Portfolio Areas
Overview
Overview:
The National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) is the lead agency responsible for coordinating Jamaica’s spatial data infrastructure. Our primary mandate is to enhance the availability, accessibility, and use of high-quality geospatial data to support informed decision-making across all sectors of society. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, private sector entities, and academic institutions, we aim to establish a robust framework integrating spatial data into national development initiatives, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction efforts.
Vision Statement:
The National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) facilitates the effective use of geospatial information for national development. We aim to coordinate and promote the creation, integration, and dissemination of spatial data across all sectors, fostering innovation, collaboration, and informed decision-making.
Mission Statement:
The National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) will lead Geospatial data management and innovation, creating Jamaica’s well-connected and data-driven society. We envision a future where spatial information is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of governance, business, and daily life, enhancing the quality of life for all Jamaicans.
- Collaboration: We believe in working with stakeholders at all levels to create an integrated and efficient geospatial ecosystem.
- Innovation: We strive to incorporate cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches in our operations and services.
- Integrity: We maintain the highest standards of integrity in managing and disseminating spatial data.
- Service Excellence: We are committed to providing high-quality services to all our stakeholders, ensuring their spatial data needs are met promptly and efficiently.
- Sustainability: We advocate using geospatial data to support sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
- National Spatial Data Framework Development:
- Leads the development and implementation of the NSD Framework Development, ensuring that Jamaica’s geospatial data is standardized, interoperable, and accessible to all stakeholders.
- Coordinates establishing data-sharing agreements and partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the National Spatial Data Framework Development.
- Geospatial Data Governance:
- Establish and enforce geospatial data management policies, standards, and protocols across all government entities.
- Oversee the National Geospatial Repository, ensuring it remains the country’s authoritative spatial data source.
- Jamaica Spatial Data Metadata Standard:
- The NSDMB oversees the metadata management program and coordinates upgrades to the metadata portal and geographical datasets
- In Jamaica, metadata standards are essential for maintaining geospatial data consistency, quality, and interoperability. The primary standard is the Jamaica Spatial Data Infrastructure (JSDI) Metadata Standard, which aligns with international guidelines to enhance data management and sharing.
- In collaboration with the Bureau of Standards, the National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) published the Geographical Information Metadata Standard in 2023, which is crucial for the GIS sector.
- This standard supports LICJ members in managing their metadata collection and maintaining the metadata portal.
- Capacity Building and Training:
- Provide training and capacity-building opportunities for government agencies, private sector entities, and academic institutions using GIS and other geospatial technologies.
- Host workshops, seminars, and conferences to promote geospatial literacy and the adoption of best practices in spatial data management.
- Public Education and Outreach:
- National GIS Day and Geography Awareness Week
- Spearheaded initiatives such as expositions and exhibits to raise awareness and understanding of geospatial technologies among students, educators, and the public.
- Develop educational materials and resources to support the integration of GIS into the national curriculum.
- Support for National Development:
- Provide geospatial data and analysis to support national development plans, including urban planning, land management, and environmental conservation.
- Collaborate with disaster management agencies to provide real-time spatial data and analysis during natural disasters and emergencies.
- Disaster Response and Risk Management:
- In collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the NSDMB provides critical geospatial data to support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through the collaborative group referred to as National Emergency GIS Response Team (NERGIST)
- This initiative includes the development of hazard maps, risk assessments, and real-time monitoring systems to enhance Jamaica’s resilience to natural disasters
- Technical Advisory Services through the Esri /Government of Jamaica GOJ Enterprise Agreement:
- Offer technical advice and consultancy services to government ministries, agencies, and departments on geospatial data and technology matters.
- Assist in designing and implementing geospatial components for national projects and initiatives.
- Esri / GOJ Enterprise Agreement:
- In 2014, the National Spatial Data Management Branch, supported by the Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICJ), engaged Esri to obtain an Enterprise Agreement (EA) between the GOJ and Esri.
