You are on page 1of 82

Anton de Kom University of Suriname

Faculty of Technology

Academic year: 2015-2016

In the starting blocks of an SDI


Implementation of a Spatial Data Infrastructure at the Ministry of Public Works

by

PREVIND PUNWASI

A thesis submitted to the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Faculty of Technology,


Suriname, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Supervisor:
Ezra Dessers, PhD

Co-supervisor:
Stef de Ridder, MSc

Date: April 20, 2016


Paramaribo, Suriname
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................. v
List of abbreviations ........................................................................................................... vi
List of figures .................................................................................................................... vii
List of boxes ...................................................................................................................... vii
List of tables ..................................................................................................................... viii
List of appendixes ............................................................................................................. viii
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ ix
1 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background information ........................................................................................ 1
1.2 Research setting ..................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Research context .................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Problem description ............................................................................................... 5
1.5 Scope ..................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Research objective ................................................................................................. 7
1.7 Research questions................................................................................................. 8
1.8 Outline thesis ......................................................................................................... 9
2 Methods ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Research Approach ................................................................................................ 9
2.3 Preparative steps .................................................................................................. 11
2.3.1 Selection of study area (pilot projects) .......................................................... 11
2.3.2 Selection of guidelines for building an SDI ................................................... 11
2.3.3 Transposing and selection of guidelines to MOPW ....................................... 11
2.3.4 Define proposed set of solutions for three chosen vision elements................. 13
2.4 Vision element one .............................................................................................. 14
2.4.1 Test vision element one with sub research question one and two ................... 14
2.4.2 Sub research question one ............................................................................. 14
2.4.2.1 Describe current situation data gathering and data maintenance from
interviews 14

2.4.2.2 Work out context sub directorate Spatial Planning (ODRO) ................... 15

2.4.2.3 Work out context drainage (OWW) ....................................................... 15

2.4.2.4 Work out relations of the pilots .............................................................. 16

ii
2.4.2.5 Examine functions in two pilots to distillate information streams ........... 16

2.4.2.6 Visualize activities of two pilots from interviews into context diagrams. 16

2.4.2.7 Detect actors within and outside pilots by color-coding diagram ............ 17

2.4.2.8 Visualize context diagrams referring to SDI ........................................... 17

2.4.3 Sub research question two............................................................................. 18


2.4.3.1 Model process flows of ODRO and OWW from interviews ................... 18

2.5 Vision element two .............................................................................................. 19


2.5.1 Test vision element two with sub research question three and four ................ 19
2.5.2 Sub research question three ........................................................................... 19
2.5.2.1 Describe current sharing of spatial data between ODRO and OWW....... 19

2.5.2.2 Work out procedures/ data management within pilots ............................ 20

2.5.2.3 Define data standards to extract data requirements ................................. 20

2.5.2.4 Define data standards into database requirements................................... 20

2.5.3 Sub research question four ............................................................................ 21


2.5.3.1 Model relations between datasets in relational database ......................... 21

2.6 Vision element three ............................................................................................ 21


2.6.1 Test vision element three with sub research question five.............................. 21
2.6.2 Sub research question five ............................................................................ 21
2.6.2.1 Describe current collection and sharing of information between ODRO
and OWW 22

2.6.2.2 Show data collection on terrestrial level can be used by others in the
organization ........................................................................................................... 22

2.6.2.3 Show data collection on aerial level can be used by others in the
organization ........................................................................................................... 23

2.7 Research materials ............................................................................................... 24


3 Results ....................................................................................................................... 27
3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Result sub research question one .......................................................................... 27
3.2.1 Result list context ODRO ............................................................................. 27
3.2.2 Result list context OWW .............................................................................. 28
3.2.3 Result organization structure ......................................................................... 29

iii
3.2.4 Result context diagrams ................................................................................ 30
3.2.5 Result color-coded diagrams ......................................................................... 37
3.2.6 Result context diagrams referring to SDI ...................................................... 38
3.3 Result sub research question two ......................................................................... 39
3.3.1 Result process flows ODRO and OWW ........................................................ 39
3.4 Result sub research question three........................................................................ 42
3.4.1 Result list of procedures/data management.................................................... 42
3.4.2 Result data requirements ............................................................................... 45
3.4.3 Result database requirements ........................................................................ 47
3.5 Result sub research question four ......................................................................... 49
3.5.1 Result relational database.............................................................................. 49
3.6 Result sub research question five ......................................................................... 51
3.6.1 Result data collection on terrestrial level ....................................................... 51
3.6.2 Result data collection on aerial level ............................................................. 52
4 Discussion .................................................................................................................. 55
5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 61
6 Suggestions for further research ................................................................................. 63
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ 65
Literature ........................................................................................................................... 66

iv
Preface

I wish to thank all who helped me to finalize this thesis. Studying this Master in Natural
Resource Management was a wonderful experience.

The initiative to implement an SDI was introduced to me on 6 march 2012. In a presentation


with staff of the Ministry of Public Works and GISsat NV, where I was asked by the Ministry
of Public Works staff to coordinate the implementation of an SDI. From thereon I used the
SDI project to write this thesis. GISsat NV is a dealer of ESRI products and other GIS related
products. In this way, my work and study could be combined.

My supervisor Ezra Dessers and co-supervisor Stef de Ridder have guided me towards this
nice product of scientific research and learning. The writing and producing of this thesis has
awakened in me the craving for more scientific endeavors.

I thank my mother and God for making it possible to study and for their appropriate guidance,
support and inspiration in my life.

Also my employer, the Ministry of Public Works gets special thanks for the possibility given
to me to follow and finish this M.Sc. program.

My gratitude also goes to the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation


(DGDC) and the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS) for making the Master of
Science Programme in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (MSc in SMNR)
possible at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.

“The power of God is with you at all times; through the activities of mind, senses, breathing,
and emotions; and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere instrument.” -
Bhagwat Gita

v
List of abbreviations

ATM Ministerie Arbeid, Technologische Ontwikkeling & Milieu (Ministry of


Labor, Technological Development and Environment)
BOG Buro Openbare Gezondheidszorg (Buro of Public Health)
BPMN Business Process Model and Notation
CTW Civil Technical Works
DC Districts Commissioner
DEM Digital Elevation Model
EU European Union
GIS Geographical Information Systems
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
INSPIRE Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe
LVV Ministerie Landbouw Veeteelt & Visserij (Ministry of Agriculture, Animal
Husbandry and Fisheries)
METEO Meteorological Division
MOPW Ministry of Public Works
NATIN Natuur Technisch Instituut
NH Ministerie Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen (Ministry of Natural resources)
OWW Ontwateringswerken (Drainage)
ODRO Onder Directoraat Ruimtelijke Ordening (Sub Directorate Spatial Planning)
PTC Polytechnic College
ROGB Ministerie Ruimtelijke Ordening Grond en Bosbeheer (Ministry of Physical
Planning, Land and Forest Management)
SDI Spatial Data Infrastructure
UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
UML Unified Modeling Language
WLA Waterloopkundige Afdeling (Hydrodynamics Services)

vi
List of figures
Figure 1.1 Archives are not properly sorted/maintained and data is difficult to access ------- 5
Figure 2.1 General research approach---------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Figure 2.2 Districts of Suriname [Source: GISsat N.V. (2015)] --------------------------------- 15
Figure 2.3 Schematic representation of the Gatewing X100 UAV system --------------------- 23
Figure 3.1 Structure sub directorate of Spatial Planning ODRO (future) [Compiled by: P.
Punwasi (2013)] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
Figure 3.2 Structure of department of Drainage (OWW) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
Figure 3.3 Context diagram with functions and information referring to the sub directorate of
Spatial Planning (ODRO) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)] ----------------------------------- 31
Figure 3.4 Context diagram with functions and information referring to the department of
Drainage (OWW) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)] --------------------------------------------- 32
Figure 3.5 Color-coded diagram for ODRO -------------------------------------------------------- 37
Figure 3.6 Color-coded diagram for OWW --------------------------------------------------------- 37
Figure 3.7 Context diagram of the information streams referring to the SDI (ODRO) in place
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Figure 3.8 Context diagram of the information streams referring to the SDI (OWW) ------- 39
Figure 3.9 Process flow of “Overloop” license request [Compiled by: P. Punwasi, 2013] -- 40
Figure 3.10 Process flow of request allotment license within urban areas (pilot ODRO) ---- 41
Figure 3.11 A relational overview of the several datasets (Relational database) [Compiled
by: P. Punwasi (2013)] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50
Figure 3.12 Result of GNSS used by the ground team of ODRO [Source: MOPW, ODRO
(2013)]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51
Figure 3.13 An overview of Aerial field data collected with Gatewing X100 UAV on three
dates, following project progress of Hannaslust [Source: GISsat N.V.(2013)] ---------------- 53
Figure 3.14 Digital Elevation Model combined with an ortho photo of Hannaslust [Source:
GISsat N.V. (2013)] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 54

List of boxes
Box 1.1 The five key principles of INSPIRE according to Longley et al. (2011). ................. 2
Box 1.2 Essential concepts: Data, spatial data, information and SDIs ................................... 3

vii
List of tables
Table 1.1 Vision elements with their respective sub research questions ................................ 8
Table 2.1 Inspire vision elements and the transposed vision elements................................. 12
Table 2.2 Overview of the transposed INSPIRE vision elements and the proposed sets of
solutions ............................................................................................................................ 13
Table 2.3 Activities for testing vision element one ............................................................. 19
Table 2.4 Activities for testing vision element two ............................................................. 21
Table 2.5 Activities for testing vision element three ........................................................... 23
Table 3.1 Data requirements when partitioned land is situated in area with structural plan or
residential area ................................................................................................................... 45
Table 3.2 Data requirements when submission is tested for big allotment or small allotment
.......................................................................................................................................... 45
Table 3.3 Data requirements big allotment ......................................................................... 46
Table 3.4 Data requirements small allotment ...................................................................... 47
Table 3.5 Complete overview of database requirements ..................................................... 48
Table 6.1 Overview of two proposed future studies ............................................................ 64

List of appendixes
Appendix A Organization chart of Ministry of Public Works (Future) [Source: MOPW
(2013)] ............................................................................................................................... 70
Appendix B Organization chart of Ministry of Public Works (Old) [Source: MOPW (2013)]
.......................................................................................................................................... 71
Appendix C Comparison of process-modelling techniques by Kumarapeli et al. (2007) ..... 72
Appendix D Complete list of activities within the sub directorate of ODRO [Source: MOPW
(2013)] ............................................................................................................................... 73
Appendix E Complete list of activities within the department of OWW [Source: MOPW
(2013)] ............................................................................................................................... 76

viii
Executive Summary

To establish efficiency improvement within the Ministry of Public Works in the area of
data/information disclosure, the implementation of an SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure) was
assessed with the INSPIRE1 framework as a reference. Three selected generic vision elements
of INSPIRE were assessed to analyze whether they can be transposed to, and made applicable
for the Ministry of Public Works. These three vision elements can be summarized as: (1)
Spatial data is collected once only and is managed at the most appropriate level; (2) spatial
data from different sources is shared and can be seamlessly combined; (3) Information can be
shared between all different organizational levels. The first two vision elements address the
challenges of data disclosure, necessary for the assessment. The third vision element is about
data sharing, necessary for the efficiency improvement of the ministry. Data and information
assessment took place by means of interviews and the consultation of ministerial documents.
ArcGIS Server & ArcGIS Desktop were chosen as GIS-technology to be implemented during
the project. The proposed solution in relation to the first vision element is to work out data
management processes/procedures, using UML (Unified Modeling Language). Organizational
relations are worked out using context diagrams. Processes are described using BPMN
(Business Process Model and Notation), a variant of UML. The formulation of basic data
standards is the proposed solution in relation to the second vision element. A data assessment
track resulted in the formulation of database requirements and the design of a relational
database. The proposed solution in relation to the third vision element is the fact that collected
data on a lower level (e.g. point sampling) can be aggregated into a higher level by
consolidating data. Terrestrial and Aerial data collection are used to show how lower level
data and higher level data can be consolidated for use. All three proposed solutions were tested
by means of a case study within two pilots respectively the department of Drainage (OWW)
and the sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO). The case describes the approach of
allotments with their respective drainage issues within the urban areas of Suriname. The result
of the assessment is that all three vision elements are transposable and applicable within the
studied cases and pilots. However, the realization of the three vision elements is not a onetime
effort, but it requires continuous attention and alertness. Some suggestions for future research
are also given at the end of this thesis.

1
INSPIRE is one of the EU Directives of the Council and the European Parliament – Directive 2007/2/EC. The
objective of this directive is to “establish a legal framework for the establishment and operation of an
Infrastructure for Spatial InfoRmation in Europe (hence INSPIRE)”. More information on
http://inspire.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
ix
1 Introduction
1.1 Background information
The efficiency of the Ministry of Public Works of Suriname can be improved, on the subject
of data/information disclosure. This thesis proposes a solution to improve this efficiency by
doing two pilot projects within the Ministry of Public Works, with a private company GISsat
N.V.2. This thesis will cover implementation of an SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure) and
involves more deciphering information streams, processes and data/information of natural
resources (allotment, drainage and road data). The essence of an SDI is that it is an
infrastructure that makes it possible that data of several sources can be disclosed using rules,
standards and agreements between its users. Data can be put in one gathering place in the SDI
(which is the case for this thesis and the two pilots), but it is also possible to manage the data
non-central and make the data altogether accessible through for example web-services (pers.
comm. Dessers, June 24, 2013(a)).
Everyone involved in GIS (Geographical Information Systems) in Suriname, is confronted
with the fact that Suriname is a country with enormous space, but where there is almost no
information about that space (pers. comm. Ridder de, march 22, 2013). Data and information
regarding natural resources may exist at different institutes; they may be incomplete (1), may
not have the required detail (2), and may not always be accessible to everyone (3). Some data
are accessible against payment, but most of the time there is no data (pers. comm. Atmopawiro,
aug. 6, 2013). It is of utmost importance and the highest time that information disclosure as a
problem is addressed, if natural resource management is the aim. To manage or do
interventions in a geographic area begins with understanding the space, what and where
locations are. That is one goal of this thesis: evaluate information/data disclosure with an SDI
within the Ministry of Public Works of Suriname. The work of the Ministry of Public Works
(MOPW) concerns development, management and maintenance of sustainable public goods.
The care for the housing and living climate is also an important task of this Ministry
(Ministerie van Openbare Werken, 2013). The tasks of MOPW are fulfilled by four
directorates (see Appendix A):
- Directorate Public Greenery
- Directorate Architectural Works & Spatial Planning
- Directorate Civil Technical Works

2
GISsat N.V. is an IT company focused primarily on the distribution, application, implementation and support
of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) including support, training and coaching for potential GIS users.
More information: www.gissat.com
1
- Directorate Development Projects

Direct results for the Ministry of Public Works will involve upgrading/increase of existing
knowledge of the processes involving the two pilot departments. Communication between the
two pilot departments using standards and protocols, which is relatively new to the Ministry
of Public Works, is vital for progress but it is also an incremental learning process.

