Inf mapperA Publication on Surveys, Mapping, and Resource Information Technology

Volume XIV ISSN-0117-1674 July 2007

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ContentsEditorial

Cover and spread design: Sheilah Mae G. LopezPhoto spread compilation: Renato E. Eguia

The creation of NAMRIA arose fromthe need for only one agency to undertakesurveying and mapping functions of anational scope. Twenty years ago, byvirtue of Executive Order (EO) number192, four government agencies performingrelated works were merged because thethinktanks at that time believed that theconsolidation will result in considerable cost-eff iciency and effectiveness for thegovernment. Now, 20 years later, has itall been worth it for NAMRIA? Have thearchitects of EO 192, in the case ofNAMRIA, realized the envisioned goalsrelative to national development?

The fledgling NAMRIA in its earlystages, under the helm of a visionaryleader, coped with the available resourceson hand. Material resources included al imi ted budget and the p ieces ofequipment inherited from the NationalCartography Authority, the Bureau of Coastand Geodet ic Survey, the Natura lResources Management Center, and theLand Classification Teams of the Bureau ofForest Development. “Organizationalproblems,” “f inancial and technicaldifficulties”—these were the stumblingblocks to a steady and fruitful course forthe agency, as identified in the earliestannual report available. Rather than bedefeated by such conditions, the agencyhad to overcome them, for there was alot of work to do. By 1988—there was anational cartography center to set up,hydrographic and oceanographic surveysto undertake, topographic maps to reviseand update, resource and environmentalassessment studies to make, naturalresource information systems to develop,and thousands of hectares of unclassifiedlands to deal with.

Two Decades of NAMRIA

Forward into the future—the agencyhas soared high. Despite the ever-presentf inancial constraints and otheruncertainties, the agency manages toprovide the public with maps and relatedservices. NAMRIA remains the centralmapping agency, depository, anddistribution facility for geographic andnatural resource data. Our customers, ourprograms and projects, our local andforeign partners and donors—these affirmNAMRIA’s ability to serve the nation.Administrator Diony A. Ventura, as whathis predecessors did before him, has beenkeeping well at bay the detrimentalfactors.

This issue of Infomapper, an officialpublication of NAMRIA, highlights theagency’s progress through the years.Featured is the Philippine ReferenceSystem of 1992 (PRS92), a project that isof great importance to Philippine surveyingand mapping. It can also be described asa truly cumulative or defining undertakingof the agency for the most part of its 20-year existence.

NAMRIA certainly has had to deal withits fair share of challenges through theyears. It has managed to survive and tothrive mainly because of its dedicatedmanpower. And so NAMRIA has prevailed,notwithstanding the real izat ion ofrationalization or reorganization. Only goodwishes should be in store for NAMRIA andfor its future. May its capabilities insurveying, mapping, and resourceinformation management be furtherenhanced. May it have many moreopportunities to be of service to thenation.

Cheers!

Infomapper

EDITORIAL BOARDChairman – Usec. Diony A. Ventura, MNSA

Members – Senior Deputy Administrator Peter N. Tiangco, Ph.D.; Deputy Administrator Ricardo T. Biña; Deputy Administrator Evangeline C. Cruzado; & IMD Director Linda SD. Papa

EDITORIAL STAFF

Executive Editor – John SF. Fabic • Editor-in-Chief – Maria Romina dR. Pe Benito • Managing Editor – Xenia R. AndresStaff Writers – Concepcion A. Bringas, Elinor C. delos Reyes, Benjamin T. de Leon, & Aubrey George T. Corpuz

Contributors – Ruel D. Belen (SSD), Olivia R. Molina (RSRDAD), Dennis Arsenio B. Bringas (CGSD), Benjamin P. Balais (IMD), & Jowill E. Rodriguez (MD)Graphic Arts – Joseph C. Estrella, Sheila Mae G. Lopez, & Marlon A. Mariñas • Photography – Nancy M. de Jesus, Renato E. Eguia, Rolando A. Mendoza, Erlito P. Saberola, & Arsenio B. Berriber

• Editorial Assistants – Julieta C. Palustre, Rina Grace S. Gatacelo, & Donnabel R. Reyes

Published by the Media Production Division, Information Management DepartmentNational Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)

Office: Lawton Avenue, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City • Tel. Nos.: (02) 8102890; 810-4831 to 36, local 430 Telefax: (02) 810-5466 or 810-5468 • E-mail Address: mpd@namria.gov.ph

Editors’ note: Due to space constraints, wecannot publish the references consulted for thearticles for this issue. Interested individuals mayavail themselves of the lists from the authors orthe editors of this publication.

