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HOUSING AND LAND
Metrication of the 1:20,000 topographic dual language map series was completed and second editions to an improved specification were produced for three sheets. Production of the 1:10,000 monotone series was deferred pending availability of staff. Volume Two of the Official Streets and Places Guide Book – Kowloon and the New Territories --was launched in August after considerable delay owing to more pressing priorities within the Survey Branch and at the Government Printer.
Two of the 'Countryside' series maps were revised and reprinted and compilation of the fourth in the series - Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay - commenced. The Official Guide Map was again revised and reprinted and remains a best seller. Cartographic illustrations were produced for several Information Services Department publications, including two booklets on market towns and rural townships. A new harbour chart and geological map were also completed. A colourful guide map of Central District of the 'You are here' type - to assist tourists and local people was displayed at the Star Ferry Concourse and work on a similar guide to Tsim Sha Tsui started. It is intended to display these maps at centres where they might be of interest and assistance to the public.
Design work was carried out for the proposed 1:5,000 series of New Territories maps which it is hoped to commence in 1979. Nine maps relevant to new legislation regarding height restrictions at Hong Kong International Airport were completed. The production of metric basic maps at 1:1,000 was disappointingly slow during the first half of the year. A policy change then was made to metricate on a crash programme, utilising the imperial contours with converted metric values only. The coverage can therefore be completed in three years, while the normal, completely metricated pro- duction will proceed on a routine basis geared to a longer term programme.
The Public Works Department's Survey Training School provides training for both the survey and cartographic disciplines within the department, as well as cartographic training for the New Territories Administration and specialist courses for other departments. During the year, 291 officers attended various courses at the school.
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