Implementing an SDI is not very simple, it is a challenge. There have been several attempts to
develop guidelines for SDI implementation, Williamson tried it with ‘Developing Spatial Data
Infrastructure: From Concept to Reality’ (Williamson, Rajabifard & Feeney, 2003) and even
an SDI cookbook has been developed (Nebert, 2004) (pers. comm. Dessers, june 24, 2013(b)).
But in this thesis the INSPIRE guidelines are chosen, because it is a plan based on practicality
and it encloses SDI implementation on several administrative levels. As for SDI
implementation in Europe, INSPIRE is one of the EU Directives of the Council and the
European Parliament – Directive 2007/2/EC. The objective of this directive is to “establish a
legal framework for the establishment and operation of an Infrastructure for Spatial
InfoRmation in Europe (hence INSPIRE)”.

Box 1.1 The five key principles of INSPIRE according to Longley et al. (2011).
1. Official spatial data should be collected once only and maintained at the level where
this can be done most effectively.
2. It must be possible to combine seamlessly spatial data from different sources across
the European Union (EU) and share them among many users and applications.
3. It must be possible for spatial data collected at one level of government to be shared
between all the different levels of government.
4. Spatial data needed for good governance should be available on conditions that do
not restrict its extensive use.
5. It should be easy to discover which spatial data are available, to evaluate their fitness
for a purpose, and to know which conditions apply for their use.

In this thesis the INSPIRE framework is taken as a reference for the assessment of
implementing an SDI within the Ministry using two pilots.

2
Box 1.2 Essential concepts: Data, spatial data, information and SDIs
Data is raw material for data processing. Data relates to facts and is often obtained as a result
of recordings or observations. Longley et al. (2011), explain that data “consists of numbers,
text, or symbols that are in some sense neutral and almost context-free”. Doody (2003)
explains that “data are the raw material from which information is produced. Information is
a collection of data relevant to a recipient at a given point in time. Information is data in
context: it has meaning, relevance and purpose”. Information is derived from data and is
usually the processed outcome of data, in such a way as to be meaningful to the person who
receives it. However, Longley et al. (2011) describe that information can be used “narrowly
or broadly”. Information can be treated as “synonymous with data” or as “anything that can
be represented in digital form” or information is “data serving some purpose, or data that
have been given some degree of interpretation”. The definitions of data and information by
Longley et al. (2011) are chosen for this research. Spatial data are data that relate to a
location on the Earth (Rajabifard et al., 2003). Bejar (2012) states that spatial data: “describe
information tied with locations on Earth”. Spatial information has an important role in
social, economic and political decisions, according to McDougall et al. (2005). Wallace et
al. (2006) consider spatial information as “common good made available to citizens and
businesses to encourage creativity and product development” and also find that spatial
information is based on “coordinates (longitude and latitude, or X and Y, and height, Z) and
allows positional functions of digital systems to track a place on earth’s surface,
measurements, and relations (notably times and distances)” There are several definitions of
SDIs. According to Rajabifard et al. (2003) an SDI is “an initiative [that] underpins the
design, implementation and maintenance of mechanisms that facilitate the sharing, access
and utilization of spatial data across different communities to better achieve their
objectives”. Masser et al. (2008) find an SDI to be an “enabling platform linking data
producers, providers, and value adders to data users”. Homburg & Georgiadou (2009) define
SDI as “the technologies, institutional arrangements, and practices that allow for the
disclosure and sharing of geospatial data among various levels of government, citizens, and
corporations”. Vandenbroucke et al. (2009) have the following definition of an SDI: “A
combination of technological and non-technological set-ups within and between
organizations to facilitate access, use and sharing of spatial data thereby contributing to the
performance of work processes”. There is no clear consensus on the SDI concept and about
its elements and values and is thus SDI is a still an evolving concept with differing accents
and rationale. For this thesis the definition of Béjar et al. (2012) is used. Béjar et al. (2012)
describe SDIs as “large, open, distributed and standards-based information systems which
3
intend to facilitate and promote the use of spatial data and spatial services on the Internet”.
Nevertheless, it is widely recognized that SDIs are about facilitating and coordinating spatial
information flows (Nedovic-Budic et al., 2008).

1.2 Research setting


Efficiency can be improved for handling allotment requests, if all data of the archives and
related data to allotment projects of the Ministry were cataloged centrally and accessible by
searching e.g. on name of the allotment or date or registration number, which was not the case
in reality. Because most of the data is spatial data, a solution is an SDI (Spatial Data
Infrastructure). Another solution could be several separate databases on the Ministry, which
is not efficient. The Ministry (MOPW) had already made the choice to implement a spatial
data infrastructure. Since there are no SDIs implemented in Suriname, this will be the first of
its kind in Suriname. To implement an SDI within the Ministry of Public Works, two pilots
are used: the sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO) and Drainage department (OWW).
A hypothesis is the limited availability or insight in data, hinders timely handling of allotment
license requests.

1.3 Research context


The implementation of an SDI was a project already in progress on the Ministry of Public
Works. As the writer of this thesis and as employee of the Ministry, I was given the privilege
to write a thesis about the implementation of the SDI. By interviewing and doing data
collection and data mining at both pilots (ODRO & OWW), I was put in charge of
implementing the SDI. For the Ministry I also went to the premises of GISsat N.V. on a weekly
basis to process the data gathered into usable data for the thesis and for the ongoing project.
Most of the data processing was done by me at the premises of GISsat N.V. There were also
times that the project was put on hold for almost a year, in which no progress could be made.
But when the project was picked up again, it was finished appropriately to finish writing the
thesis. The thesis to be written had also to be in context with the SMNR educational
programme. For this the data and information with a geographical component was used in the
thesis and is about natural resources, in this case allotments and their respective drainage
which need to be managed to keep good track of allotments for building permits and habitation
purposes and drainage to keep areas with allotments and their respective buildings dry. By this

4
the link is put between this research and SMNR which teaches about management of natural
resources.

1.4 Problem description


This research was carried out to improve efficiency at the Ministry of Public Works. Processes
concerning allotment projects and their interaction within two departments OWW (Drainage
department) and ODRO (Sub directorate of Spatial Planning) can be improved. One of the
measurable points is the time of handling allotment license applications (of course the drainage
of these allotments is also involved). Limited availability of data, insight in data adds to this
problem. In the process of handling the allotment license the stakeholders do not handle this
license within a timeframe, it differs from license to license according to personnel of ODRO.
An example to improve efficiency is by making standards for handling, directly improving the
handling time of license applications.
When a new allotment license is to be given, information about the surrounding area is needed:
what are the neighboring allotment projects and their drainage? Part of this information is on
hardcopy available in the archives. It can only be searched one by one in the archives of
ODRO. But even this is a challenge as the following points illustrate the situation of poorly or
not cataloged allotment data (Sewmangal, W., personal communication, February 13, 2013):
• Most data of allotments are hand drawn on chalk paper (old allotments) or in the case
of new allotments: AutoCAD printouts (because of this no compilation maps of chalk
and AutoCAD printouts are available or drawn which can give insight for changed or
new allotment policies for government officials of the Ministry of Public Works).
• Archives are not in order: only documents after 1995 are easy to find; earlier
documents are mixed up (see figure 1.1).
• Some of the archives are eaten by termites (Isoptera cf Kalotermitidae cf
Rhinotermitidae (Chinery, 1975)).

Figure 1.1 Archives are not properly sorted/maintained and data is difficult to access [Source: ODRO
archive, picture by P. Punwasi (2013)]
5
The other part concerning drainage of the allotment license request is part of the work of
OWW, which has to go to the field for observation and determine if the license request meets
the drainage requirements (Ramautar, W., personal communication, February 14, 2013)
The data of allotment license requests is almost entirely data with geographic location (spatial
data). If all the (spatial) data concerning allotments is stored digitally certain questions can be
answered more easily. The questions can be:
• What is the average time it takes to give an allotment license?
• Which properties surround the area of the license request?
• Which drainage surround the area of license request?
Answering these questions, which can be categorized as spatial and temporal analysis, requires
all the data to be put in a spatial database from which queries can be made to answer such
questions. The questions are interrelated and have monitoring as prerequisite. Monitoring of
processes and information streams are thus the basis before spatial and temporal analysis can
be made by querying a spatial database. Because all data was on paper, the monitoring part
could not be done appropriately because the data was not sorted or easy accessible and it was
also possible that measurements by ODRO or OWW were done two to three times within the
same area, making data redundant. A spatial database can store spatial data and it also
catalogues data, in contrast paper in archives deteriorate and are not handy to answer the
questions above within a short timeframe using paper catalogues (thus showing the difficulty
in monitoring). The prerequisite is that processes and information streams must be clear and
measurable where possible, before (spatial) relations can be retrieved.
Both ODRO and OWW should be able to store their (available and new data: from monitoring)
spatial data. When both ODRO and OWW start sharing and using their spatial data based on
agreements and standards, this indicates the basic concept of an SDI is born.
But making or building an SDI requires certain procedures and standards to be followed, a
certain reference is needed. For this thesis, for the assessment for the SDI implementation
within the pilots ODRO and OWW, the generic vision elements of INSPIRE are used as a
reference.
Because it is intrinsically interesting to know how processes regarding allotments can be made
more measurably efficient, this research is necessary for the Ministry of Public Works.
Furthermore since this is the first research in Suriname that comprises Spatial Data
Infrastructures, it will open up the path to connect all users and producers of spatial data with
the accompanying agreements and standards between Ministries into a so called National

6
Spatial Data Infrastructure. This research will benefit the government of Suriname in the sense
that efficiency can be measurably improved within the MOPW but also externally: the service
to the wider public can be standardized (no long waiting time on allotment license requests).

1.5 Scope
There are two common problems within the sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO) and
Drainage department (OWW) that influence allotment license requests:
• Archives are not properly sorted/maintained and difficult to access, because of the
fragile and old paper archives that deteriorate.
• No standardized timeframe to handle allotment permits
Only allotments will be considered in residential areas with their associated drainage.
What is outside the scope of this thesis is: the problem of understaffing in department of Roads,
sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO) and department Drainage (OWW), building
adequate working rooms, and creating sanctions for violations or offences of non-compliance
with requirements for allotments or drainage. De-motivation of the staff because of political
decisions or change in political management, because of which continuity is not guaranteed,
is also outside the scope of this thesis. This because the staff has a huge workload and
additional work is not very much welcomed. Also areas outside the residential areas are not
within the scope of this thesis.
Analyzing the timely issuing of allotment licenses and reasonably fast access to archived
spatial data are within the scope of this thesis. Foremost it is important to solve and to optimize
processes comprising inventory, storage and management of allotments (spatial data) and
drainage as well as analysis and distribution of data within the Ministry of Public Works and
externally, and also to realize synergy in (the use of) spatial data within the Ministry.

1.6 Research objective


The main objective of the research is to evaluate the process of implementing an SDI within
the Ministry by conducting two pilots using three selected INSPIRE vision elements as
reference. The two chosen pilots are, one within the sub directorate of Spatial Planning
(ODRO) and one within the Drainage division (OWW), because of their urgent needs for
accurate and up-to-date spatial information (Mohan, S., personal communication, May 16,
2012) and to make allotment license request process more efficient with reasonably fast access

7
to archive data and also to create the possibility to analyze the timely issuing of allotment
licenses (Krishnadath, L., personal communication, March 9, 2012).

1.7 Research questions


The five vision elements of INSPIRE in Europe are an adopted frame of reference and its
applicability in Suriname will be tested. What will be done is testing the selected vision
elements on their merits for the SDI project with two pilots (ODRO and OWW) within the
Ministry of Public Works. The main research question is: “In which way could the selected
generic vision elements of INSPIRE be transposed to and made applicable for the Ministry of
Public Works in Suriname?”
The selected and transposed INSPIRE vision elements to the thesis for the Ministry of Public
Works regarding implementation of an SDI (research conditions) are:
1. Official spatial data of the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW), should be collected
once only and maintained at the level where this can be done most effectively.
2. It must be possible to combine seamlessly spatial data from different sources across
the Ministry of Public Works and share them between many users and applications.
3. It should be possible for information collected at one level of the Ministry of Public
Works to be shared between all the different levels of the MOPW.
To know in which way the main research question can be answered, there are five sub research
questions identified in table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Vision elements with their respective sub research questions
Vision element Sub research question
1 1. Which are the main interactions/information streams between the
actors of each pilot (ODRO and OWW)?
2. Which are the process-flows within each pilot (ODRO and
OWW)?
2 3. What are the requirements of data in relation to the SDI?
4. What relations are there between the datasets of the two pilots
(ODRO and OWW)?
3 5. What are the levels of data collection and how can data collection
on a micro level, collected data by field workers be usable by
higher levels (e.g. the Minister) within the Ministry?

Process-flows in this thesis describe the processes which take place within each pilot.
8
1.8 Outline thesis
This thesis is presented in six chapters. In the introduction chapter one, the problem description,
the scope, research objective and research question are described. In chapter two the methods are
explained which are used in this research. Chapter three gives the results of the research with the
answers on the sub research questions. In chapter four discusses other literature views and the
thesis. Chapter five gives the conclusion of this research and chapter six gives suggestions for
future research.

2 Methods
2.1 Introduction
The methods comprise of research materials and research strategies. The company GISsat N.V.
has been hired to help implement the SDI by doing two pilots, one within the future Directorate of
Spatial Planning (ODRO) and one within the Drainage division (OWW). I formulated a strategy,
to answer the main research question.

2.2 Research Approach


A schematic overview of the general research approach is shown in Figure 2.1

9
Figure 2.1 General research approach

10
2.3 Preparative steps
2.3.1 Selection of study area (pilot projects)
The selected project by the Ministry (Head of ODRO), thesis writer and GISsat NV were
allotment projects and their interaction within two departments OWW (Drainage department)
and ODRO (sub directorate of Spatial Planning). This resulted in the two pilot projects ODRO
and OWW, chosen because of their need of accurate and up to date spatial data. The SDI
implementation was an ongoing project of the Ministry of Public Works, which meant that the
thesis to be written would be part of this project. The thesis writer was also working at ODRO
and was the coordinator for implementation of the SDI on the Ministry, and in that way it was
possible to study processes at ODRO with direct observation and questioning/interviewing
fellow workers at ODRO and fellow workers at OWW.

