Greenland is getting a new digital map that will create more security and support sustainable development of its society’s activities. It will benefit, among other areas, the environment, tourism and emergency services.
The project – which has been established to replace Greenland’s obsolete map and the changing landscape of the island due to the melting inland ice cap – will initially map out an area about one and a half times the size of Denmark from 2014-2017.
The experience from the pilot project will be used to evaluate a complete mapping of Greenland later on.
“The current map of Greenland is from another time,” Kirsten Brosbøl, the environment minister, said. “It is not very precise and cannot be used with GPS.”
“he new digital map will be a huge benefit to the environment, emergency services and Greenlanders.”
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A benefit to all
Precise and detailed maps are essential to a society like the one in Greenland in connection to the emergency rescue services, business development and the safety of those who move about in the nature.
The geo-data authority Geodatastyrelsen will be responsible for the mapping and the work will be accomplished in close co-operation with the Greenlandic government and Asiaq, the national surveyors.
The initial pilot project will cost 15 million kroner and will be financed by the AP Møller and Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fund.