Editorial.................................2

FeaturesFrom Analog to Digital............3NAMRIA Administrators........520 Years of LC.......................9NAMRIA in Next Decade....12PRS92 at 15.........................13Geodetic Network................14Transformation......................15PRS92 Implementation ........16GNIS...................................20

Photo SpreadNAMRIA then and now.......10

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From Analog to Digital: Vignetting the Evolution of NAMRIA Technologiesfor Surveying and Mapping

by Xenia R. Andres

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New technologies have revolutionized theway individuals accomplish their tasks.Information and communications technology(ICT), for example, has facil itated dataexchange and sharing. ICT is now merging withthe technologies for collecting and dealing withgeographic and spatial information.

The surveying and mapping community isnot spared from the fast and relentless shifts inthe technological arena, such as thedevelopment of surveying equipment.Forerunners of modern surveying equipmentwere crude and unpolished but eachtechnological development improved not only thequality of the surveying instrument but also theaccuracy of surveying. The electronic distancemeasuring devices were commonly used earlyon and were later combined with anglemeasuring devices to form total stations. Recentdevelopments include automatic data collectorsfor total stations, the global positioning system(GPS), and robotic total stations.

This article describes the evolution ofNAMRIA technologies from analog to digital toproduce its products and perform its mandatesin surveying, mapping, remote sensing, andinformation management. Analog relates to oris a mechanism in which data are represented inplain text or continuously such as a photograph.Once the same data, for instance, are recorded,stored, processed, or displayed in electronicform, usually by computers, they become digital.

Water, Coastal, and Land SurveysFrom 1981 to 1997, NAMRIA used for its

hydrographic and physical oceanographic surveyfleet, the survey vessels presented to thePhilippines by the Australian government as acomponent of the economic assistance programof the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization from1962 to 1970. With the passage of time, therequirement for digital data that support theElectronic Chart Display and Information Systemand other electronic chart systems escalated andwas pressing hydrographic communitiesworldwide.

In 1996, NAMRIA acquired an initial batchof hardware and the Computer-Aided ResourceInformation System software to be utilized inthe conversion from analog to digital format ofthe paper charts maintained by the agency. TheElectronic Navigational Chart (ENC)Development Unit was created during the yearto digitize the existing charts, automate thechart-making processes, and eventually produceENCs.

Two brand-new oceanographic researchand survey vessels were acquired in 1998through a state-to-state soft-loan facility fromthe Government of Spain. The multidisciplinarytwin vessels, BRP HYDROGRAPHER PRESBITEROand BRPH VENTURA, are capable ofhydrographic charting and geophysical and

oceanographic surveys. Onboard the vessels areadvanced instruments like the wide-swath,multibeam echo sounding equipment for a morethorough sea bottom coverage; the AcousticDoppler Current Profiler for tidal currentmetering; the satellite positioning (DifferentialGPS); and the navigational equipment. Thevessels’ integrated survey and data operationsystems comprising dry and wet samplelaboratories, multibeam echo sounder, sonar, andautomated cartographic systems facilitate thegathering and processing of results andinformation base.

In 2000, a memorandum of agreement wassigned between NAMRIA and the JapanInternational Cooperation Agency (JICA) for theresearch and development of an RP-wide ENC.The five-year ENC development and technologytransfer project involved the conversion ofnautical or paper chart data to digital formatwhich facilitated the updating and revision ofcharts. In 2006, another JICA-funded projectcalled Enhancement of Hydrographic Capabilitiesfor Navigational Safety project was commenced.This collaboration aimed to improve NAMRIA’scapability in hydrographic data acquisition andprocessing techniques; nautical chart compilationin paper and electronic formats and databasingtechniques; and tidal observation and dataanalysis. The project is expected to becompleted in 2008.

NAMRIA continuously undertakes thedigitization, standardization/updating, andcompilation of charts covering the whole countryin accordance with the InternationalHydrographic Organization Special Publication 57

and Publication M-4. The S-57 contains the IHOtransfer standards for digital hydrographic datawhile the M-4 contains the IHO regulations forInternational Charts and Chart Specifications.At present, NAMRIA has in its holdings an arrayof hardware, software such as SevenCs (ENCDesigner, ENC Manager, ENC Analyzer, ENCOptimizer, ENC Cartographer), dKart Inspector,and Adobe Illustrator CS2, and GPS surveysystems. These new technologies provide anend-to-end production of paper and digital charts.