2.3.2 Selection of guidelines for building an SDI


After a thorough search, the only specific guidelines found for SDI’s that were practical and
had SDI implementation worked out on different administrative levels, were the INSPIRE
guidelines. The INSPIRE guidelines are successfully being used in Europe for developing
regional, national and European-wide SDIs. The European “State of Play” report series
provides a regular assessment of the state of play of INSPIRE and the various National Spatial
Data Infrastructures in the European countries (Vandenbroucke, 2011). By using the INSPIRE
guidelines as a basis, they will be transposed into this thesis to the two pilots. The thesis will
use ODRO (sub directorate Spatial Planning) and OWW (Drainage department) as two test
cases to make an SDI, where data can be used by both departments and third parties such as
private companies, implying the basic use of an SDI. Another positive aspect for the chosen
INSPIRE guidelines, were that they could be transposed to the MOPW.

2.3.3 Transposing and selection of guidelines to MOPW


If the problem description is taken into account, it refers to the problem of inadequate
information access, in general no proper data disclosure, which was underlined in
communication with personnel of the sub directorate Spatial Planning department (pers.
comm. Bansie, feb. 14, 2013) and Drainage department (pers. comm. Ramautar, feb. 14,
2013).

11
Table 2.1 Inspire vision elements and the transposed vision elements
No The five key principles of INSPIRE Transposed five vision elements to
according to Longley et al. (2011) MOPW
1. Official spatial data should be collected Official spatial data of the Ministry of
once only and maintained at the level Public Works (MOPW), should be
where this can be done most collected once only and maintained at the
effectively. level where this can be done most
effectively
2. It must be possible to combine It must be possible to combine
seamlessly spatial data from different seamlessly spatial data from different
sources across the European Union sources across the Ministry of Public
(EU) and share them among many Works and share them between many
users and applications. users and applications
3. It must be possible for spatial data It should be possible for information
collected at one level of government to collected at one level of the Ministry of
be shared between all the different Public Works to be shared between all
levels of government. the different levels of the MOPW
4. Spatial data needed for good Spatial data needed for good governance
governance should be available on at all levels of the Ministry of Public
conditions that do not restrict its Works should be available under
extensive use. conditions that do not refrain its
extensive use
5. It should be easy to discover which It should be easy to discover which
spatial data are available, to evaluate geographic information is available
their fitness for a purpose, and to know within the Ministry of Public Works, to
which conditions apply for their use. evaluate their fitness for a purpose and to
know which conditions apply for their
use.

The main problem of data disclosure matches very well with the first three vision elements in
table 2.1. The first two vision elements are about data disclosure, which is the biggest problem
for management on government level. The third vision element is about sharing data on
different levels which is also a big problem (there are no data standards). Vision element four,
cannot be taken into account (and is not selected for this thesis) since within the thesis period,
the model and spatial data will not be in place as web accessible datasets. Vision element five,
12
cannot be managed (and is not selected for this thesis) within the Ministry of Public Works,
since the model will not be implemented within the thesis time frame. So management of the
datasets without the implementation of the model is out of the question. Within the scope of
the thesis and the timeframe within which the thesis has to be completed, only the first three
transposed INSPIRE vision elements were tested for this thesis.

2.3.4 Define proposed set of solutions for three chosen vision elements
The strategy is that for each of the selected generic vision elements of INSPIRE, a set of
technological and organizational solutions will be defined.
Then the extent to which the implementation of the proposed solutions is able to fulfill the
requirements of the respective INSPIRE vision elements will be tested in the two pilots.

Table 2.2 Overview of the transposed INSPIRE vision elements and the proposed sets of solutions
No Transposed INSPIRE vision Proposed set of solutions
elements to thesis boundaries
1 Official spatial data of the Ministry of Work out data management processes and
Public Works (MOPW), should be procedures. In the management process:
collected once only and maintained at each spatial data producer is producing
the level where this can be done most and updating their datasets on a regular
effectively. basis.
2 It should be possible to combine Define basic data standards. Each spatial
seamlessly spatial data from different producer uses one set of beforehand
sources across the Ministry of Public motivated standards to produce data, so
Works and share them between many that the data is accessible and
users and applications. interoperable*.
3 It should be possible for information Collected data on a lower level (e.g. point
collected at one level of the Ministry of sampling) can be aggregated into a higher
Public Works to be shared between all level by consolidating data. Of importance
different levels of the MOPW. are: 1. Synchronized data themes.
2. Insight in usable data.
3. Collected data by fieldworkers is usable
in the organization.
4. Anyone in the organization can study
the usability of data.

13
Interoperability* is defined by the INSPIRE directive (Eur-lex Access to European Union
Law, 2013) as “the possibility for spatial data sets to be combined, and for services to interact,
without repetitive manual intervention, in such a way that the result is coherent and the added
value of the data sets and services is enhanced” (pers. comm. Dessers, june 4, 2013).

2.4 Vision element one


2.4.1 Test vision element one with sub research question one and two
Sub research question 1 and 2 were tested in a stepwise manner. The transposed vision element
one is: “Official spatial data of the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW), should be collected
once only and maintained at the level where this can be done most effectively”.

2.4.2 Sub research question one


The first sub research question, governing vision element one was: Which are the main
interactions/information streams between the actors of each pilot (ODRO and OWW)?
The following steps were taken to answer this question.

2.4.2.1 Describe current situation data gathering and data maintenance


from interviews
To answer sub research question one, one of the steps was to interview the head of each of the
pilots and personnel to find out through intensive contact how data was gathered and
maintained at both pilots. Currently all data in both pilots are gathered once on paper
(hardcopy). All documents are archived by the sub directorate of Spatial Planning. The
department of Drainage (OWW) only archives hardcopies of approvals of drainage for
allotments. There is little to no data maintenance. There are no personnel for data maintenance.
Data is archived and placed in several rooms for storage. The hardcopies of gathered data are
deteriorating, since there are termites in the storage rooms (archives). This implicates possible
data loss and poor maintenance. (Personal communication Bansie, S., Sewmangal, W.,
Ramautar, W., 13/14 feb 2013).

14
2.4.2.2 Work out context sub directorate Spatial Planning (ODRO)
Within the scope of reorganization, the sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO) has been
set up. The only active department under the sub directorate Spatial Planning (ODRO) is the
department of Planning. The sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO) is currently manned
by a sub director with five co-workers and the division of Planning (Dutch: Planologische
Dienst). Analyzing the timely issuing of allotment licenses and reasonably fast access to
archived spatial data are within the scope of this thesis of allotments in residential areas with
their associated drainage. Therefore it is important to assess which activities within ODRO
have affiliation with the scope of the thesis. The result is a list of activities concerning the
scope of the thesis.

2.4.2.3 Work out context drainage (OWW)


The department of Drainage (OWW) positions itself within the Ministry of Public Works as
part of the sub directorate “Natte CTW” under the Directorate Civil Technical Works (Mohan,
S., personal communication, May 16, 2012). The activities cover all districts of Suriname,
except the districts of Brokopondo, Para and Sipaliwini (figure 2.2).

Figure 2.2 Districts of Suriname [Source: GISsat N.V. (2015)]


An overview of the administrative boundaries in the right map of Suriname is given on district level

The geographical scope is delineated to residential areas with allotments and their drainage.
Therefore it is important to assess which activities within OWW have affiliation with the scope
of the thesis. The result is a list of activities concerning the scope of the thesis.

15
2.4.2.4 Work out relations of the pilots
To make the organizational relations clear, an organizational structure of the pilot departments
(ODRO and OWW) is drawn with Microsoft Office Visio 2007 software. The information
about the organizational relations is from interviews of personnel of both the pilots. This will
accumulate in an organizational chart for each pilot.

2.4.2.5 Examine functions in two pilots to distillate information streams


After the making of the context diagrams, the functions within the directorate Spatial Planning
(ODRO) and department of Drainage (OWW) are examined, to distillate information streams
in reference to the functions:
a. What are the functions in relation to information streams?
b. What are the triggers of the information streams?
c. What are the internal couplings within the directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO)?
d. What are the external couplings within the directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO)?
The results of the questions above are drawn in context diagrams in the next section.

2.4.2.6 Visualize activities of two pilots from interviews into context


diagrams
To visualize the activities of sub directorate Spatial Planning (ODRO) and the department of
Drainage (OWW) within a context, so called context diagrams are made for both pilots from
the information retrieved from the interviews. The context diagrams are needed to detect
which actors are within and outside the pilot departments and how their relations are, how data
and information are acquired, transformed, edited, passed on. Modeling of the context
diagrams was done using Microsoft Office Visio 2007 software. The reason why Microsoft
Office Visio 2007 was used is that it was readily available and economically feasible to be
used instead of buying software. Burge (2011) gave some strengths and weaknesses for
context diagrams.
The strengths of a context diagram comprise the following:
• It is easy to comprehend with a clear indication of system boundary
• Definition of external entities with which the System of Interest interacts
• Identification and documentation of external system interfaces

The weaknesses of a context diagram include the following:


• No indication of the internal functionality
16
• No timing or order system interaction with its external entities

Summarizing: To answer the sub research questions, information was collected (interviews,
documents) and subsequently this data was processed. From an organizational structure chart
of the human resources department of the Ministry, the interactions/information streams are
not apparent. Since the work of the departments of ODRO and OWW does not cover only
allotment projects, the pilots for these two departments needed to be put visually in a context
of the other activities that these two departments have. That is why context diagrams were
made: the main interactions/information streams between the actors of each pilot (ODRO and
OWW) become clear.

In order to fit in the activities of sub directorate Spatial Planning (ODRO) and the department
of Drainage (OWW) within a context, so called context diagrams were made. A context
diagram gives the relations within the organization on organizational level.
The output is:
1. A context diagram into functions and information referring the sub directorate of
Spatial Planning (ODRO)
2. A context diagram into functions and information referring to the Drainage department
(OWW)

2.4.2.7 Detect actors within and outside pilots by color-coding diagram


The data gathered from the interviews was color coded to have a clear overview of the relations
between the pilots and other actors outside the pilots. Using several color markers the data on
the context diagram was color coded, making it easy to define actors within and outside the
pilots. The actors from the pilot become visible from this diagram. The result is
1. A color coded diagram from ODRO
2. A color coded diagram from OWW

2.4.2.8 Visualize context diagrams referring to SDI


From the color coded diagrams, it is easy to draw the context diagrams which are referring to
the SDI. Since the actors within the pilot are narrowed down with one color. The result is:
1. A context diagram of the information streams of ODRO referring to the SDI
2. A context diagram of the information streams of OWW referring to the SDI

17
2.4.3 Sub research question two
The second sub research question, also governing vision element one was: Which are the
process-flows within each pilot (ODRO and OWW)?
What was described in this thesis as a problem was to find an effective way to do surveillance
and control of allotment projects in urban areas with their respective drainage. After that
ODRO and OWW became the pilots. So the processes studied were allotments and their
drainage within the context of ODRO and OWW.

2.4.3.1 Model process flows of ODRO and OWW from interviews


Process request “overloop” license was studied from the moment the license request was made
at OWW by a private person. For this the department and the steps within that specific
department (OWW) were followed until the criteria for an “overloop” license were fulfilled
and the license was given to the private person. An “overloop” is a passage created over a
drainage canal by culverts in front of the parcel of a private person.
• This resulted into a process flow for “overloop” license request.

Process request allotment license within urban areas was studied from the moment the
allotment license request was made by a private person. For this the several departments and
the steps within that specific department were followed until an advice was given for the
allotment request. The process was followed until the allotment license was delivered to the
private person.
• This resulted in a process flow diagram for “request allotment license within urban
area”.

To model the several processes going on at ODRO and OWW, a freeware process modeler
was used named Bizagi Process Modeler version 2.3.0.3 (more information at
www.bizagi.com).
By assessing the actors per information stream and their role within and outside the Ministry,
process flows were drawn for each information stream, with the process flows of the pilots
ODRO and OWW in focus.

To give an overview of the procedure what the role of GISsat N.V. was in relation to the
writing of this thesis by the writer, the following table 2.3 overview is given.

18
Table 2.3 Activities for testing vision element one
Activity
Interviews Together with an employee of GISsat N.V. (E. Moerland) the
interviews were conducted at MOPW.
Organizational structure From information obtained from the pilots, the organizational
structure is drawn for both pilots. Furthermore from data
obtained from the human resource division the organizational
structure is translated from Dutch to English by writer.
Context diagrams Concept context diagrams made by writer. Context diagrams
approved by supervisor (GISsat N.V.).
Color coded diagrams From the context diagrams, color coded diagrams were made by
writer. Color coded diagrams were approved by supervisor.
Process diagrams From information of the interview concept process diagrams
made. Process diagrams approved by supervisor (GISsat N.V.).

2.5 Vision element two


2.5.1 Test vision element two with sub research question three and four
In a stepwise manner vision element two was tested through the sub research questions. The
transposed vision element two is: “It must be possible to combine seamlessly spatial data from
different sources across the Ministry of Public Works and share them between many users and
applications”.

2.5.2 Sub research question three


The third sub research question, governing vision element two was: What are the requirements
of data in relation to the SDI?

2.5.2.1 Describe current sharing of spatial data between ODRO and OWW
Currently spatial data are shared between sub directorate Spatial Planning and division
Drainage as copies of hardcopies. There is no digital sharing of data. When the Drainage
division needs spatial data of an old drainage case, a telephone call (eventually a written
request can be made) is made to sub directorate Spatial Planning for the information. Then the
spatial data is searched for in the archive of sub directorate Spatial Planning and a copy of the
19
original hardcopy is sent with a walker to the Drainage division, the original hardcopy
document is always kept in the sub directorate Spatial Planning. When the spatial data in the
archives cannot be found, it cannot be sent to the Drainage division. Data from 1995 can be
found in the archives easily, but data before 1995 is completely chaotic in the archives
(Sewmangal, W., personal communication, February 13, 2013). When a current drainage plan
lacks maps, then the whole allotment application is sent back by the Drainage department to
sub directorate Spatial Planning. Then the sub directorate Spatial Planning informs the
applicant that maps are lacking. After the applicant hands in the lacking maps (made by the
applicant through e.g. a private company specialized in maps), the allotment application is
resubmitted for approval to the department of Drainage (OWW) (Ramautar, W., personal
communication, February 13, 2013).