- This agreement made a wider range of ArcGIS products and services available to GOJ/LICJ member organizations in unlimited and limited quantities, ensuring access to the most current versions at a shared cost.
- Esri is the only technology company that offers the specific ArcGIS software suite of tools and applications used by over eighty (100) GOJ MDAs in their daily operations and workflows.
- Over 25 schools (primary to tertiary) currently benefit under the sub–programme–enterprise agreement for schools administered through the Esri/GOJ enterprise agreement.
- Esri / GOJ Enterprise Agreement:
- National Spatial Planning Information Technology (NSPIT) Project and Upgrade of the National Geospatial Database Repository:
- The NSPIT project is a cornerstone initiative to modernize Jamaica’s spatial planning capabilities. It involves upgrading the National Geospatial Repository and integrating advanced geospatial tools to support the National Spatial Plan.
- The project is aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica and the Medium-Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2021-2024, contributing to the country’s long-term sustainable development goals.
- The NSDMB upgraded multi-user geospatial repository is the backbone of our NSDI. This backbone supports improved user accessibility and data variety and complies with the Jamaican Standard Specification for Geographic Information Metadata.
- Sargassum Monitoring Project:
- The Sargassum predictive model development project in Jamaica aims to address the challenges posed by Sargassum drifts along the coastline. Sargassum, a type of seaweed, can accumulate in large quantities, impacting coastal ecosystems, tourism, fisheries, and local communities.
- In recent years, the frequency and intensity of Sargassum influxes have increased, necessitating proactive measures for monitoring and mitigation. Given their importance for tourism, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation, Jamaica’s coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to Sargassum drifts.
- The influx of Sargassum can lead to beach erosion, water quality degradation, and economic losses, affecting livelihoods and ecosystems.
- The Sargassum Predictive Model Development Project provides early detection and forecasting of Sargassum drifts, enabling proactive management of Jamaica’s coastal areas. It helps protect the environment, supports local economies by reducing economic losses, and provides valuable data for informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region’s coastal ecosystems and communities.
- Bathymetric Data Collection Initiative:
- The Jamaica Bathymetric Data Collection Initiative focuses on mapping the underwater topography of Jamaica’s coastal and inland water bodies.
- The project uses advanced technologies like sonar and LiDAR to create detailed bathymetric maps supporting coastal and marine planning, enhancing navigation safety, monitoring environmental changes, and improving disaster preparedness.
- The initiative collaborates with various agencies to ensure data accuracy and accessibility, ultimately contributing to better managing and protecting Jamaica’s marine and coastal resources.
- Key stakeholders include:
- National Land Agency (NLA): Oversees the management and coordination of the bathymetric data collection, ensuring its integration with national land and water resource management.
- National Fisheries Authority:
- Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation: Provides policy direction and support for the initiative, facilitating its alignment with broader coastal and marine management goals.
- University of the West Indies (UWI) – Department of Geology and Geography: Offers scientific expertise and analysis, contributing to interpreting and applying the collected bathymetric data for research and planning.
- GIS in Schools Education Programme:
- The GIS in Schools Programme is an educational outreach initiative designed to introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to students and educators across Jamaica. The program provides hands-on training, access to GIS software, and curriculum resources to foster geospatial literacy.
- The program has expanded to include over 50 schools, with ongoing efforts to reach more educational institutions nationwide.
- Successful Launch of the NSPIT Platform: The upgraded National Geospatial Repository is now fully operational, providing an integrated platform for accessing and analyzing spatial data. This upgrade marks a significant milestone in Jamaica’s spatial planning and data management capabilities.
- Expansion of the GIS in Schools Programme: The programme has successfully engaged over 50 schools, with positive feedback from educators and students.
- Completion of the Sargassum Monitoring Project’s Inception Phase: The project has already provided valuable data that is being used to mitigate the impact of sargassum on Jamaica’s coastlines.
- Enhanced Bathymetric Data Collection: The initiative has made significant progress, with new data sets now available to government agencies and stakeholders, contributing to improved coastal management and marine conservation efforts.