Abstract
Many organizations in Sri Lanka have been involved in spatial data collection and distribution. However, most of the local authorities have not been using the available spatial data optimally. This can be identified as one of the major reasons contributing to poor performance of the local authorities in the country. The major functions of local authorities fall within the categories of public health and environmental sanitation, public thoroughfare and public utilities. But, at present, the effectiveness and efficiency of local authorities operating under these fields are not up to the expected level. Problems/constraints that come up regarding the usage of Geo-information within the local authorities are one of the identified reasons for the inefficiency and the non-effectiveness. It also has major implications on the current operational practices within the local authorities. This paper discusses this issue in detail by considering Ratnapura Municipality as a case study. The data was collected by using questionnaires, interviews, physical observations and available supported documents. Data analysis aims to identify Geo-information providers related to the Ratnapura Municipality and District Planning Office and compare the requirements, perceptions and activities in acquiring Geo-information between the above two organizations. Comparison between these two administrative levels will help to identify the improvement strategies to utilize Geo-information within the Municipality. This analysis utilizes a technique of Strategic Grids, including grids with Interest vs. Awareness. Such grids identify the improvement strategies for effective and efficient process of Geo-information exchange, targeting to improve present Geo-information usage in the Ratnapura municipality. Major findings can be summarized as: (a) lack of the required capacity of the municipality to cope with Geo-information related work; (b) lack of motivation of the municipality staff from the management level for Geo-information related activities. This situation has been further aggravated due to the lack of an effective linkage between the major Geoinformation providers and the municipality. Key Words: Geo-information Management; Capacity Building; Local Authorities; Disaster Mitigation DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v8i1.1850 Sabaramuwa University Journal Vol. 8(1); December 2008, pp 49-60
Highlights
The Government and the private sector need geo spatial data for effective decision-making in planning and management
Most of the local authorities have not been using the available spatial data optimally. This can be identified as one of the major reasons contributing to poor performance of the local authorities in the country, “Over time, many organizations and governments have made major investments in collecting spatial data
Interviews held with Geoinformation providers’ organizations highlighted this fact that the municipality does not have an adequate interest or awareness for the available Geo-information products. This was further confirmed by the interview held with the Sri Lanka Urban Multi-hazard Disaster Mitigation Project (SLUMDMP) officials
Summary
The Government and the private sector need geo spatial data for effective decision-making in planning and management. Interviews held with Geoinformation providers’ organizations highlighted this fact that the municipality does not have an adequate interest or awareness for the available Geo-information products This was further confirmed by the interview held with the Sri Lanka Urban Multi-hazard Disaster Mitigation Project (SLUMDMP) officials. Awareness on availability and accessibility of high potential Geoinformation in Ratnapura Municipality was identified against each provider related to the functions of the municipality by considering the abovementioned 3 major factors. These results show that users have a high awareness for the Geo-information available from the National Building Research Organization (NBRO). The Municipal interest Level for the available Geo-information from the providers’ side was evaluated by considering five major criteria: 1. Level of identified high potential Geo-information usage
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