2.5.2.2 Work out procedures/ data management within pilots


For both pilots the procedures and the data management within them are worked out. The
information for this step is collected through interviews and documents retrieved from the
personnel from both pilots. This will result in a list of procedures/data management for
allotments.

2.5.2.3 Define data standards to extract data requirements


After completion of the context diagrams and process flows of the data/information streams,
the requirements of the data and information is mapped by interviewing employees , and also
the procedures/ data management for allotments are studied from which an assessment is made
of what type of data there is and what the parameters of the data are (attribute fields, geometric
object, degree of up-to-date, etc.) as well as what the attribute information of this data is
(Mohan, S., personal communication, May 16, 2012) (Krishnadath, L., personal
communication, March 9, 2012). The result of all gathered information from the interviews
and from the procedures studied is put into an overview of data requirements. The listing of
the data requirements is made in an MS Excel spreadsheet.

2.5.2.4 Define data standards into database requirements


From all the data requirements a list is made which data will be put as a database requirement,
by sifting geographic data from non-geographic (administrative) data. The result is a complete
list of database requirements.
20
2.5.3 Sub research question four
The fourth sub research question, governing vision element two was: What relations are
there between the datasets of the two pilots (ODRO and OWW)?

2.5.3.1 Model relations between datasets in relational database


The database requirement list gives all the possible datasets. After that all possible relations
were studied between the datasets and then applied to the datasets. The result is a relational
overview of the several datasets made in ArcGIS software with retrievable datasets. In table
2.4 the activities for testing vision element two are given.

Table 2.4 Activities for testing vision element two


Activity
Interviews Together with an employee of GISsat N.V. (E. Moerland) the
interviews were conducted at MOPW.
Procedures/data management From information and documents provided by MOPW the
procedures were retrieved by writer.
Data requirements Information retrieved from interviews and documents from the
Ministry, list of data requirements made. Approved by
supervisor
Relational database Concept relational database made by writer. Approved relational
database by supervisor.

2.6 Vision element three


2.6.1 Test vision element three with sub research question five
The transposed vision element three is: “It should be possible for information collected at one
level of the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW) to be shared between all the different levels
of the MOPW”.

2.6.2 Sub research question five


The fifth sub research question, governing vision element three was: What are the levels of
data collection and how can data collection on a micro level, collected data by field workers
be usable by higher levels (e.g. the Minister) within the Ministry?

21
2.6.2.1 Describe current collection and sharing of information between
ODRO and OWW
The current situation is that information is collected and shared as hardcopies. All documents
for allotments come in an application file as hardcopies, which are checked by the sub
directorate Spatial Planning if all documents regarding the allotment application are submitted.
When it comes to drainage, the whole allotment dossier with hardcopies is sent to the
department of Drainage (OWW) where drainage documents are checked for the required
documents. If documents are not in order or correct, the application is sent back through the
sub directorate Spatial Planning to the applicant to supply the missing or corrected documents
or calculations to fulfill the requirements of the Drainage department ODRO acquires GNSS
data and uses this for making maps. OWW does not use GPS, only Google maps to see where
an allotment is situated (Personal communication Ramautar, W., February 13, 2013). In short,
currently there are only hardcopy dossiers, which are handled case by case, without an integral
approach where data of several cases can be looked at, in a helicopter view.

2.6.2.2 Show data collection on terrestrial level can be used by others in


the organization
Data is collected by ODRO and put into forms of representation to show that the data collected
can be used by others in the organization. OWW does not make forms of representation (maps)
as it does not have a GIS unit to process data as such.
Terrestrial data collection involves a ground team of ODRO (Department Urban & Rural
Planning -‘Planologische Dienst’) that works with GNSS apparatus3 and collects accurate
positioned field information. These are point- or line features. The collected data must be
converted into usable information within for example a map. The data of the GNSS needs to
be processed into maps. If for example the collected points represent a drainage canal or parcel
then all the points must be converted within a GIS program into a map of that area. This is
data collection on a micro level, which can be processed into maps for use/sharing by higher
levels (e.g. the Minister) within the Ministry. The department OWW does not use a GNSS and
uses only Google maps to see where a parcel is located. Therefore only data from ODRO is
used to show data collection on terrestrial level was put in use into maps.

3
GNSS (Global Navigation Satelite System) apparatus receives American (GPS) satellites and Russian
satellites (GLONASS). More information at: http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/GNSS.
22
2.6.2.3 Show data collection on aerial level can be used by others in the
organization
GISsat N.V. was also contracted to acquire data from the Hannaslust project (project where
government builds houses for the community) to monitor building progress, a project initiated
by the Minister of Public Works. Their acquired data and processed maps and DEM (Digital
Elevation Model) was used to help answer sub research question five: show possible use of
acquired data by personnel on a higher level. With an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called
Gatewing X100, aerial information was collected and processed by GISsat N.V. A photo
camera imbedded together with a pre-determined GPS-driven flight path, the aircraft collects
photos and positional data of these photos (see figure 2.3).
In table 2.5 the activities for testing vision element three are given.

Figure 2.3 Schematic representation of the Gatewing X100 UAV system


[Source: UAS Vision, 2013]
This schematic overview gives the basic aspects of taking air photos with the Gatewing X100 UAV

Table 2.5 Activities for testing vision element three


Activity
Interviews Together with an employee of GISsat N.V. (E. Moerland) the
interviews were conducted at MOPW.
Showing processed After recognizing two levels of data acquisition: terrestrial and aerial,
data into maps for both were used for this thesis. For terrestrial data, maps were made by
use on higher level personnel of ODRO, needed to show how terrestrial data acquired by
23
GNSS was processed to a map for use on higher levels. For aerial data,
GISsat N.V. did all the data acquiring and processing and only these
results were used to show that aerial data can be used on higher level.

2.7 Research materials


The research materials are in folder Research_materials on the cd provided with this thesis:
• Documents provided by the Ministry of Public Works. (In folder
Docs_Public_Works: 2 Word files)
• Reference information from recordings (In folder Recs_transcripts_thesis: 8 Pdf files,
1 Word file)
• Interviews with persons (In folder Interviews: 10 mp3 recordings):
o Bansie, S., Employee of Drainage, ministry of Public Works
o Chedi, S., Employee of Spatial Planning, ministry of Public Works
o Kalloe, V., Employee of Public relations, ministry of Public Works
o Krishnadath, L., sub director Spatial Planning, ministry of Public Works
o Moerland, E., Employee of GISsat N.V.
o Ramautar, W., Employee of Drainage, ministry of Public Works
o Ridder de, S., Company Executive Officer of GISsat N.V.
o Sewmangal, W., Employee of Spatial Planning, ministry of Public Works
• Scientific articles provided by Mr. Ezra Dessers, PhD and downloaded from
www.sciencedirect.com:
o GIS articles (72 Pdf files in folder GIS)
o SDI articles (126 Pdf files in folder SDI)
• List of software used:
o Bizagi Process Modeler version 2.3.0.3
o Microsoft Office Visio 2007
o ArcGIS Server & ArcGIS Desktop
o MS Excel
o MS Word

To better understand why UML was used in this thesis some background information is
given. Complex problems require explanations, most of the time a graphic representation
gives a solution more pleasingly and briefly than only text.
24
Hjelmager et al. (2008) describe in their research article “The use of UML for SDI modeling”
as follows ‘It has become the industry standard for modeling software-intensive systems and
is now becoming widely used for modelling systems in general. UML has become an
international standard as ISO/IEC 19501:2005, Information technology—Open Distributed
Processing—Unified Modeling Language (UML) Version 1.4.2. Kumarapeli et al. (2007) did
a literature review on three modelling techniques:
• Integrated Definition for Function Model (IDEF),
• Data Flow Diagrams (DFD) and
• Unified Modelling Language (UML)
The comparison of the pros and cons of these three modeling techniques can be reviewed in
Appendix C. Out of the three modeling techniques, UML was chosen for improvement of
processes in the study of Kumarapeli et al. (2007). UML was chosen for this thesis as modeling
language because it is an international standard (Hjelmager et al. (2008)) and because it has
the same aim as the study of Kumarapeli et al. (2007), namely efficiency improvement of
processes. For more about UML notation, refer to: http://www.uml.org/.

UML is a general-purpose modeling language, while the BPMN-variant (Business Process


Model and Notation) is more suitable for process modeling. Bizagi which will be used in this
thesis (also BPMN) is a freeware and also a process modeling tool which gives the same result.
The process-modeling focus of BPMN is considered to be more in line with the current vision
on SDIs as process-based infrastructures. Earlier SDIs were mainly data-based, and their
development was often supported by using the data-modeling UML language. In that way, the
use of BPMN and UML can be linked to the first and second generation of SDI (Dessers, E.,
personal communication, January 9, 2013). Dessers (2012) describes these two generation of
SDIs as follows: “The historical overviews of SDI by Masser (2005) and Rajabifard et al.
(2002; 2006) were used to order the different types of SDI objectives specified in the
definitions. These authors make a distinction between first generation SDIs that have data as
their key driver and are based on a product model and second generation SDIs in which user
needs are the key driver and that are based on a process or development model”.

The reason to use Bizagi Process Modeler is because it was freeware. Microsoft office Visio
2007 was free to use on the computer is the main reason why it was used for modelling. In
both Microsoft Office Visio 2007 and Bizagi process modeler, UML (Unified Modeling
Language) is used. The reason for describing the processes and organizational structure within

25
the pilots in UML was to take a snap shot of the current activities within the two pilots (ODRO
and OWW). Another reason to use UML is because it is a worldwide accepted modelling
language.
Udrica et al. (2011) gave some advantages of UML:
• it is a frame for object oriented analysis, providing different but complementary views
of the system which guides the use of object concepts, and providing several levels of
abstraction, that allows the control of the system's complexity through object solutions
• it is a communication pylon in which graphic notation allows visual expression of an
object solution and also the formal aspect/appearance of its notation limits ambiguity
but also the visual features facilitate comparison and evaluation of solutions
• it is a formal and standardized language, which gains precision/accuracy and also gains
stability
• ensures independence towards the implementation language and the domain of
application
Disadvantages of UML are:
• The practice of UML language requires specialized training
• It allows the design of models, but it does not specify the process of the model’s design.
It is an iterative and incremental approach guided by the requirements/ needs of the
system’s users.
• It does not show/ not describe how the soft is developed/to develop the soft, but it can
be used with any process.

The GIS software that was used in this thesis is: ArcGIS Server & ArcGIS Desktop.
ArcGIS desktop was already in use on MOPW, ArcGIS Server will be used as a greater
amount of users can work on one ArcGIS Server license.
ArcGIS is a complete system for designing and managing solutions through the application
of geographic knowledge, comprising desktop, mobile and server applications. It should be
noted that other GIS software vendors, such as AutoDesk, Smallworld and Intergraph, offer
similar solutions (Dessers, E., personal communication, February 4, 2013). According to
GISsat N.V. Company Executive Officer, S. de Ridder said “ArcGIS is chosen as GIS
software, because ESRI GIS is the used standard within Suriname and the private sector. GIS
is lectured as a course (with ArcGIS software) on the school institutions: NATIN, PTC and
ADEKUS. Both elements result in a higher chance to find experienced personnel, which can
develop and support the system (SDI). Finding good human resources is still a challenge in
26
Suriname. The fact that ESRI GIS has been introduced in Suriname since 1996 and currently
is used by more than 80 organizations and ministries is not an unimportant detail” (Ridder
de, S., personal communication, June 25, 2013(b)).

3 Results
3.1 Introduction
In this chapter the paragraphs will describe the results for the sub research questions.

3.2 Result sub research question one


The transposed vision element one is: “Official spatial data of the Ministry of Public Works
(MOPW) should be collected once only and maintained at the level where this can be done
most effectively”

3.2.1 Result list context ODRO


The result for the context of ODRO is in the following two points, regarding allotments in
residential areas and their respective drainage:
1. Assessment of licensee-applications for allotments
The decision of licensee-applications for allotments happens on the basis of a list of criteria,
which partly is examined within the ODRO by the department of Planning, and partly
examined by the sub directorates of the directorate of Civil Technical Works (CTW), namely
the sub directorate Dry CTW (Dutch: Droge CTW) and the sub directorate Wet CTW (Dutch:
Natte CTW). From legal basis, the areas where the Ministry of Public Works has the mandate
to give licenses for allotments in ‘residential areas’, which are the cities Paramaribo, Nieuw
Nickerie, Apoera, Wanica, Commewijne and Para and an area of five km on both sides of
primary roads, category a (Krishnadath, L., personal communication, March 9, 2012). The
technical application should consist of the following documents:
a. Map of parcel division
b. Street plan
c. Drainage plan
d. Services plan
e. Report for soil conditions, earth movement and other needed groundwork
f. Project specification (Dutch: bestek)
27
2. Survey work
The ODRO does survey work, currently executed by the division of Planning (Dutch:
Planologische Dienst) for internal affairs and also on demand of the Director of Architectural
Works, as well as other directorates and sub directorates. The survey work involves the
execution of field measurements on height, location and distances and suchlike. All the
activities of ODRO are elaborated in appendix D.

3.2.2 Result list context OWW


The result for the context of OWW is in the following two points, regarding allotments in
residential areas and their respective drainage (Mohan, S., personal communication, May 16,
2012):

1. Maintenance Drainage works


Under the maintenance of drainage works can be comprehended all tasks that involve the
maintenance, management and extension of the drainage as well as the planning of this to
capacity, finances and logistics. The drainage are subdivided to sort, which can be found in
the section of the organization
a. Closed Drainage
b. Open Drainage
c. Constructions (Sluices/pumping-stations)
For the concernment of the Drainage (closed/open), geographically there can be a division
between the district Paramaribo and the other districts, except district Sipaliwini (See figure
2.2), which is outside the control area of OWW. For the area Paramaribo, the entire system
under the control of OWW (i.e. either primary, secondary or tertiary system). For other
districts is only the primary system is under the control of OWW. All constructions in the
districts, except the district of Sipaliwini (which is under supervision of Ministry of Regional
Development), fall under supervision of OWW.

2. Judgment ‘overloop’ permits


‘Overlopen’ are culverts placed by private persons in the drainage before their parcel. The
filling of a trench and the connection of the drainage to the drainage system happens with an
‘overloop’. This is part of a tertiary system, but if extension is needed, this happens on the
initiative of a private person and not by OWW. The dimensioning of the ‘overloop’ is subject

28
to some restrictions and is therefore coupled to a permit. OWW judges the permit and has the
mandate to give fiat. Although this task is not explicitly imbedded in the structure of the
organization, this task has become structural enough that there are initiatives to create a
separate section ‘overlopen’ for OWW, for which the decision has not been taken yet. All the
activities of OWW are elaborated in appendix E.