The primary tide stations established andmaintained in the different coastal areas in thecountry are equipped with analog- and digital-type tide gauges. The analog-type tide gaugesinclude the Leupold & Stevens model and theA.O.T.T. float-type model. The use of digital tidegauges was made possible through theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia Tides and Tidal Phenomena-RegionalOcean Dynamics Project from 1986 to 1992.These digital models include the cartridge-typeEMS 16 and the pressure-type ENDECO whichindirectly measures water levels through sensorsregistering hydraulic pressure. The tide stationsin Davao City and in Subic Bay MetropolitanAuthority have a telemetric capability, whichmonitors tidal measurement in real-time mode.

The growing need for a suitable spatialframework to support integrated surveying andmapping activities was addressed through theRP-Australia Natural Resources Management andDevelopment Project of the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources (DENR).NAMRIA became the pioneer in using GPS on its

Left picture__Balanacan (Marinduque Province, O. W. Ferguson, 1906; 1907). On the highest hill atthe northwest point of Marinduque Island. Salvaria Island in the entrance to Looc Bay bears N. 9ºE., distant 3 kilometers, and the highest point of the western one of the two San Andres Islandsbears 80º E., distant 3 kilometers. It is on the northwest end of the hill, 10 meters northwest of thehighest point, and is in a commanding situation, seeing a hundred miles of the south coast of Luzon,much of the north and west coasts of Marinduque, the coast of Mindoro and other islands. Stationmark is the center of a hole 1.5 centimeters in diameter and 6 centimeters deep, drilled at thecenter of a triangle 16 centimeters on a side, cut in a hard rock. Reference mark is on a hard, whiteboulder of about one cubic meter in volume, standing 80 centimeters above the ground and 90centimeters higher than the station. The mark is a hole 1.5 centimeters in diameter and 8 centimetersdeep, at the center of a cross cut on top of this stone. From the station, the reference mark is inazimuth 326º 34’ and is distant 18.85 meters. (Maynard and Bond, The Triangulation of the PhilippineIslands, 1927). Right picture__standard monument for new stations established using GPS.

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large-scale geodetic survey from 1989 to 1992.GPS revolutionized the conventional ways ofestablishing ground control points throughtriangulation, traverse, and trilateration.

In 1991, the Philippines through NAMRIAbecame the host of the 39th DeterminationOrbitography for Radio Integrated System(DORIS) beacon. The DORIS project was aninternational network of transmitter beacons thatcarries geodetic and geophysical data of asatellite station receiving feeds from otherstations worldwide. The beacon transmits to theSPOT2 satellite information allowing very preciseorbit determination and accurate determinationof reference points. The powerful beacon is veryessential to the conduct of geodetic andgeophysical surveys.

Operations of the 38-year old MagneticObservatory in Muntinlupa were stopped in 1988after a fire razed the Variation Building. Thebuilding, which was the Observatory’s sensorhouse, was reconstructed in 1993 and a newset of magnetic instruments was acquiredthrough JICA. These instruments were thethree-axis magnetometer; fluxgatemagnetometer; Overhauser magnetometer;portable proton magnetometer; and protonmagnetometer. The Observatory provides areference station for all magnetic surveys in thecountry. Magnetic surveys are conducted togather information for the preparation of anisogonic chart which is updated every five years.Magnetic data gathered are important indetermining the local variations which arereflected in NAMRIA’s nautical charts andtopographic maps. They are also used to correctcompass bearings during navigation, surveying,and finding directions on land.

With the Asia-Pacific Space GeodynamicsProject for the establishment of the AbsoluteGravity Standard Station Network in East Asiaand Southeast Asia with FG-5 absolutegravimeters, absolute gravity measurements forthe Philippines though NAMRIA were conductedusing FG-5#203 gravimeter. The gravity basemark made of a metal plate was installed in themain office of NAMRIA in 2005. A magnetic stationfor the Magnetic Data Acquisition System(MAGDAS) Project was also set up at theObservatory in 2005 in collaboration with theSpace Environment Research Center, KyushuUniversity, Japan. MAGDAS is a very sensitive,state-of-the-art, real-time magnetometer whichcan detect small changes in the earth’s magneticfield. The equipment installed through theseprojects has helped NAMRIA in carrying out itsfunctions.

