated in 2010 with a BSc in Geomatics Engineering and in 2014 with a MSc Geoinformatics at the Department of Geomatics Engineering and land Management, University of the West Indies, St Augustine; He is currently working at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Poverty Reduction & Eradication Research & Policy Unit as a GIS Officer to integrate GIS within their projects and alongside other disciplines.


Presentation 4

Exploring GIS Opportunities in the Environmental Management Authority – by Ms Elizabeth Sumadh, EMA

Abstract

The Environmental Management Authority is incorporating the use of GIS in several of its projects. These include the mapping of the locations of Certificate of Environmental Clearances applications, the Air and Water Pollutant Sources Inventory and the Development of Ambient Water Quality Standards for Trinidad and Tobago project. This presentation is focused on exploring GIS opportunities to aid in effective decision-making within the organization. It also gives a small background into the use of GIS in each of the aforementioned projects.

Bio

Mr. Ryan Assiu holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies and a Master's degree in Sustainable Development and Climate Change from Antioch University New England. Currently he serves as a Research Officer at the Environmental Management Authority where his main areas of focus include climate change, quarrying and improving the Authority's decision-making capacity.


Presentation 5

Using Low Cost Unmanned Aerial Systems to Enhance the GIS Dataset – by Mr Christian Persad, Skyline Geomatics Ltd

Abstract

The quality of GIS data is highly dependent on the systems used to collect such data. Within recent years, developments in technology have resulted in the emergence of new systems that provide the opportunity for new and more affordable approaches toward GIS data collection. One of these systems, UAS, has positively affected GIS datasets by contributing to a wide variety of affordable/up-to-date data products e.g. aerial images, 3-D map data, point clouds etc. Experiments were conducted determine the potential of using a Low Cost UAS for data collection in (i) dynamic situations and (ii) data collection in low light/low visibility environments. Findings indicate that the Low Cost UAS has the ability to improve GIS data collection in these scenarios. Potential applications are identified.

Bio

Mr Christian Persad obtained his A.A.S Degree in Information Systems Development in 2003 at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, and his B.Sc. Degree in Surveying and Land Information (First Class Honours) in 2005 at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, and Trinidad and Tobago. He entered the surveying industry in 2005, and qualified to practise as a Licensed Land Surveyor in Trinidad and Tobago in 2008. He is currently involved in the research and development of close-range photogrammetric and remote sensing mapping solutions.


Presentation 6

An Enterprise GIS Implementation at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission – by Mr Farrell Christopher, T&TEC

Abstract

Traditionally, Electric Utilities industry implementation of a Geographical Information System (GIS) focused on automated mapping, facilities management and map creation. However, with the advancements of communication technologies the new trends suggest that a GIS is more than a mapping application but a foundation for the implementation of an outage management system (OMS). The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) in an effort to continually improve our customer service has implemented an E-GIS with the aim of, inter-alia, developing and establishing an OMS to be used in a Distribution Operation Centre. The E-GIS facilitates the provision and sharing of an accurate and consistent representation of the electric grid using a spatial database. The integration of this GIS database with the other enterprise wide applications are the core systems required to support the Operations of the Centre. Some of the fundamental applications being integrated include the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (DSCADA) and the Customer Information System (CIS). This presentation examines the Enterprise GIS solution employed at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC). It will discuss the fundamental roll of a GIS in the establishment of an outage management center and will take a closer look at the challenges and successes during its implementation.

Bio

Mr. Farrell Christopher is currently responsible for the management of geospatial services within the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission. He maintains the electrical geometric network and ensures integration of the Geographical Information System (GIS) with other enterprise applications. In addition to this function, he has responsibility for maintaining the GIS database, performing programming customization to the ArcGIS environment and the building of web mapping applications for easy GIS access to all users.Mr. Christopher also lectures in the field of GIS programming and crime mapping at the undergraduate level in both the Environmental Studies and Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Department at the College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a B.Sc. Degree in Computer Science and Management and a M.Sc. Degree in Geoinformatics from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.