3.2.3 Result organization structure


The organization structure for ODRO is the department of Spatial Planning (Planologische
Dienst) directly under it. However a new organization structure has been proposed of which
the structure can be seen in the figure 3.1 which was compiled with Microsoft Office Visio
2007

Figure 3.1 Structure sub directorate of Spatial Planning ODRO (future) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi
(2013)]

The organizational structure is called “future” because it is not yet implemented by law

The organizational structure of OWW is given in figure 3.2.

29
Figure 3.2 Structure of department of Drainage (OWW) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]

For purpose of completeness, the whole organizational structure of MOPW is given both in
the old situation and in the situation after the reorganization by the government of 2010, both
have been translated from Dutch to English.
Appendix A represents the proposed rearrangement of the organizational structure of the
Ministry of Public Works by the new government of Suriname from May 2010. The
organizational structure in the “old” situation (before 2010), before the proposed
rearrangement of the whole organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Works, can be
seen in appendix B.

3.2.4 Result context diagrams

In the context diagram of figure 3.3 the information streams referring to the SDI within ODRO
are shown, in red the pilot within ODRO is marked. Figure 3.3 shows that ODRO has
information stream interaction between four other actors: sub directorate Wet CTW, sub
directorate Dry CTW, Director Architectural Works and Services and the department of
Planning. There is an indirect interaction of ODRO with private persons through the Director
Architectural Works and Services

The context diagram in figure 3.4 shows the interactions between the actors of the department
of Drainage (OWW), in red the pilot within OWW is marked. The white-red representation is
used to make clear which part is used in the SDI context of OWW in figure 3.4.

30
Figure 3.3 Context diagram with functions and information referring to the sub directorate of Spatial Planning (ODRO) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]

31
Figure 3.4 Context diagram with functions and information referring to the department of Drainage (OWW) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]

32
3.2.5 Result color-coded diagrams
After the context diagrams were made by the thesis writer, they were printed out to assess
which actors were inside and which were outside the pilot(s). In figure 3.5 the actors within
the pilot are colored with red arrows, and other colors show actors outside the pilot. In figure
3.6 the actors within the pilot are colored with dark red arrows, while other colors show the
actors outside the pilot.

Figure 3.5 Color-coded diagram for ODRO

Figure 3.6 Color-coded diagram for OWW


37
3.2.6 Result context diagrams referring to SDI
In figure 3.7 the context diagram is given of the information streams (red arrows) referring to
the SDI for ODRO

Figure 3.7 Context diagram of the information streams referring to the SDI (ODRO) in place

The context diagram in figure 3.7 gives an overview of the information streams regarding
the license application for an allotment project for the Sub Directorate of Spatial Planning
and all the actors involved [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]
In figure 3.8 the information streams referring to the SDI within OWW are shown in the
context diagram.
Within the context in figure 3.8, OWW has information stream interaction between two other
actors: private persons and department Planning Preparation & Guidance. There is an indirect
interaction of ODRO through Planning Preparation & Guidance with three other sub
departments: Closed Drainage, Open Drainage and Sluices & Pumping stations.

38
Figure 3.8 Context diagram of the information streams referring to the SDI (OWW)

The context diagram in figure 3.8 gives an overview of the information streams regarding the
license request for ‘overlopen’ for an allotment project for the department of Drainage and all
the actors involved [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]

3.3 Result sub research question two

3.3.1 Result process flows ODRO and OWW


After completion of the context diagrams, an assessment was made per information stream
which actors are involved. Then each information stream results in an overview which actors
have a role and what this role involves for both internal and external the directorate of Spatial
Planning (ODRO) within the Ministry of Public Works, as well as outside the Ministry of
Public Works. The same method was followed for the department of Drainage (OWW).

39
This results in a process flow of the data/information of these information streams. The output
is:
a. A process flow of each data/information stream. But only the process flows within the
pilots will be taken into account in this thesis.

The results for the second sub research question are given in this section. The second sub
research question was
• What are the process-flows within each pilot (ODRO and OWW)?
In figure 3.9, the process flow of “Overloop” license request is given, for the Drainage
department (OWW). The process flow in figure 3.9 is as follows: a private person submits an
“Overloop” license request to the OWW department, which reviews the request on certain
criteria, and gives a license when the criteria are fulfilled. If the criteria are not fulfilled, then
the private person has to resubmit his license request with the criteria fulfilled.

In figure 3.10 the process flow of request allotment license within urban areas is given, for the
sub directorate ODRO.

Figure 3.9 Process flow of “Overloop” license request [Compiled by: P. Punwasi, 2013]

40
Figure 3.10 Process flow of request allotment license within urban areas (pilot ODRO)

41
3.4 Result sub research question three
The transposed vision element 2 is: “It must be possible to combine seamlessly spatial data
from different sources across the Ministry of Public Works and share them between many
users and applications”

3.4.1 Result list of procedures/data management


The following part lists strictly the procedures/data management for allotment permits, which
can be subdivided into big allotments and small allotments. All data gathered in the procedure
of allotment permits is hard copy data (data management is thus difficult).

Is an allotment permit needed yes/no?


1. Division of land in two or more parts for building purposes

2. Situated within an area where a structural plan is decreed.


3. Or in expectation of point 2 decreed by Staatsbesluit (State Decree) as Residential Area

Submission: On paper by owner or other authorized person


Categories: Possible division
a. Small allotment project
i. In case of no new infrastructure or adaption of existing infrastructure
b. Big allotment project
ii. In case of new roads or waterways have to be built or existing ones extended

Big allotment
Submission:
1. Petition, signed (legalized by Notary)
2. Petition, provided with a receipt stamp of SRD 1,-
3. Power of Attorney? Yes, then copies of the Power of Attorney
4. Receipt fee SRD 2,- and fee money SRD 2,50
5. Mortgage declaration (recent)
6. Copy surveyor map of the terrain to be parceled
7. Location sketch 1:20.000
i. Layout of the parcel in regard to existing Roads and Aerial Services (Dutch:
wijkvoorzieningen)

42
8. Allotment plan (concept) 1:1000
i. Map of parcel division
ii. Street plan
iii. Drainage plan
iv. Services plan
v. Report for soil conditions, earth movement and other needed groundwork
vi. Project specification
9. Explanation of the relation of the intended spatial division and the direct surroundings
10. Declaration of piping and wiring companies that the connection of the project on the
water and electricity net is possible.
11. Declaration of willingness of transfer roads and other terrain for public utilities (or not)
to the State.

Allotment plan
1. Map of Parcels
a. Length measurements on all parcel sides
b. Numbering of the parcels
c. Indication of the surface of standard parcels
d. Indication of terrain characteristics e.g. buildings and fences
e. Indication of road strips (existing and projected)
f. Indication of eventual ‘waterlopen’ outside the road strips
g. Height level numbers of the surface level in NSP (Normaal Surinaams Peil)
h. Explanatory description of proposal
2. Road plan
a. Type road complying with the minimum broadness of the road strips
b. Dead-end roads?
c. Paved?
d. Footways?
e. Road markings and road furniture
f. Detail drawings road construction 1:100
g. Detail drawings of curves 1:250. Criteria for ‘Hoekafsnijding’
h. Surface levels NSP (Normaal Surinaams Peil) of the road body, both existing
ones and connections
3. Drainage plan
a. Satisfactory water storage?

43
b. Slope in regard to ground type
c. Rules for parcel connection
d. Dimensioning correct?
e. Street wells and inspection wells inclusive locking elements correct?
f. Maintenance strip per type of road correct?
g. Ground level or level ‘binnenonderkant’ in NSP of the trenches
h. Constructions (Sluices/pumping-stations)
i. Connection on which existing drainage structure?
i. Method of connection
ii. Detail drawing
iii. Calculation
j. Drainage plan (if applicable)
k. Collection lakes (if applicable)
i. Location
ii. Dimensions
iii. Retention time
iv. Connection methods internal drainage system
v. Connection method collection lake on public drainage system (if
applicable)
4. Services plan
a. Open Air recreation
b. Greenery
c. Basic education (if the Ministry finds applicable)
d. Crèche (if the Ministry finds applicable)
e. Lightning plan
f. Plan for traffic furniture and traffic markings
5. Report for soil conditions, earth movement and other needed groundwork
a. Soil investigation
i. Carrying capacity
ii. Soil profile
iii. Groundwater level (NSP)
b. Necessary soil consolidation and the needed soil consolidation techniques
c. Level measurements (NSP) in the benefit of leveling calculations and
infrastructure

44
6. Specifications (Dutch: bestek)
To an approved allotment plan a plan of specifications should be coupled

Small allotment
Submission:
1. Petition, signed (legalized by Notary)
2. Petition, provided with a receipt stamp of SRD 1,-
3. Power of Attorney? Yes, then copies of the Power of Attorney
4. Receipt fee SRD 2,- and fee money SRD 2,50
5. Mortgage declaration (recent)
6. Copy surveyor map of the terrain to be parceled
7. Situation sketch 1:1.000
i. Desired division
ii. Boundary limits
iii. Numbering of parcels inclusive the surface area
8. Situation drawing of the parcel

3.4.2 Result data requirements

In tables below the data requirements are given. The data requirements are extracted from the
procedures/data management paragraph. Table 3.1 gives an overview of data requirements
when partitioned land is within a structural plan or residential area. Table 3.2 gives the data
requirements for a submission which is tested for big or small allotment. Table 3.3 gives the
data requirements for a big allotment and table 3.4 gives the data requirements for a small
allotment.

Table 3.1 Data requirements when partitioned land is situated in area with structural plan or residential
area
Geographic
Data Remark Object
data?
Partition for building
No Criteria Not applicable
purposes
Outline / footprint of structural
Yes Structural plan Testing
plan areas
Outline / footprint of Residential
Yes Residential Area Testing
areas

Table 3.2 Data requirements when submission is tested for big allotment or small allotment
Geographic
Data Remark Object
data?

45
No Submission In writing Not applicable
Owner or their
No Registration Not applicable
authorized person
Registration
(from the moment
No Date Not applicable
all requirements
are met)
No Settlement period Not applicable Not applicable
Publication in
No Not applicable Not applicable
newspaper(s)
Testing
Course / location of
framework for
Yes Existing infrastructure infrastructure e.g. roads and
small and big
watercourses
allotment
Testing Course / location of
Projected
Yes framework for big infrastructure e.g. roads and
infrastructure
allotment watercourses

Table 3.3 Data requirements big allotment


Geographic
Data Remark Object
data?
No Petition signed Administrative Not applicable
No Receipt stamp Administrative Not applicable
Power of attorney if
No Administrative Not applicable
applicable
No Receipts Administrative Not applicable
No Mortgage extract Administrative Not applicable
Georeferenced image and outline
Yes Copy surveyor map Location
location
Georeferenced image and outline
Yes Location sketch Location
location
Detail plan (see
Yes Allotment plan Not applicable
further)
Explanatory
No Testing possible Not applicable
description
Statement piping &
No Testing possible Not applicable
wiring companies
Declaration of
No Administrative Not applicable
willingness
Location and Georeferenced image and outline
Yes Map of de partitioning
criteria location
Location,
Yes Street plan Dimensions and Georeferenced image
criteria

46
Location,
Yes Drainage plan Dimensions and Georeferenced image
criteria
Location and
Yes Services plan Georeferenced image
criteria
Outlines of Isotopes similar soil
Yes Report soil conditions Situation soil
types
Specifications
No administrative Not applicable
(‘Bestek’)

Table 3.4 Data requirements small allotment


Geographic
Data Remark Object
data?
No Petition signed Administrative Not applicable
No Receipt stamp Administrative Not applicable
Power of attorney if
No Administrative Not applicable
applicable
No Receipts Administrative Not applicable
No Mortgage extract Administrative Not applicable
Georeferenced image and outline
Yes Copy parcel map Location
location
Sketch map Georeferenced image and outline
Yes Location
(schetskaart) location
Situation drawing Georeferenced image and outline
Yes Location
(situatie tekening) location

3.4.3 Result database requirements


In the table 3.5 below the result of all database requirements are given. For example three
random datasets in tables below are open drainage, big allotment and small allotment, with
their respective geometry, attributes, description and type.

47
Table 3.5 Complete overview of database requirements
Dataset Geometry Attribute Description Type
Structure plan Polygon Type Description of the type structure Text
Residential Area Polygon Status Description of the status of the State Decree Text
Roads Polyline Name Name of the road Text
Surface Type Surface Text
Width Width road deck (m) Double
Type Type road Text
Open Drainage Polyline Name road Name of the road where the drainage runs Text
Type Type within drainage system Text
Soil type Description Text
Slope Slope dimensions; x:y (vertical : horizontal) Text
Width Width dimensions Double
Depth Depth relative to NSP Double
Status Status of the discharge Text
Supervisor Name of the supervisor Text
Inspection Drainage Point
Type Type inspection work (manhole, storm drain etc.) Text
Material Type material Text
Closed Drainage Polyline
Name road Name of the road where the drainage runs Text
Type Type within drainage system Text
Diameter Dimensions diameter tube Double
Material Type material Text
Depth b.o.k. (upside, downside) Depth relative to NSP Double
Constructions Point Location Description of the location Text
Type Type of construction Text
Capacity Capacity data Double
Height Height relative to NSP Double
Big allotment Polygon Name applicant Name of the applicant Text
Allotment number Unique ID of the allotment request Text
Status Status of the request Text
Date Registered date Date
Surveyor map Hyperlink to Surveyor map Text
Location sketch Hyperlink to Location sketch Text
Partitioning map Hyperlink to Partitioning map Text
Criteria Street plan Advice Street plan Text
Criteria Drainage plan Advice Drainage Text
Criteria Services plan Advice Services plan Text
Small allotment Polygon Name applicant Name of the applicant Text
Allotment number Unique ID of the allotment request Text
Status Status of the request Text
Date Registered date Date
Parcel map Hyperlink to Parcel map Text
Sketch map (schetskaart) Hyperlink to Sketch map Text
Situation drawing (situatie tekening) Hyperlink to Situation drawing Text
Surveyor map Raster Not applicable Georeferenced
Location sketch Raster Not applicable Georeferenced
Partitioning map Raster Not applicable Georeferenced
Parcel map Raster Not applicable Georeferenced
Sketch map
(schetskaart) Raster Not applicable Georeferenced
Situation drawing
(situatie tekening) Raster Not applicable Georeferenced

48
3.5 Result sub research question four

3.5.1 Result relational database

The results for the third sub research question are given in this section. The fourth sub research
question was
• What relations are there between the datasets of the two pilots (ODRO and OWW)?
The relations between the datasets are given in the relational database in figure 3.11.
Figure 3.11 shows the schema of the dataset that enables queries for small allotments, big allotments
and drainage information. A small allotment (AllotmentSmall) can have only one parcel map and
one parcel map can belong to only one small allotment. Therefore, small allotment and parcel map
are related in a one-on-one relationship. A small allotment can have one or many roads, given by a
one-to-many relationship with table roads. A road can contain zero or many small allotments,
reflected by a one-to-many relationship of table roads with table AllotmentSmall.
Some major datasets in figure 3.11 (with their interconnections) are: Big & Small Allotments,
Closed & Open Drainage and Roads. Further the relations between maps and drawings associated
with the Big & Small allotments are given.

