216 | Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation
The Geodetic Network comprises the extensive ground network of horizontal and vertical control points for all types of land and engineering surveying activities in Hong Kong. The Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network System (SatRef) was established in 2006. Enhanced in 2008 with independent integrity monitoring functions, SatRef serves as an active position-fixing reference framework for all surveying and location based services including geographic information system applications.
The LIS in use since 1989 maintains the digital base map and records land boundary information for identifying land parcels and for the management of land. It is being upgraded to a new system to facilitate fast data updating and secure data delivery to support more complicated applications, capitalising on the successful implementation of the related Data Dissemination System (DDS) and the Geospatial Information Hub (GIH).
In 2009, the DDS will be fully implemented to facilitate efficient online ordering and delivery of digital map data through the Internet. It will also expedite the integration and dissemination of geospatial data within the Government under the Data Alignment Measures project led by the Development Bureau.
In collaboration with other government departments, SMO has developed the GIH as a government-wide web-based information integration and sharing platform. The GIH integrates vast amounts of geospatial data across departments on land and economic development, and manages the dissemination of geospatial features and associated attribute data relating to land administration, infrastructure development, public health, census, building management, antiquities, monuments, and old and valuable trees. At present, it supports the operation of more than 40 bureaux and departments in the delivery of public services including heritage conservation.
SMO has explored and developed new technological applications to enhance its services. The Terrestrial Laser Scanner acquired in 2008 supports high speed automatic scanning of features with high precision. The equipment is particularly effective for survey measurements of highly complicated or inaccessible structures and will find productive applications in everyday use and in record survey of heritage buildings, emergency survey and construction of 3D models.
SMO has also commenced the implementation of the 3D Spatial Data Processing System the primary objectives being to construct and maintain a territory-wide 3D Spatial Database and to provide analytical 3D visualisation services in support of land administration and land disposal work. The construction of the 3D Spatial Database (initial set) was completed in early 2008. Its trial version has been adopted for use by works departments in shortening their time for building design models for public consultation.
Land Registration
Land Registration safeguards rights and underpins Hong Kong's social and economic development. The Land Registry provides a comprehensive service for registering documents affecting land and keeping land records for public inspection.