ESRI NeA Successfully Launches the New Botswana Directorate of Surveys and Mapping Portal

Following the development of a national cadastral system, the Directorate of Surveys and Mapping (DSM) in Namibia & Botswana, as the agency responsible for cadastre registration and survey activities, required a system that would allow for automation of a land information system and cadastral services. After finalizing this phase, the DSM required a web-based solution to disseminate the available geographic data, map the various resources they have, and provide DSM clients with search capabilities for these data. Additionally, they were looking to automate the workflow of ordering GIS data and map products, and facilitate data acquisition for the DSM clients.

The DSM Portal is a web-based application that provides the framework needed for publishing, sharing, disseminating and using geographic information on the Internet. It will be used to build central data and map catalogs by connecting both the government & citizens with GIS services and information in ways that were inconceivable in the past. Additionally, the DSM Web Portal includes an online ordering system for geographic data and maps. The system is based on customizing ESRI’s portal toolkit as well as building a number of map services, which allow the DSM to develop various applications, empowered with the spatial component.

The public can access the DSM’s metadata via the portal, which allows them to browse the available metadata, search by specific criteria, and view available samples of data. Governmental entities can also make use of the portal to browse metadata and more map samples and they can additionally publish their own metadata. Both, the public and governmental entities can submit requests for unavailable data. DSM personnel can also access the system via a Front Desk application that allows them to handle the sent requests by users and forward them to the designated department.

For more information, visit the portal online at http://www.dsmportal.gov.bw/Portal/