49
UML weergave

Figure 3.11 A relational overview of the several datasets (Relational database) [Compiled by: P. Punwasi (2013)]

50
3.6 Result sub research question five
The transposed vision element three is: “It should be possible for information collected at one
level of the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW) to be shared between all the different levels
of the MOPW”.

3.6.1 Result data collection on terrestrial level


From measurements on the ground level the GPS points are inserted in a map to have an
overview of the area measured. In this case it was the Fire Brigade Complex at Moengo. The
result is a map in figure 3.12 which can be used by others at MOPW.

Figure 3.12 Result of GNSS used by the ground team of ODRO [Source: MOPW, ODRO (2013)].

The ground team used measuring points of fire brigade complex at Moengo, district Marowijne to make
a map which can also be used by others in the department and the Ministry

51
3.6.2 Result data collection on aerial level
With an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) areal footage has been taken and this data has
been worked out in maps by GISsat N.V. in figure 3.13 which are made available to MOPW,
and which can be used by others at the Ministry on higher levels for decision making or
policy for the project which was at Hannaslust. The project at Hannaslust was a government
building area with housing and other accompanying services such as a school and a
children’s playground. Another result of data acquired was a DEM (Digital Elevation
Model) in figure 3.14 which also has been made by GISsat N.V., available to the Ministry to
be used on other levels within the Ministry for policy purposes.
During a recent project, the aerial field data collection was done by contractor GISsat
N.V. Although this was not a full time job, meaning consequently done by the Ministry, this
has also been taken into account as a form of field data collection. After processing the data
(done by GISsat) products are an accurate ortho photo, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
and a XYZ points cloud. This data represents in the example Hannaslust, a government
house building project. Its use is to look at progress of the house building project of the
government on the location Hannaslust. Another possible use of the data is to project
irrigation channels by connecting all lower parts in an allotment area for drainage of that
area. All this data has height information from which a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) can
be created, which was done by GISsat N.V. (See figure 3.13).
What was also possible is that a 3D-model can be made, and used as a tool for
design/positioning of ‘waterlopen’ or drainage canals and another application is to use the
3D model as input for calculating water pumping stations. At Hannaslust every month an
aerial map was created by GISsat N.V. with the air photos from the X100 (during the SDI
implementation time). By comparing the aerial photo maps over several time frames, the
succession of work done on the site of Hannaslust can be measured (See figure 3.14).
Hannaslust, was a government allotment project where houses were built to be sold to
private persons. The aerial photo maps, made by GISsat N.V. can be used by higher levels
(directorate/ the Minister) to determine the progress in the allotment project of Hannaslust
and to determine if actions need to be taken to speed up building progress.

52
Date: 19 November 2012

Date: 29 January 2013

Date: 5 March 2013


Figure 3.13 An overview of Aerial field data collected with Gatewing X100 UAV on three dates, following project progress of Hannaslust [Source: GISsat
N.V.(2013)]

53
Detail of DEM of Hannaslust
Digital Elevation Model of Hannaslust

East-West intersection of the XYZ point cloud

North-South intersection through drainage of the XYZ point cloud

Classified XYZ point cloud


Figure 3.14 Digital Elevation Model combined with an ortho photo of Hannaslust [Source: GISsat N.V. (2013)]

54
4 Discussion
The efficiency can be improved at the Ministry of Public works regarding data/information
disclosure. There is limited availability and insight in data. A solution is to disclose the data
through an SDI. The essence of an SDI is that it is an infrastructure that makes it possible that
data of several sources can be disclosed through the SDI. This can be done by putting the data
in one gathering place in the SDI (which is the case for this thesis and the pilots), but it is also
possible to manage the data non-central and make the data altogether accessible through for
example web-services (Dessers, E., personal communication, June 24, 2013(a)).
The two pilots ODRO and OWW were (chosen because of their need of accurate and
up to date spatial data) used to build this SDI with the help of a private company GISsat N.V.
The guidelines of Europe were chosen as a reference for SDI assessment. These are known as
the INSPIRE guidelines, which are transposed to this thesis for the two pilots. The data that is
disclosed through the SDI can be used by both OWW and ODRO. The applicability and
transposability is assessed using three selected vision elements of the INSPIRE framework.
The research objective was to assess the process of implementing an SDI within the
Ministry of Public Works by using two pilots ODRO and OWW, in other words which
technical-organizational actions were needed to reach the three selected vision elements. The
main problem of inadequate information access and proper data disclosure has been solved to
a large extent, covered mostly by vision element one and two. Vision element one; data
collection (collect data once and maintain at appropriate level), can be reached to a large extent
by modeling data management processes as a tool to ensure the management of data collection
within the two pilots. This does not imply that no mistakes, mismanagement can be made in
data collection. Moreover, the solution brought up are not the only solution, but they can help
to reach vision element one.
Vision element two; sharing data from different sources between users and
applications, can be reached by the developed data standards. The application of the data
standards will be crucial to reach vision element two. There should be timely evaluation and
update or addition of data standards by the management within both pilots to ensure that vision
element two is met.
Vision element three; the sharing of data between levels (aggregation etc.), can be
reached by organizing and aligning of different levels of data collection. A clear cookbook
with standards and procedures is needed for the managers within the two pilots. The guidelines
in the cookbook can prevent ambiguity in actions of the managers in their aim to reach vision

55
element three. Realizing the three vision elements is not a onetime effort; it needs continuous
attention and alertness.
Implementation of the SDI will have certain consequences. Since only new allotment licenses
will be handled by the personnel within both pilots, action needs to be taken for the older
allotment licenses. Since the workload of the personnel handling new license requests is very
high, it is recommended that a separate team should be considered for putting the older
allotment licenses in the SDI. This does not whatsoever imply that the SDI will solve all
problems; it is simply a tool to help improve data and information disclosure.
There are other practical reasons why old licenses should be put into the SDI. This will
be illustrated by the following example. In the rainy season, certain allotments are completely
submersed by rain, because allotment criteria are not met by the allotment owner. With the
SDI in place, all data disclosed, allotment owners can be penalized for not having met the
criteria of drainage. Currently it is an impossible job to find the owners license application
documents and give penalties to the owner within the piles of papers in the archives. So with
the SDI in place problems can be dealt with in a proper and firm way by the Ministry (MOPW).
Also proper management, inventory, surveillance, inspection and control of allotments
are possibly better with all old allotment licenses gathered centrally in the SDI. The
implementation of the SDI will ensure synergy in the use of spatial data in the Ministry of
Public Works, since data standards support sharing of data from different sources between
users and applications. Another (technical) problem, will also be solved to a large extent with
the implementation of the SDI. For example making overviews of larger areas with several
allotments with drainage is then possible, instead of the current situation of paper maps where
no overview of tens or hundreds of allotments is possible. The SDI is a proper tool for
improving efficiency, but not the only tool and it is certainly not a solution to all problems of
the pilots. Continuous assessments and periodical revisions of the SDI are needed to reach all
three vision elements at a certain point in the future. A suggestion for the future is for allotment
applications to be handled online.
One of the main methods in collecting data and information about the two pilots was
through interviews, because reports were not available. It is recommended that the production
of monthly reports and yearly reports should be reinstated. In this way the history of
development of the SDI and the processes involved are available with lessons learned for
future development of other SDIs. The current situation of data gathering in both pilots was
assessed and lead to the conclusion that there was poor data maintenance and possible data
loss, because of termites in the archives. Context diagrams were made in UML to distillate

56
data/information relations between departments and relations. Process diagrams were made
using BPMN. Both context diagrams and process diagrams can help improve management.
The importance of UML in this thesis was the process of gaining insight into the
organizational structure of the both pilots. The UML models of the pilots also allowed for
better abstraction and delineation of interactions/information streams between the actors of
each pilot by using the context diagrams made in UML. The clear output helped to model the
process flows within each pilot concisely. Modeling the data management processes was
important to solve the transposability of the first vision element: data collection (Collect data
once and maintain at appropriate level). That the data collection must be done on appropriate
level within the pilots became clear by for example the drainage criteria for allotments, when
the ODRO needs to give an allotment license, a certain array of data needs to be collected for
approval by the drainage department, before the allotment license can be made by the ODRO
department. This is an indication that vision element one is transposable to the SDI in
Suriname.
The finalized process flows were important in the definition of data standards, because
with these process flows and interviews of responsible managers, data and information could
be assessed as input for modelling the database requirements and a relational database in UML.
This gave hands on experience in collecting data and subsequently working towards
requirements of data assessment in relation to the SDI and relations between the datasets of
the two pilots. The result was that data standards could be developed, which is the solution to
solving the transposability of the second vision element: Data sharing from different sources
between users and applications. The data standards were successfully developed, indicating
that the second vision element is transposable to the SDI of Suriname.
For the third vision element there are two levels of data collection: ground and airborne
data collection. Because both type of data collection can be put into GIS applications, the
aggregation of these data is possible. Data sharing of collected data either airborne or ground
level GNSS data is possible within GIS applications (ArcGIS). Thus it can be concluded that
the third vision element is transposable to the SDI in Suriname. The SDI developed for the
Ministry of Public Works, supports access to geographic information. Furthermore it is
important as a development tool to support policy decisions. This is also highlighted by
Turkstra et al. (2003) as “…support decision-making at different scales for multiple purposes”.
Since the Ministry of Public Works and therefore Suriname is starting to make SDI as a tool
for development, it shows the political commitment for sustainable development of the
Ministry of Public Works. But there are also institutional requirements needed to make the

57
SDI a success. Turkstra et al. (2003) gave some comments on institutional and political
requirements in Trujillo-Peru for the successful development of a local spatial data
infrastructure. Important requirements are data and human capacity. Data are not always “good
and compatible”, because of “weak national data providers” and “initiated projects are stand-
alone and lack continuity due to lack of funding, [and] embedding in stable institutions”. The
latter is also the case within the Ministry of Public Works.
The department of WLA (Hydrodynamics Services), which has no GIS system, has
been recently trained by funding of UNDP in GIS usage by GISsat N.V.( Moerland, E.,
personal communication, June 17, 2013). Human capacity is described by Turkstra et al.
(2003) as “severe lack of trained staff, staff with limited GIS knowledge, management level
not aware of possibilities of GIS”. The same situation of Peru, can be described for Suriname,
for both pilots: lack of staff and personnel with GIS knowledge are scarce. It is of vital
importance to have a long term vision for development of the SDI within the Ministry of Public
Works.
Recently a small team was trained in GIS use within the ODRO sub directorate. But a
personal observation in practice is that the trainings cannot be put to good use, since the high
workload and day-to-day events such as field examination of allotments which needs to be
done by the trained personnel, GIS use is not blooming. Subsequently a GIS-unit comprising
of three to five persons of different departments will be installed to help materialize the SDI
to more mature proportions. These are the technical-organizational actions needed for the SDI.
What is evident is that the development of the SDI should be a serious focus point within the
Ministry. Furthermore a roadmap should be made when what part is done to build the SDI. It
should involve proper ownership of the Ministry of Public Works for really building the SDI
in a stepwise manner when what should be done. But what is more important is that there
needs to be a formal mandate to develop SDIs in Suriname. With such a mandate, the
government ensures their long term vision towards sustainable development of the country.
There can be better urban management and planning but possible obstacles can be the
high number of stakeholders and several jurisdictions in decision making. The ministries
involved in urban management and planning are: ROGB (Spatial planning and Forestry
management), NH (Mining), LVV (agriculture & husbandry). For example there are several
stakeholders who manage roads in Suriname: Ministry of Public Works, Road Authority,
Ministry LVV and Ministry RO. This can give problems when developing the SDI further;
each stakeholder should know their jurisdiction and planning becomes complex, therefore a
national approach is needed.

58
To focus back on the two pilots, an important observation is that spatial information is
developed and used inefficiently (paper maps, printouts archived instead of softcopies). What
should also be noted is that the current (to be developed) SDI will function as a blue print for
other local and national SDIs in Suriname, therefore (technical) capacity building of GIS
applications within the pilots and other directorates of the Ministry is a must. It is
recommended that research should be done to assess future SDI’s in Suriname on their benefits
and on achieving their objective. This need has also been acknowledged by Giff & Crompvoets
(2008). In their paper Giff & Crompvoets (2008) give an overview of a structured concept of
SDI assessment, which can be used for making an SDI assessment methodology in Suriname.
The data disclosure which was the main problem within the two pilots of this thesis can
be reached to a large extent by the implementation of an SDI by using three transposable
INSPIRE vision elements. But to improve the day-to-day work processes and efficiency,
another approach is needed. Work processes can be classified under the social impacts of SDIs.
Economic and social impacts have not been studied in depth according to Grus et al. (2011)
and need more focus. Improvement of work processes, (in case of the thesis: the improvement
of work processes involving allotments with their drainage) has been studied by
Vandenbroucke et al. (2013).
Vandenbroucke et al. (2013) studied the case of the development of land use plans in
Flanders (Belgium), in which he proposed three indicators to improve work processes: (i)
efficiency of access, (ii) intensity of use and (iii) degree of sharing. The “efficiency of access”
indicator is according to Vandenbroucke et al. (2013) the “terms of the efforts needed by the
user to discover the spatial data needed, and to obtain and have them operational for usage in
the process”. “Intensity of use” indicator is defined by Vandenbroucke et al. (2013) as “the
degree to which spatial data and GI-technology are used and integrated in the process”. The
“Degree of sharing” indicator is described by Vandenbroucke et al. (2013) as “meant to
measure the factual sharing of the data resulting from the process with other stakeholders,
whether it is through distribution of the data on physical media or through publication on the
internet”.
The access, use and sharing of spatial data in terms of performance of the SDI can be used
to make a work process assessment within the Ministry of Public Works in the future. There
are several factors from which the success of an SDI depends on: judicial, human resources,
institutional. So beside the technical-organizational solutions that are brought forward with
this thesis, there are many other factors on which the success of an SDI depends. Hendriks et
al. (2012) argue that the SDI as an infrastructure have an intermediate character and warn to

59
look at the infrastructure on its own (for example with own internal SDI objectives and
evaluation criteria), isolated from the environment in which the infrastructure gets its meaning.
An infrastructure is made to satisfy certain needs, and the functioning of an SDI is also
measured in the extent in which those needs are satisfied. In their article Hendriks et al. (2012)
illustrate this with a road network, where “traffic congestions” are not only the cause of the
“roads” but of other processes involved such as “traffic regulation” and “police patrol”.
Hendriks et al. (2012) find that “infrastructure is a policy-related or management-related
concept, and as such it is an intermediate between objectives and concrete situations” and that
“an SDI is not defined by its objectives or its concrete use”, but that both are needed to
understand an SDI. In an SDI, the needs and the coupled use of infrastructure are embedded
mostly in business processes within and between organizations (this is a firm support of the
use of processes which are used in this thesis) (Dessers, E., personal communication, June 24,
2013(a)). What has been learned in this study is that geo data processes were described, there
have been designs of UML charts, and processes were modeled.

