Last December, aerial photographs and elevation measurements of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba were made available online in the Data Room Caribbean Netherlands. This significant step aims to enhance the digital society in the Caribbean Netherlands. It marks the first time that visual materials of the islands can be accessed through a data viewer. On Saba, the Department of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning is investigating the most effective ways to utilize this imagery in the island’s geographical maps.
Making the geo-data of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba available online is an efficient improvement that enhances public services. We spoke with Zelda Meeuwsen, the head of Infrastructure & Spatial Planning on Saba, about the impact this will have on the island. She stated, “The Public Entity of Saba (Openbare Lichaam Saba in Dutch, abbreviated OLS) has many responsibilities. Our department is tasked with preparing and overseeing the execution of infrastructural projects, which include the maintenance and management of roads and public buildings. Additionally, we develop policies on affordable housing, manage planning permission applications, and are working on a development plan that Saba currently lacks. Quality mapping materials are essential for carrying out all these tasks.”
Who will be using the geo-data?
The department is currently developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) that integrates data collected from various sources. Zelda explains, “We are creating a basemap that includes aerial photography, elevation data, contours, and existing information about the island’s infrastructure. This Basemap will serve as the foundation for additional information that we will supplement over the coming months with both our data and data from other sources. This initiative will support our work and the efforts of other departments and organizations,” Zelda says. “Organisations like the Conservation Foundation will be able to use the data right away, to monitor nature, for instance. The data is valuable for identifying high-risk areas that emerge after heavy rainfall and for developing a stormwater management plan (SWMP). Although this information may not be readily visible to citizens at the moment, publications like planning permits will become more understandable. Once we have integrated all the data, we will be able to create detailed maps that include specific information, such as monument charts. This will enable us to communicate more effectively with the community.
Keeping the data up to date
On keeping the data up to date, Zelda says: “Aerial photographs and local observations enable us to document construction activities effectively. Regular updates of imagery also support environmental research, particularly in monitoring roadside erosion caused by climate change, which can lead to landslides and rockslides. High-quality mapping materials will help us identify problem areas and implement appropriate mitigation measures, such as constructing retaining walls or planting trees to reduce risks.”
Address registry
The data also contributes to the potential establishment of a central registry for addresses and buildings, known in Dutch as Basisregistratie Adressen en Gebouwen (abbreviated as BAG). Currently, there is no BAG for the islands, but the feasibility of creating a basic registration system is being explored. “Conducting an inventory of buildings would be a crucial first step. How many buildings do we have, and what are their uses? This assessment will also enhance our understanding of the number of dwellings, the housing needs, and the types of houses that should be developed. Reliable foundational data is essential for this purpose.”
More efficient collaboration
Aerial photography and elevation measurements will enhance both efficiency and collaboration. Zelda explains, “Previously, we all maintained separate records. For example, the Saba Electric Company had its map, while we had some data, but we lacked a comprehensive overview of addresses. By integrating aerial photos, elevation measurements, and other existing data, we can obtain a complete picture of various important physical characteristics of the sites. This will be beneficial for our development projects. For instance, we can more easily locate pipelines during road expansion work, reducing the risk of damage during construction. Since Saba is small, many issues tend to resolve themselves due to the close lines of communication between different organizations. However, with a clearer overview, we will be able to identify potential problems in advance, leading to greater efficiency and reduced research costs.”
Knowledge exchange using GIS systems
There are some challenges to address. For instance, Zelda points out the need for support and knowledge exchange when it comes to using these systems: “We are gaining knowledge about GIS ourselves. However, training and support would help us work more efficiently with the mapping materials. Two colleagues are currently exploring this, but they have found it challenging to convert raw data into usable datasets. Collaboration with specialists and a training program are essential. Once we master this, we’ll be able to involve other departments.” In conclusion, Zelda emphasizes that the imagery has provided some surprising insights: “With aerial photography, we can view hard-to-access areas and discover new features, such as vast open spaces, unusual plants, or unidentified structures. We see the island from new perspectives, which enhances our understanding of the site.”
