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Planning, Land and Infrastructure
Land Survey Ordinance, which governs the registration and conduct of authorised land surveyors and land boundary survey standards.
The Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network provides data for positioning applications in mapping, construction works, navigation, land use planning and scientific research. In 2017, it was enhanced to support various satellite positioning applications within the territory using multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including China's Beidou Navigation Satellite System. The GNSS real-time raw data stream was released via www.data.gov.hk as public-sector information.
The office's web map service, GeoInfo Map, provides online geospatial information for public access. Its MyMapHK is a mobile map application which provides on-the-go access to official government digital maps and community facilities via their mobile devices. To facilitate digital inclusion, the office developed another mobile map application, VoiceMapHK, to help the visually impaired identify their locations and retrieve geographic information through voice-overs. The eHongKongGuide, an electronic map book, was launched for free download.
The office takes aerial photography of Hong Kong at different altitudes periodically using a large-format digital aerial camera system that in 2017 replaced the film aerial camera, in use for over 20 years. The new equipment can capture data of multiple spectrums and is used for topographic mapping, emergency survey, evidence gathering, planning and prediction purposes, tree health management and other infrastructure projects.
Building Safety and Maintenance
Ensuring the safety of Hong Kong's ageing building stock is one of the bureau's key duties. It works with the Buildings Department and partner organisations to enhance building safety.
Applying the principle that prevention is better than cure, the Buildings Department enforces the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme and Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme to tackle building decay at its root by requiring owners of target buildings to inspect and repair their buildings and windows. In 2017, the department issued 42,607 statutory notices to 891 buildings under these schemes. It also received 126,504 minor works submissions to carry out works through simplified statutory procedures in existing buildings.
The Buildings Department, URA and Hong Kong Housing Society help building owners carry out repairs and maintenance. In 2017, subsidies and loans exceeding $402 million were granted to eligible property owners.
The URA's 'Smart Tender' Building Rehabilitation Facilitating Services scheme, launched in 2016, provides technical support to building owners in carrying out repairs and maintenance to reduce the risk of bid rigging during procurement. The technical help includes providing a DIY toolkit to guide owners in organising the works, engaging an adviser to offer them independent advice on the scope and estimated cost for reference, and setting up an electronic tendering platform for them to hire contractors in a relatively independent environment. In 2017, the government committed $300 million to enable eligible building owners to participate in the scheme at a concessionary rate.
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