60
5 Conclusion

This thesis gives an overview of how the three chosen vision elements can be transposed to
the SDI of the Ministry of Public Works, by focusing on two pilots Drainage and ODRO sub
directorate. The chosen vision elements were:
1. “Official spatial data of the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW), should be
collected once only and maintained at the level where this can be done most
effectively”
2. “It must be possible to combine seamlessly spatial data from different sources
across the Ministry of Public Works and share them between many users and
applications”
3. “It should be possible for information collected at one level of the Ministry of
Public Works to be shared between all the different levels of the MOPW”
Vision element one was answered by the first two sub research questions. For the first two sub
research questions, the following can be mentioned: The main information streams between
the actors of the both pilots were found by processes that lead to the making of context
diagrams. Furthermore the process flows were drawn for each pilot.
Vision element two was answered by the third and fourth sub research question. For
the third and fourth sub research question the next can be explained: The requirements of data
were made out of the procedures list from which database requirements were filtered.
Furthermore a relational database was built to show the relations between the data sets of the
two pilots.
Vision element three was answered by the fifth sub research question. For the fifth sub
research question the conclusion that can be made is as follows: There were two levels of data
collection identified (terrestrial and aerial). For each of them the representation on either maps
or DEMs was made, as these could be made useable on higher levels within the ministry of
public works.
Because all research questions were answered, it can be said that the main research
question is also answered. The main research question was: In which way could the selected
generic vision elements of INSPIRE be transposed to and made applicable for the Ministry of
Public Works in Suriname? This was done by the answers of the consecutive five sub research
questions.
In both pilots, spatial data is created and used. Interviews with staff of both pilots was
used as source of insight for tackling the sub research questions in this thesis.

61
Processes comprising inventory, storage and management of allotments can be optimized by
the SDI and better management by central data gathering, sharing and linking of (geo) data is
possible. The SDI can create better possibilities of analysis and distribution and synergy in
(the use of) spatial data, which can give the Ministry a lead in data information management
and to realize several pointed and applied solutions for problems with data from the SDI.
The assessment of the implementation of an SDI has helped to develop a blueprint for
future scale enlargement of the SDI to other departments of the Ministry of Public Works.
With the SDI in place, there will be measurable data/information disclosure (availability or
insight in data); specifically: Archives are easy to access and proper control of allotment plans
is possible. An SDI has not the aim in the case of pilot department Drainage, to make drainage
applications or drainage models, this is the working field of drainage specialists and experts
(specific expertise).
The SDI is not only a gathering of information or a system that gives information. Another
internal (within the Ministry) function of the future SDI will be that it will function as a testing
criteria for quality assessment on new sources of data. For example if new data comes in, it
can be crosschecked with existing spatial data in the future SDI for flaws in the new data. The
solutions brought forward in this thesis will help to reach the three chosen vision elements.
Other studies are needed to help mature development of the SDI, for which suggestions are
given in the next chapter.

62
6 Suggestions for further research

From personal view other follow-up studies are needed to give the SDI a more dedicated
character. Two suggestions as follow-up studies are given. Firstly after the implementation of
the SDI at the Ministry of Public Works, the fourth and fifth vision elements need to be tested
if they are transposable (Proposed study I= grey colored in table 6.1). A second study that
should be done is testing the proposed sets of solutions (Proposed study II: green colored in
table 6.1). The way in which this can be done is given in the table 6.1 below: What can also
be studied is the scale enlargement of the SDI to other departments of the Ministry of Public
Works, with the results of this thesis.

63
Table 6.1 Overview of two proposed future studies
No Transposed INSPIRE five vision elements to Proposed sets of solutions PROPOSED STUDY II: Methods for testing the proposed sets of solutions
thesis boundaries
1. Official spatial data of the Ministry of Public Work out data management processes/procedures The management process: Each Test the solutions by executing data update iterations within both pilots. Test = Do the data
VISION ELEMENTS USED IN THIS

Works (MOPW), should be collected once spatial data producer is producing and updating their datasets on a regular basis. management procedures comply with a data acquisition procedure for a certain department e.g.
only and maintained at the level where this can department Spatial Planning? Answer: data management procedure is ok, or is not ok.
be done most effectively.
2. It must be possible to combine seamlessly Define basic data standards Each spatial producer uses one set of beforehand motivated Work out a mash-up portal combining data from the department of Spatial Planning and Drainage,
spatial data from different sources across the standards to produce data, so that the data is accessible and interoperable combined with online data services of Suriname (ArcGIS Online, One Geology). Test = Does
Ministry of Public Works and share them combining of data with existing data give errors/conflicts/problems? Answer: No, or Yes:
between many users and applications. Coordinate system is not ok, open standard is not ok/not usable.
3. It should be possible for information collected Collected data on a lower level (e.g. point sampling) can be aggregated into a higher level Within both the pilots several levels of data representation is worked out (e.g. as-built, overview,
THESIS

at one level of the Ministry of Public Works to by consolidating data. Of importance are: 1. Synchronized data themes 2. Insight in trends, …)
be shared between all the different levels of the usable data 3. Collected data by field workers is usable by others in the organization 4.
MOPW. Anyone in the organization can study the usability of data.
4. Spatial data needed for good governance at all Spatial data is stored centrally and timely updated as web accessible (meta) datasets, on Intranet portal set up within the Ministry. For example the test is to log in on any computer and
levels of the Ministry of Public Works should a (intranet or internet?) government website. search for the info you need and you have to find it.
be available under conditions that do not
PROPOSED STUDY 1

refrain its extensive use.


5. It should be easy to discover which geographic The accessibility and interoperability of (meta) datasets is managed within the Ministry. A Meta Data server is accessible from within the Ministry.
information is available within the Ministry of Of importance are: 1. Search functionality 2. Usefulness. Metadata (e.g. INSPIRE
Public Works, to evaluate their fitness for a standards) will cover: * Technical information, *Usability information, *Data copyrights.
purpose and to know which conditions apply
for their use.

64
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank my supervisor Ezra Dessers (KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Belgium), my
co-supervisor Stef de Ridder (GISsat N.V., Suriname) and my reviewers Sigrid Heirman
(Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen, Belgium), Jos van Orshoven (Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Belgium), Egbert Moerland
(GISsat N.V., Suriname), Lilian Krishnadath (MOPW, Suriname), Satish Mohan (MOPW,
Suriname) and Arshna Chedi for their insightful comments and their suggestions to revise this
thesis.

65
Literature

Béjar, R., Latre, M.Á., Nogueras-Iso, J., Muro-Medrano, P.R. & Zarazaga-Soria, F.J. (2012).
An RM-ODP enterprise view for spatial data infrastructures, Journal of Computer
Standards & Interfaces, 34(2): 263-272.
Burge, S., (2011). The systems engineering toolbox. Draft version for comment. 17p.
Available from: http://www.burgehugheswalsh.co.uk/uploaded/documents/CD-Tool-
Box-V1.0.pdf consulted June 17, 2013.
Chinery, M., Elseviers insectengids voor West-Europa (1975), Elsevier Nederland B.V.,
Amsterdam, p108
Dessers, E. (2012). Spatial Data Infrastructures at work. A comparative case study on the
spatial enablement of public sector processes. Faculteit Sociale Wetenschappen -
Onderzoekseenheid: Centrum voor Sociologisch Onderzoek [CeSO], K.U.Leuven.
350p.
Doody, J. P. (2003). Information Required for Integrated Coastal Zone Management:
Conclusions from the European Demonstration Programme, Coastal Management, 31,
163-173. In: Ramesh, D. A. & Vel, A. S. (2011). Methodology of Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Plan Preparation—Case Study of Andaman Islands, India, Journal of
Environmental Protection, 2(6): 750-760.
Eur-lex Access to European Union Law. (2013). Available from: http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32007L0002:EN:NOT
consulted June 4, 2013.
Giff, G. (2006). The Value of Performance Indicators to Spatial Data Infrastructure
Development, GSDI-9 Conference Proceedings, 6-10 November 2006, Santiago, Chile.
Available from: http://www.gsdidocs.org/gsdiconf/GSDI-9/papers/ TS36.2paper.pdf,
consulted March 27, 2013.
Giff, G. A. & Crompvoets, J. (2008). Performance Indicators a tool to Support Spatial Data
Infrastructure assessment, Journal Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 32(5):
365–376.
Grus, L., Castelein W., Crompvoets, J., Overduin, T., van Loenen, B., van Groenestijn, A.,
Rajabifard, A. & Bregt, A.K. (2011). An assessment view to evaluate whether Spatial
Data Infrastructures meet their goals, Journal Computers, Environment and Urban
Systems, 35, 217–229.

66
Hendriks, P.H.J., Dessers, E. & van Hootegem, G., (2012), Reconsidering the definition of a
spatial data infrastructure. International Journal of Geographical Information Science,
1-16.
Hjelmager, J., Moellering, H., Coopers, A., Delgado, T., Rajabifard, A., Rapant, P., Danko D.,
Huet, M., Laurent, D., Aalders, H., Iwaniak, A., Abad, P., Düren, U., & Martynenko, A.
(2008). An initial formal model for spatial data infrastructures, International Journal of
Geographical Information Science, 22(11–12): 1295–1309.
Homburg, V. & Georgiadou, Y. (2009). A Tale of Two Trajectories: How Spatial Data
Infrastructures Travel in Time and Space, Journal The Information Society, 25(5): 303-
314.
Kumarapeli, P., De Lusignani, S., Ellis, T. & Jones, B. (2007). Using Unified Modelling
Language (UML) as a process-modelling technique for clinical-research process
improvement. Journal Medical Informatics and the Internet in Medicine, 32(1): 51-64.
Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J. & Rhind, D. W. (eds.) (2011). Geographic
Information Systems & Science. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, 3, 539p.
Masser, I. (ed.) (2005). GIS Worlds. Creating Spatial Data Infrastructures. Redlands: ESRI
Press. 312p.
Masser, I., Rajabifard, A. & Williamson, I. (2008). Spatially enabling governments through
SDI implementation. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 22(1):
5-20.
McDougall, K., Rajabifard, A. & Williamson, I. (2005). What will motivate local governments
to share spatial information? Proceedings of SSC 2005 Spatial Intelligence, Innovation
and Praxis: The national biennial Conference of the Spatial Sciences Institute,
September, 2005. Melbourne: Spatial Sciences Institute, 10p.
Ministerie van Openbare Werken. (2013). Available from: http://www.gov.sr/sr/ministerie-
van-openbare-werken.aspx consulted February 8, 2013.
Nebert, D.D. (ed.) (2004). Developing Spatial Data Infrastructures: The SDI Cookbook.
Version 2.0. Available from: http://www.gsdi.org/docs2004/Cookbook/cookbook
V2.0.pdf consulted March 23, 2013
Nedovic-Budic, Z., Pinto, J.K. & N.R. Budhathoki. (2008). SDI effectiveness from the user
perspective. p. 273-303. In: Crompvoets, J., Rajabifard, A., Van Loenen B. & T. D.
Fernández. (Eds.) (2008). A multi-view framework to assess spatial data infrastructures.
Melbourne: The Melbourne University Press. 403p.

67
Rajabifard, A., Feeney, M.E.F. & Williamson, I.P. (2002). Future directions for SDI
development. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation,
4(1): 11‐22.
Rajabifard, A., Feeney, M.E.F. & Williamson, I. P. (2003). Spatial Data Infrastructures:
concept, nature and SDI hierarchy. In: Williamson, I.P., Rajabifard, A. & Feeney,
M.E.F. (Eds.) (2003). Developing Spatial Data Infrastructures. From concept to reality.
London / New York: Taylor and Francis, 1, p. 17-40.
Rajabifard, A., Binns, A., Masser, I. & Williamson, I. P. (2006). The role of sub‐national
government and the private sector in future spatial data infrastructures. International
Journal of Geographic Information Science, 20(7): 727‐741.
Turkstra, J., Amemiya, N. & Murgia, J. (2003). Local spatial data infrastructure, Trujillo-
Peru., Habitat International 27, 669–682.
Udrica, M., Vătuiu, T. & Ghencea, A. (2011). Issues concerning the use of UML diagrams to
define the underlying process model simulation. Annals of the University of Petroşani,
Economics, 11(4): 305-314.
UAS Vision. (2013). Available from: http://www.uasvision.com/2012/05/30/sky-futures-
adds-gatewing-x-100-to-uas-managed-service-portfolio/ consulted April 10, 2013.
Unknown, (2012). Indiening en afhandeling van verkavelings-vergunningsaanvragen. Policy
document Ministry Public Works, version 22 March 2012, 12p.
Vandenbroucke, D., Crompvoets, J., Vancauwenberghe, G., Dessers, E., & Van Orshoven, J.
(2009). A network perspective on spatial data infrastructures: application to the sub-
national SDI of Flanders (Belgium). Transactions in GIS, 13(s1): 105–122. In:
Vandenbroucke, D., Dessers, E., Crompvoets, J., Bregt, A.K. & Van Orshoven, J.
(2013). A methodology to assess the performance of spatial data infrastructures in the
context of work processes. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems 38, 58–66.
Vandenbroucke, D., Crompvoets, J., Janssen, K., Bamps, C., Masser, I., Salvemini, M., van
Loenen, B., Probert, M. & Eiselt, B. (2011). INSPIRE & NSDI SoP. D4.2 - Summary
report regarding the results of the European Assessment of 34 NSDI (first year) -
September 2011. KULeuven. 65p. Available from: http://inspire.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
reports/stateofplay2011/INSPIRE__NSDI_SoP_-_Summary_Report_2011_-_v6.2.pdf
consulted 21-4-13.
Vandenbroucke, D., Dessers, E., Crompvoets, J., Bregt, A.K. & Van Orshoven, J. (2013). A
methodology to assess the performance of spatial data infrastructures in the context of
work processes. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems 38, 58–66.