Presentation 7

The Use of Big Data Technology in Local GIS Applications – by Leon Leslie, Cherami Ltd

Abstract

Big Data Technologies promise to offer a number of benefits to companies by finding hidden facts in large data sets. After analysis, companies and governments are now able to maximize GIS capabilities to drive productivity and business growth. This presentation attempts to highlight just a few ways in which GIS and Big Data are reaping benefits locally with a special application in GPS Tracking technologies.

Bio

Mr Leon Leslie is the Co-founder and the Telemetry Business Systems Integrator at Cherami Ltd.; a company which he co-founded and established in 2007 in Trinidad and Tobago. Born in Roseau, Dominica, Leon graduated with a BSc in Computer Programming in 2001 from Andrews University, Michigan where he also went on to obtain an MSc in Business Administration in 2009. His professional experience includes the management of large client/server and relational databases from vendors such as Oracle. Leon has always been interested in Machine to Machine type solutions that use technologies to allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices and is particularly interested in Business intelligence, NoSQL, Complex Event Streaming and new database system trends.


Exhibitions

GEOORBIS LIMITED

www.geoorbis.com

GeoOrbis Inc is a Barbados-based GIS Consulting firm offering geospatial project management application development, base mapping and more. GeoOrbis is the authorised Caribbean distributor for DigitalGlobe, Hexagon Geospatial, VUEWorks, EOMAP and InterFleet. GeoOrbis a Trimble reseller and an ESRI Authorised Business Partner.

Geographical Information Systems Consulting is the core aspect of our practice which allows GeoOrbis to serve a very diverse client base. With a client base that ranges from Real Estate Developers to Security Firms and Local Governments to the United Nations, GeoOrbis utilises GIS and related technologies to serve our client needs.

GeoOrbis provides GIS Consulting Services support for:

  • Project Management
  • Land Use Planning
  • Transportation Planning
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Analysis
  • Real Estate Development Services
  • Aerial and Imagery Analysis
  • Aerial and Imagery Ground Control
  • Base Mapping
  • Application Development
  • Web Based GeoSpatial Solution

GISCAD LIMITED

www.giscadlimited.com

GISCAD Limited a Geospatial Engineering company offering GPS tracking, Fleet management and GIS services to Trinidad and Tobago and the Southern Caribbean. We are also the sole authorized distributor for Trimble and the Autodesk range of products in Trinidad and Tobago.

Giscad Limited has been in existence for the past 12 years providing a range of Geospatial Solutions including:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Consultancy, Design and Implementation.
  • GPS Survey Systems Design and Implementation
  • GPS Tracking and Mobile Location Technologies
  • Digital Mapping and Spatial Data Collection and Database Development
  • Support for Environmental, Physical Planning and Land Management Projects

We are also the authorized distributors for the Autodesk Product Suite, Digital Globe High Resolution Satellite Imagery & all Trimble Mapping & GIS Solutions.

L & S SURVEYING SERVICES LIMITED

www.lssurvey.com

L & S Surveying Services Limited (L & S) has developed as one of the leading survey and mapping solution providers in the country. Working on some of the largest construction and development projects in the last decade, our team includes Trinidad and Tobago Licensed Land Surveyors (TTLS), qualified photogrammetrists and GIS professionals with over 20 years of surveying and mapping experience. We are uniquely positioned to effectively service the industry, serving governmental and private sectors with major clients including NGC, ATLANTIC, BPTT, BGTT, API, Bechtel, KBR, HDC and Lands & Surveys Division.

Based in San Fernando, we have steadily grown and sought to effectively combine modern techniques and equipment with experienced, well trained and dedicated professionals. L & S has been on the leading edge of providing innovative solutions to the local and Caribbean market, introducing services such as Underground Utility Detection and Mapping (utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar), 3D Laser Scanning, and Close Range & Aerial Photogrammetric and LiDAR Mapping. Having developed excellent industry relationships, we continually work to provide a wide range of geomatics business support services including project management/consultancy, drafting, and sale of surveying supplies/equipment. We are currently establishing a survey training school to effectively service our clients locally, regionally and internationally.