Mapping and Remote SensingWith the extension from 1987 to 1992 of

the National Cartography Center Project throughthe German Assistance for TechnicalCooperation, various surveying and mappingequipment were acquired, including technicalassistance and training. Among the equipmentwere microcomputers and a reprographic process

camera. The installation of the KLIMSCHREPROGRAFIKA P in 1991 augmented NAMRIA’smapmaking facilities in establishing self-reliancein the continuous production of updated maps.

The reprographic camera was a computer-assisted, high-precision instrument capable ofperforming various reprographic processes suchas halftone, line, and screen work. It was aspecial darkroom camera in horizontalconstruction used for industrial reproduction andrepro-drafting. It was equipped with electronicdigital control for automatic sizing, focusing, andexposure.

In support of the rapid advancement ofGIS technology and other geographicallyreferenced databases, digital mapping effortsin NAMRIA started in 1991 with the acquisitionof the ZEISS program PLANIMAP as part of itssoftware updating for the C100 PlanicompAnalytical System. The program enabled digitalplotting through graphical elementsmeasurement, coding, and storage in a computerfile. Unlike other forms of digital map acquisition,data were captured online; thereby, the loss ofaccuracy due to secondary tracing incartography and to random errors introducedduring printing was reduced. With the flexibilityof data in digital form, more users were supportedaside from the traditional users of printed maps.

Also in the early 1990s, NAMRIA used anumber of photogrammetric instruments such asfour B8S WILD Heerbrugg, 1 WILD AutographA10, 3 ZEISS Planicart E3, ZEISS Planimat D3, 1ZEISS Orthocomp, one ZEISS Orthocomp, 1ZEISS C100-Planicomp Analytical Plotter, and 1ZEISS SEG 6 Rectifier/Enlarger. Additionalacquisitions in 1992 were the ZEISS PlanicompP2, a universal analytical stereoplotting system,and five multi-terminals NEC/Multi-Sync 5D forAutoCAD users. P2 Planicomp was a cost-effective analytical plotter which combined thecapability of C100 Planicomp viewer and the newPHOCUS features and contained P-Series ControlUnit and integrated P-processor. Compared toanalog instruments, the analytical plotter has ahigher level of accuracy, versatile application,and faster operation.

Capability building to meet the rapidlyincreasing demand for digital maps continued in1992 with the total upgrading of three ZEISSPlanicart E3, one ZEISS Planimat D3, and oneZEISS Planicomp P2. The equipment can nowaccess or make use of AutoCAD, a program forcomputer-aided design, which introduced awhole new approach to digital mapping. Duringthis period, NAMRIA’s analog stereoplotters (fourWILD B8S and Aviograph stereoplotters and oneWILD A10 Aviograph) were still being used formapping operations.

The use of AutoCAD for mapping facilitatedactivities, increased accuracy, and reducederrors. The use of pencils, erasers, and similarinstruments was reduced by this drawing tool.Editing operations were performed with easeand flexibility. Traditionally, aerial triangulationmeasurement was performed using the analyticalplotter and automatic plotting table for map sheetpreparations. With AutoCAD, editing was directlydone at the terminal without the use of the

automatic plotting table. Moreover, legend andlabel placement no longer required painstakingmanual lettering. Mapping operations were alsofaster with this software. What would havenormally taken three days to convert an aerialphoto model’s planimetric features (non-urbanized area) and contours into a manuscripttook only two days or less.

From 1987 to 1995, cartographicenhancements were done through manualscribing, stick-up of names, and stripping of colorand symbols. Digital cartographic enhancementsusing Freehand software started in 1996. Thedigital data are outputted directly to film throughimage setting.

In 2000, the Integraph DigitalPhotogrammetric Workstation (DPW) wasacquired to enhance mapping capabilities. TheDPW offered the multiple benefits of flexiblescanning, superb stereo viewing, and fast imageprocessing and display. With this system,NAMRIA can now produce digital maps directfrom the scanned aerial photographs at a muchfaster rate than using the conventional plotters.The workstation has state-of-the-art systemssuch as the ImageStation Digital Mensurationwhich provides a multi-image, multi-sensorstereo point transfer and measurementenvironment for a photogrammetric triangulationworkflow; ImageStation Feature Collection whichminimizes the interaction required to collect oredit feature data; and the ImageStation BaseRectifier which allows the user to establish awide variety of rectification parameters on animage-by-image basis to provide the ultimate inflexibility for large projects.