68
Wallace, J., Williamson, I. P., Rajabifard, A. & Bennett, R. (2006). Spatial Information
Opportunities for Government. Journal Spatial Science, 51, 79-99.
Williamson, I.P., Rajabifard, A. & Feeney, M.E.F. (Eds.) (2003). Developing Spatial Data
Infrastructures. From concept to reality. London / New York: Taylor and Francis, 1,
338p.

Recordings and transcripts

Bansie, S., personal communication, February 14, 2013.


Chedi, S., personal communication, June 3, 2013.
Dessers, E., personal communication, January 9, 2013.
Dessers, E., personal communication, February 4, 2013.
Dessers, E., personal communication June 4, 2013.
Dessers, E., personal communication, June 24, 2013(a).
Dessers, E., personal communication, June 24, 2013(b).
Kalloe, V., personal communication, June 3, 2013.
Krishnadath, L., personal communication, March 9, 2012.
Mohan, S., personal communication, May 16, 2012.
Ramautar, W., personal communication, February 14, 2013.
Ramautar, W., personal communication, February 13, 2013.
Ridder de, S., personal communication, April 3, 2012.
Ridder de, S., personal communication, May 7, 2012.
Ridder de, S., personal communication, March 22, 2013.
Ridder de, S., personal communication, June 25, 2013(a).
Ridder de, S., personal communication, June 25, 2013(b).
Sewmangal, W., personal communication, February 13, 2013.
Moerland, E., personal communication, June 17, 2013.

69
Appendix A Organization chart of Ministry of Public Works (Future) [Source: MOPW (2013)]

- Div. Staff Affairs & Staff


Care
ORGANIZATION CHART MINISTERY OF - Div. Financial & Accountant
PUBLIC WORKS (Future) Affairs
Secretariat - Div. Budget Affairs
Sub Directorate
- Div. Common Affairs
Administrative
- Div. Information Supply
Services Services
Directorate
Secretariat
Public Greenery
- Div. Public Garden Services
- Div. Street Maintenance
Secretariat Services
Sub Directorate - Div. Services
Technical - Div. Drainage works
Field Inspection
Services - Div. Mechanization
- Div. Technical Services
Environmental - Div. Monument
Police Maintenance

General
Coordination - Div. Utility building
Districts - Div. People’s house-
construction
- Div. Restoration &
Sub Directorate Secretariat Maintenance
Architectural - Div. Building & Housing
Works Supervision
- Section East
- Section West

Directorate Secretariat - Div. Staff Affairs & Staff


Sub Directorate Secretariat Care
Architectural Works
Administration - Div. Financial &
& Spatial Planning Accountant Affairs
- Div. Budget Affairs
- Div. Common Affairs
- Div. Information Supply
Secretariat
Services
Sub Directorate
Spatial
Information Planning - Div. Planning
Supply - Div. Research
Services - Div. Environment
Secretariat
- Div. Allotments & advice
Minister
Public Works - Div. Dams
- Div. Drainage
Sub Directorate Secretariat - Section East
Internal
Wet CTW - Section West
Control
Policy advisors - Meteorological Services
- Hydrodynamics Services

- Div. Staff Affairs & Staff


Care
- Div. Financial &
Sub Directorate Accountant Affairs
Secretariat
Administration - Div. Budget Affairs
CTW - Div. Common Affairs
Directorate - Div. Information Supply
Civil Technical Secretariat Services
Works - Div. Roads
- Div. Bridges
Sub Directorate - Div. Traffic
Dry CTW Secretariat
- Div. Ground Mechanical
Laboratory
- Section East
- Section West

- Div. Garbage collection


& processing
Sub Secretariat - Div. Car Work Place
Directorate - Div. Surveillance
Services - Afd. Control Unit/ Field
inspection

Main Department Project Management Bureau

Main Department Judicial Affairs

Main Department Project Monitoring & Administration

Directorate Secretariat Main Department ICT


Development
Main Department District Coordination
Projects
Main Department H.R.M.-Policy

Main Department Communication


70
Main Department Strategic Centre
Appendix B Organization chart of Ministry of Public Works (Old) [Source: MOPW (2013)]

ORGANIZATION CHART MINISTERY OF


PUBLIC WORKS (Old)
- Div. Utility building
- Div. People’s house-
construction
- Div. Restoration &
Sub Directorate Maintenance
Secretariat
- Div. Building & Housing
Architectural
Supervision
Common Affairs Works
- Section East
- Section West
Agenda

Directorate - Div. Staff Affairs & Staff


Sub Directorate Care
Architectural Works
Administration - Div. Financial &
& Services Accountant Affairs
Information Supply Services
- Div. Budget Affairs

Judicial Affairs

Project Monitoring & administration - Div. Garbage collection


Advice & & processing
Planning Sub
- Div. Car Work Place
Directorate
Secretariat - Div. Central Workplace
Services Beekhuizen
- Meteorological Services
Minister - Dep. Urban & Rural
Planning
Public Works

- Div. Dams
Agenda - Div. Drainage
- Section East
Sub Directorate
- Section West
Automation Wet CTW - Hydrodynamics Services
Secretariat (WLA)
Internal
Control Common Affairs
- Div. Staff Affairs & Staff
Agenda Care
- Div. Financial &
Accountant Affairs
Directorate - Div. Budget Affairs
Sub Directorate
Civil Technical Works Administration - Div. Common Affairs
CTW - Div. Information Supply
Services

- Div. Roads
- Div. Bridges
Project Monitoring & administration - Div. Traffic
Sub Directorate
- Div. Ground Mechanical
Dry CTW Laboratory
- Section East
- Section West

71
Appendix C Comparison of process-modelling techniques by Kumarapeli et al. (2007)
IDEF0 (Integrated Definition for Function Model) DFD (Data Flow Diagram) UML 2.0 (Unified Modelling Language)
Key concepts • A structured system design technique adopting ‘process-driven • A structured system design technique adopting ‘data-driven decomposition’. • A general-purpose object-oriented modelling language for
decomposition’. specifying, visualizing, constructing and documenting the artifacts of
a system.
• Processes are visualized with their associated Inputs, Controls, • Represents the flow of data and can be developed either giving more prominence • Introduces 13 different kinds of diagrams to represent different
Outputs and Mechanisms (ICOM). to the physical aspects (Physical DFD) or to the conceptual aspect (Logical DFD). aspects of a system
Pros • Promotes consistency of usage while maintaining a high • Gives more emphasis to visualize the flow of data within the system throughout its • Provides a set of notations to abstract structural, behavioral, and
precision of expression. origin, manipulation, transformation, and storage. physical aspects of systems.
• Simple and promotes hierarchical decomposition of activities. • More specific details about the flow of information can be presented by different • Can be intuitively interpreted by users with less familiarity about the
levels of layers. system or less technical knowledge.
• Decomposed into detail levels until the model is fit enough for - • Extensions are available for non-standard modelling issues.
the modelling objectives.
Cons • Gives little attention to the logical organization of the data; not • Does not represent the control information with the details of the timing or the • Encourages an object connection architecture rather than interface
effective in visualizing parallel, conditional flows order of the process execution. Event flow cannot be directly interpreted. connection architecture.
• The model could become too concise to be interpreted by users • Represents the structure based on the transformation of data rather than the actual • Difficult to perform a rigorous semantic analysis due to a limited
who have little knowledge about the system. processes level of precision.

72
Appendix D Complete list of activities within the sub directorate of ODRO [Source: MOPW
(2013)]

The activities within ODRO are given below (point 1 to 8). This information is
extracted from a policy document of MOPW (Unknown (2012)):
1. Assessment of licensee-applications for allotments
The decision of licensee-applications for allotments happens on the basis of a list of
criteria, which partly is examined within the ODRO by the department of Planning, and
partly examined by the sub directorates of the directorate of Civil Technical Works
(CTW), namely the sub directorate Dry CTW (Dutch: Droge CTW) and the sub
directorate Wet CTW (Dutch: Natte CTW). From legal basis, the areas where the
Ministry of Public Works has the mandate to give licenses for allotments in ‘residential
areas’, which are the cities Paramaribo, Nieuw Nickerie, Apoera, Wanica, Commewijne
and Para and an area of five km on both sides of primary roads (Krishnadath, L.,
personal communication, March 9, 2012). The technical application should consist of
the following documents:
a. Map of parcel division
b. Street plan
c. Drainage plan
d. Services plan
e. Report for soil conditions, earth movement and other needed groundwork
f. Project specification (Dutch: bestek)

2. Survey work
The ODRO does survey work, currently executed by the division of Planning (Dutch:
Planologische Dienst) for internal affairs and also on demand of the Director of
Architectural Works, as well as other directorates and sub directorates. The survey work
involves the execution of field measurements on height, location and distances and
suchlike.

3. Advices given with regard to business property


The sub directorate Spatial Planning gives advices towards the Directorate of
Architectural Works and Services, sub directorate Architectural Works, especially de
department of Building and Housing Supervision (Dutch: Bouw & Woning Toezicht),

73
when licenses are asked for the building of business property. For this no structural
criteria exist, but by the sub directorate Spatial Planning amongst others there is looked
at the frequency of that type of land use/ business type in the surrounding area, the
probable nuisance which can potentially occur, aspects regarding safety and the traffic
situation, such as the parking facilities which are, or will be provided.

4. Advices given to the District Commissioner (DC) regarding spatial objects


The sub directorate Spatial Planning gives advices to the DC when it is about placement
of spatial objects such as billboards, non-permanently attached objects and suchlike.
Furthermore according to the legal basis for the areas outside the criteria of ‘residential
areas’ (see 1), the mandate for allotments does not fall under sub directorate Spatial
Planning, but under the relevant DC (District Commissioner). For those instances the
ODRO gives advice for the DC. These advices are on ad hoc basis and do not occur
structurally.

5. Advice to the Ministry of Spatial Regulation Land and Forest Management


(Ministry ROGB) regarding zoning plan alterations and allotment applications
The ODRO gives advice to the Ministry of ROGB when zoning alterations are
projected. Furthermore the sub directorate Spatial Planning provides the Ministry of
ROGB with advice regarding the request for parcels. These advices are on ad hoc basis
and do not occur structurally.

6. Policy advice, including research


The ODRO participates in consultative bodies and is asked on ad hoc basis to give
policy advice regarding Spatial Planning. To formulate these policy advices, research
is done around the question and for example it is verified what already is gathered on
information. It is also possible that because of activities of the sub directorate Spatial
Planning, certain matters are identified, which in the form of a policy advices are
forwarded to the several parties concerned.

7. Private applications and requests


The sub directorate Spatial Planning is in consultation with private persons and
researches if needed applications and gives advice. These can be complaints, request
for a certain type of allocation (for example a playground in an area) and advices in
74
regard to allotments. The sub directorate Spatial Planning functions in this regard as a
middleman to deposit certain questions at the professional partner directorates.

8. Preparation of Spatial Planning projects


The sub directorate ODRO also prepares Spatial plans according to the
“Stedebouwkundige Wet”.

75
Appendix E Complete list of activities within the department of OWW [Source: MOPW (2013)]

The activities of OWW are points 1 to 4 (Mohan, S., personal communication, May 16,
2012.):
1. Maintenance Drainage works
Under the maintenance of drainage works can be comprehended all tasks that involve
the maintenance, management and extension of the drainage as well as the planning of
this to capacity, finances and logistics. The drainage are subdivided to sort, which can
be found in the section of the organization
a. Closed Drainage
b. Open Drainage
c. Constructions (Sluices/pumping-stations)
For the concernment of the Drainage (closed/open), geographically there can be a
division between the district Paramaribo and the other districts, except district
Sipaliwini, which is outside the control area of OWW. For the area Paramaribo, the
entire system under the control of OWW (i.e. either primary, secondary or tertiary
system). For other districts is only the primary system is under the control of OWW.
All constructions in the districts, except the district of Sipaliwini (which is under
supervision of Ministry of Regional Development), fall under supervision of OWW.

2. Judgment ‘overloop’ permits


‘Overlopen’ are culverts placed by private persons in the drainage before their parcel.
The filling of a trench and the connection of the drainage to the drainage system
happens with an ‘overloop’. This is part of a tertiary system, but if extension is needed,
this happens on the initiative of a private person and not by OWW. The dimensioning
of the ‘overloop’ is subject to some restrictions and is therefore coupled to a permit.
OWW judges the permit and has the mandate to give fiat. Although this task is not
explicitly imbedded in the structure of the organization, this task has become structural
enough that there are initiatives to create a separate section ‘overlopen’ for OWW, for
which the decision has not been taken yet.

76
3. Giving advice
On incidental basis OWW is asked for advice both internally within the Ministry as
well for external partners. These advices are for example:
1. Advices and cooperation on environmental areas (with the BOG (Buro
of Public Health) and/or Public Greenery) in the case of grease drains
(Dutch: vetputten) or the cleaning or inspection of the closed sewerage
system.
2. Advice in case of calamities
3. Drainage advice for Building and Housing Supervision (Dutch: Bouw
& Woning Toezicht) when a permit request for a parcel outside the
category (qua surface area) comes in.
4. Drainage advice for sub directorate Spatial Planning (ODRO) for
allotments
5. Drainage advice for (terrain drainage) for new buildings / Utility
building of Government buildings (for example a new school)
6. Drainage advice for external partners
a. DC; advice and requests for overtake borrowing tasks
b. Ministry of LVV (Dutch: Landbouw Veeteelt & Visserij); in case of
irrigation canals
c. Ministry of ROGB (Dutch: Regionale Ontwikkeling, Grond- en
Bosbeheer); in case of drainage of forestry
d. Ministry of ATM (Dutch: Arbeid Technologie & Milieu); in case of
environmental-inspection

4. Information collection and exchange


Although the collection of information is not a structural activity within the tasks of
OWW, most of the time when tasks are executed, information is gathered (mostly about
dimensions). This information is saved (tables, maps, etc.) and can be the basis for
future activities in the same area. Also sometimes information exchange happens
between OWW and WLA (Hydrodynamics Services) in regard to height data and water
levels, so that water level tables can be made. Furthermore the Meteorological
Department gives information to OWW in regard to long-term predictions.

77

You might also like