Vision Statement
The BNGIS Centre’s vision and remit is to Serve as the National technical focal point for the collection and management of geospatial data on the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; to advance a Program that provides a strategic national framework for long-term systematic access and exchange of geospatial data between governmental agencies and other information providers for improved planning, research and analysis, to improve GI literacy in the school system and to equip managers, technicians and the wider GIS Community with GIS skills and technical support.
Mission Statement
To promote, educate, coordinate and advance the practical and efficient use of GIS Technology in The Bahamas
Areas of Responsibility
The Bahamas National Geographic Information Services Centre is primarily responsible for the provision of GIS services, including training and technical support, to the Bahamian national community.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
GI Policy development
- Development of Spatial Data Infrastructure system and program that guides cooperation and coordination among governmental agencies and other groups in the collection, production, maintenance, sharing and use of spatial information.
Central Repository of Information
- Development and maintenance of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Library to serve as the central repository for most non-sensitive GIS data on The Bahamas
Spatial Data Clearing House
- Development of a GIS Website designed to provide a practical means to disseminate spatial data via Government Wide Area Network and the Internet
Geographic Information (GI) Education
- Training of teachers and students in the use of GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
- Training trainers.
- Developing lesson plans for integration into existing curriculum.
Spatial Data Clearing House
Establishment of discovery Metadata catalogue, which will allow users to discover what spatial data is available as well as details on content, quality, condition, source, scale and other characteristics of spatial data in order to determine its usability.
Technical Support
- Enforcement of standards, procedures and protocols.
- GIS Software quotations and negotiating GIS software discounts.
- Unfettered access to governmental agencies to utilize BNGIS Centre assets including use of training facility, scanning and GPS equipment.
- Development of GIS Project Proposals.
- GIS Project Management.
- GIS help desk support.
- GIS Software installations and troubleshooting technical issues.
Training
- Facilitation of workshops, seminars and short courses on GIS and associated geo technologies.
- Provision of training facilities.
Address and Contact Information:
Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems Centre
P.O. Box N-3040
Bay & Armstrong Streets
Nassau,
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 326-8536
Fax.(242) 326-8535
Email: bngisc@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays