g-Governance Initiatives in Ras Al Khaimah
Abstract
Map World Forum 2009

Dr Mohammed R Baualhama
GIS PROFESSOR – UAEU AND HEAD OF RAK GIS COMMITTEE
UAE
mbualhamam@uaeu.ac.ae

Abstract

In the emerging information market-place, geographic or geo-spatial information occupies pre-eminent position and the geographic knowledge based decision support system is the pivotal to all e-governance projects. The concept of g–governance is fast becoming popular. In fact, the use of high quality reliable, geo-spatial information is critical to virtually every sphere of socio-economic activity – disaster management, forestry, urban planning, land management, agriculture, infrastructure development, business geographics etc. Much of geo-spatial data is scattered across a large number of organizations and following different standards and are not sufficiently integrated and networked to make it really useful to a large community of users. It is in this context that the vision of the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) becomes very relevant and unique in the present-day context. RAK e- Government Authority (RAK- eGA) developed a blueprint for implementing the vision of the Crown Prince and crafted the Enterprise GIS project, which is built around the use of high quality reliable, geospatial technology and applications. The solution makes governance successful and meaningful for the people and residents are assured of the up to date services and map information. The Enterprise GIS will be delivered through the RGIN network, by which various departments and users will be able to use the solution effectively for transacting governance and citizen-good information. During the Phase 1 of the project the various modules were developed and successfully implemented to support the initiatives of the line departments of Ras Al Khaimah. During Phase 2 of the project Planning Conditions Application, Addressing and Routing Application, Inspection of Restaurants, Automation of Survey Services, Sign Boards Application, Building Permit Application, Vehicle Tracking System and Integration of GIS with CCTV are already being taken up by the implementer. The talk will highlight the good being followed during the development and implementation of the applications for better governance.