Strategy 2016-2020

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Preface

UsageSpatial data and maps are important data that provide information about the environment and nature to the community. Spatial data are also important to support strategies in various fields such as in production, planning, environmental issues and monitoring of natural catastrophes. The use of spatial data has increased greatly in connection with smart devices and increased tourism where digital maps are integrated with other software. This trend has already had the influence that map organizations around the world have had to review their role from pub-lishing traditional maps to handling new tasks such as the introduction and development of technology and to build infrastructure of spa-tial data. Because of the before mentioned technological development and changes in the society many changes on the National Land Survey of Iceland‘s working environment have occurred in the last few years.

The OrganizationThe National Land Survey of Iceland (NLSI) is an institute that operates under the direction of the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources. The agency performs basic tasks in the field of surveying, spatial data, remote sensing and spatial data infrastructure. The organization also plays an important role in disseminating information, data and expertise in its field and has good professional collaboration both domestically and abroad.

The BookletThis booklet summarizes the revised strategy-of the NLSI. It is the result of the organization staff‘s work on the Strategy in the autumn of 2015. The brochure is also based on the appli-cable Act on the NLSI and recent strategy doc-uments concerning the activities of the NLSI.

Akranes, March 2016 Magnús Guðmundsson,

Director General

‘‘Spatial data and maps are im-portant data that provide the com-munity with information about the environment and nature.“

Values

Precision Usefulness Innovation We offer high quality work and constantly seek new knowledge. We make use of the latest technology so as to ensure that the NLSI data and information are reliable and secure for users.

We are careful that data and information agree with what our community requires as regards usefulness. We emphasize ef-ficient cooperation, available information and easy access to data.

We show initiative and flexibility and con-stantly seek new ways to improve the value and usefulness of data, processes and co-operation. We collaborate with domestic and foreign parties and seek new opportu-nities and knowledge.

Our VisionThe NLSI is a progressive knowledge-based institution. The agency has a leading role regarding cooperation to ensure the existence and availability of reliable spatial data about Iceland and to promote its use in diverse and efficient ways.

Minister for theEnvironment

Director General

Division ofService and SDI

Dissemination

Special Projects

Infrastructure forSpatial Information

Archives andPreservation

Division of Geodesyand Geographic

Information

Spatial InformationDatabase

Geodetic ReferenceSystem GNSS

Permanent Stations

Vertical ReferenceSystem

Remote Sensing andPhotogrammetry

Quality Matters

AdministrationFinance and Operation

Human Resources

Userslandup-Ø

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GoalsThe NLSI operates in accordance with Act on land surveying and base-map production No 103/2006 and Act on Spatial Data Infrastruc-ture No 44/2011. Also, the Act on Place names No 22/2015 applies to the operation.The main task of the NLSI operations is that accurate spatial data is always available for Iceland.

• To advise the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources in NLSI‘s fields of expertise.

• To develop and maintain geodetic- and vertical reference systems.

• To make, maintain, and disseminate digital layers on a scale of 1:50 000.

• To register and disseminate information about spatial data in Iceland.

• To make and use standards in the field of spatial data.

• To provide access to data preserved by the institute.

• To cooperate professionally with universities, institutes, businesses, and international organizations.

• Responsible for the implementation of the Act on spatial data infrastructure.

• The registration, maintenance, and dissemination of place name database in consultation with the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies.

• Make it possible to the public to register place names in a special database.

Themes

Vertical- and Geodetic Refer-ence SystemsVertical- and geodetic reference systems for Iceland are among the basic systems of our community. They are used for precise positioning and in land surveying, for in-stance in connection with research, nature monitoring, construction work, planning projects and tourism.

Main ObjectiveMaintain and ensure the best accuracy for the versatile needs of the community in the vertical- and geodetic reference systems of Iceland.

Remote Sensing

Remote sensing data is used in various projects such as making and revising maps and spatial databases and in the monitor-ing of the environment.

Main ObjectiveThe NLSI work at obtaining, sharing, processing and introducing the utilization of remote sensing data from Iceland.

Processing Spatial Data

Spatial data refers to many kinds of data and information about the environment. The main characteristics of this kind of data is that they can be located.

Main ObjectiveThe NLSI ensure that a reliable spatial database containing all of Iceland is always accessible.

Human Resources and AdministrationA solid public operation is based on encouraging work environment, quality management, transparency and good handling of funds.Main ObjectiveThe NLSI is at the forefront of Icelandic administration in the field of human resources, quality, and management which is based on well educated and skilled employees.

The NLSI focuses on the coordination and sharing of public spatial data to avoid duplication of effort and inefficiency. Open access to reliable spatial data for anyone in need is promoted. Users of data and services are important to the institution and the goal is to always provide quality service. Emphasis is placed on varied use of data that fulfill the needs of the users.

Infrastructure of Spatial DataInfrastucture of spatial data covers the whole structure of the spatial data at the authorities in Iceland. The focus is on co-ordinating and sharing data and to ensure good access to public spatial data.

Main ObjectiveThe NLSI oversees the implementation of infrastructure of spatial data in Iceland in cooperation with ministries, government agencies and municipalities.

Archives, Dissemination and-ServicesTo ensure an open and transparent admin-istration, documents and information must be properly recorded and shared to the community when necessary.

Main ObjectiveThe NLSI ensures that the agencies‘ data is registered and openly accesible and provide the customer with excellent service.

Professional CollaborationDomestic and international collaboration is vital to be able to maintain and enhance the knowledge of the institutes‘ sectors. Such cooperation ensures among other things, access to spatial data and ways to share data and knowledge.

Main ObjectiveThe NLSI focuses on having a professional collaboration both in Iceland and abroad in connection with the projects of the organization.

National Land Survey of Iceland ⋅ Stillholti 16-18, 300 Akranes ⋅ tel: 430 9000 ⋅ lmi@lmi.is ⋅ www.lmi.is

March 2016