SPATIAL INNOVISION LIMITED

www.spatialvision.com

Spatial Innovision Limited founded in 1998, is the Caribbean’s leading geospatial solutions centre. SPATIAL is a highly focused company that is deliberate in its choice of customers, partners and employees. SPATIAL is an industry leader with our impressive array of in-house resources and highly trained cadre of personnel with expertise in complex design, development deployment, and integration of GIS and GPS solutions. SPATIAL has been an advocate for the widespread implementation of geospatial solutions throughout the Caribbean region and currently serve hundreds of clients from government agencies, non-government organizations and private businesses.

Our broad network of partners helps you create the GIS solution that specifically meets the needs of your organization. SPATIAL is the regional distributor for Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), the global leaders in the development of GIS solutions with over 95% of the Caribbean regional GIS sales and services. We are the Jamaican business partner for Trimble Navigation Limited, the world’s leading GPS manufacturer, and the Caribbean reseller for the full range of Contex scanners, the global leaders in large format scanning solutions.


The One Day Symposium 2015 is sponsored by:

IBI MAAK CARIBBEAN LIMITED

www.ibigroup.com

PROFILE OF IBI-MAAK CARIBBEAN LIMITED

IBI-MAAK Caribbean Limited is the local firm of IBI Group (IBI), founded in 1974, a leading international, multi-disciplinary provider of a broad range of professional services focused on the physical development of cities and communities. IBI’s business is concentrated in four main areas of: development: urban land; facilities; transportation; and, systems. The professional services provided by IBI include planning, design, implementation, analysis of operations and other consulting and project management services related to these four main areas of development. (IBI-MAAK Caribbean Limited was acquired by IBI Group on 18 February 2010.)

IBI’s professionals have a broad range of academic backgrounds and experience in urban design and planning, architecture, civil engineering, transportation engineering, traffic engineering, systems engineering, urban geography, real estate analysis, landscape architecture, communications engineering, software development and many other areas of expertise, all contributing to the four areas in which IBI practices. We have long recognized the value of integrated knowledge between our four core areas of practice in creating a seamless process and sustainable responsive solutions for clients in both the public and private sectors

As noted earlier, IBI-MAAK Caribbean Limited is now a part of IBI Group and has over 15 years experience. IBI-MAAK delivers engineering, environmental, infrastructure development, master planning, project management, construction and facility operation and maintenance services, and training worldwide. Our environmental and engineering professionals serve commercial, industrial and institutional clients, as well as federal, provincial, and municipal agencies. IBI-MAAK’s success is demonstrated by the efficiency, dependability and speed with which we help our clients solve complex problems.

IBI-MAAK’s services include:

  • Water/Wastewater Treatment Design, Treatability Studies, Distribution/Collection Systems
  • Design/Build – Treatment Plants, Pumping Stations, Distribution/Collection Systems
  • Programme/Project Management
  • Government Management Support Services
  • Master Planning – Water, Wastewater, Drainage
  • Automation and SCADA System Design & Development
  • Utility Asset Management Planning & Optimization
  • Data Management – System Planning & Design
  • Training – Knowledge Transfer, Public Education
  • Operations Optimization & Modelling
  • Energy Management
  • GIS Development
IBI-MAAK – WATER & WASTEWATER

IBI-MAAK’s water and wastewater engineers, technologists and technicians have extensive experience that includes process design, linear infrastructure design, impact studies, feasibility studies, design-build and the development of client standards. Additionally, our engineering, automation, and data management systems ensure water and wastewater delivery is highly reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally-sound.

IBI-MAAK is experienced in water and wastewater projects locally and internationally, in both the public and private sectors. Our experienced and award-winning staff strives for customer satisfaction.

Within the field of water & wastewater engineering, IBI-MAAK provides the following services:

Planning

  • Population, Demand Projections
  • Load Projections
  • Modelling
  • Field Analysis
  • Alternatives Evaluation

Construction Supervision and Management

  • Supervision Manuals
  • Field Inspection
  • Scheduling, Coordination
  • Budget, Cost Management
  • Contract Supervision
  • Shop Drawings

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, ST AUGUSTINE

www.sta.uwi.edu

The Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine: Its mission statement is to be the premier institution for the advancement of professionals in the research, development and innovation in geomatics, spatial analysis and planning in support of sustainable management of land and marine resources in the Caribbean.

ALI, DEONANAN AND ASSOCIATES LTD

28 Third Avenue
Barataria
Trinidad, W.I.
(868) 638-3244