Last December, aerial photographs and elevation measurements of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba were made accessible 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 exploring how to incorporate this imagery into the island’s geographical maps.
Making the geo-data of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba available online represents 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 work 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 developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) that integrates data 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 we will supplement with our data and other sources over the coming months. This initiative will support our work and the efforts of other departments and organisations,” Zelda says. For instance, organisations like the Conservation Foundation can use the data immediately to monitor nature. 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, publications like planning permits will become more understandable. Once we have integrated all the data, we can create detailed maps with 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 current, Zelda says: “Aerial photographs and local observations enable us to document construction activities effectively. Regular imagery updates 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). The islands have no BAG, 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, and while we had some data, 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 organisations. However, we can identify potential problems in advance with a clearer overview, 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 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 have found converting raw data into usable datasets challenging. Collaboration with specialists and a training program are essential. Once we master this, we’ll be able to involve other departments.” In conclusion, Zelda emphasises 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.”