NAMRIA provided services for geodeticcontrol survey and digital orthophoto mappingfor the implementation of the DENR LandAdministration Management Project in 2001. Twoprototype areas were also developed thatsought to improve the efficiency of administrativeprocesses and to accelerate the registration andissuance of titles to people. The photo controlpoints were established using GPS and a fullydigital method in the orthophoto production wasemployed.

In 1988, NAMRIA implemented the landclassification component of the ComprehensiveAgrarian Reform Program. Used in thereconnaissance surveys were basic tools suchas the Japanese compass transit which getsbearings or directions, along with steel tapes orcalibrated chains and the stadia for measuringdistances. Equipment used in LC surveys hassince evolved from that time. (See relatedarticle on LC milestones in NAMRIA.)

The remote sensing (RS) capability ofNAMRIA was upgraded from 1990 to 1993through bilateral assistance from Australia. ThePhilippines-Australia RS Project aimed to providea national archive of RS data and the capabilityto process these data for use in governmentand private development programs. Thearchiving, processing, and applications centercomponent was lodged at the National RS Center(NRSC) in NAMRIA.

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The NAMRIA Administratorsby Maria Romina dR. Pe Benito

Upon every creation is bestowed adistinctive mark by its maker. The leader likewiseleaves something of himself in the hearts andminds of his followers. It is an indelible, significantimprint that sets him apart from both hispredecessor and his successor. JGS, LAM, ISF,DAV —these are the initials of NAMRIA’s fouradministrators, past and present. For the menand women who have been part of NAMRIA’sstoried history for the last 20 years, these initialsby themselves speak volumes. The term of eachadministrator is made unique and trulymemorable by all of the varying events itencompasses. Then of course it is also theadministrator, the foremost agencyrepresentative and the one at the forefront ofall of these events, who defines the period withhis character and wisdom.

The Time of JGSAnd so it came to pass that NAMRIA was to

be created. Jose Guyala Solis shares deeplyin NAMRIA’s history as its first leader and also asone of its founders. Former Administrator Soliswas schooled in civil engineering and attendedtraining courses and seminars on mapping,surveying, and remote sensing. From 1972 to1976 he was the commanding officer of the 516th

Engineer Base Topo Company of the ArmedForces of the Philippines (AFP). He had a handin reorganizing the Company into the AFPMapping Center. He was the commanding officerof the Center for nearly ten years. FormerAdministrator Solis was involved in the creationof the National Cartography, Photogrammetryand Remote Sensing Center, in turn theforerunner of the National Cartography Authority(NCA). He served as executive director of NCAfrom 02 July 1986 until it was merged with threeother offices and became NAMRIA on 01 July1987, with him as Administrator. He had morethan 25 years of military service when he retiredas a colonel of the Philippine Army in 1987.

Former Administrator Solis saw NAMRIA inits period of adjustment while the powers andfunctions of the four distinct and separateentities were still being integrated. Capabilitieswere united with his guidance and inspiration tojumpstart NAMRIA’s accomplishment of itsregular program of activities, including thepending tasks carried over from the formeroffices. A noteworthy accomplishment for hisfirst year in NAMRIA was the historic compilationof the first topographic map at scale 1:50,000produced entirely in the Philippines and byFilipinos. Its launching on 22 December 1988marked the beginning of regular map productionat NAMRIA. Equipment and technical expertiseleading to this accomplishment were acquiredthrough the National Cartography Center Project(1981-1992) of NCA. The project was a bilateraltechnical and financial cooperation undertakingof the governments of the Federal Republic ofGermany and the Republic of the Philippines.

By 1989, NAMRIA had establishedmembership in organizations such as the AsianWetland Bureau and the Economic and SocialCommission for Asia and the Pacific/RegionalRemote Sensing Program (ESCAP/RRSP).According to the 1989 report, NAMRIA “hosted53 conferences, seminars, and meetings,” suchas a regular meeting of the ESCAP/RRSPIntergovernmental Consultative Committee anda workshop on Geographic Information Systems(GIS) technology. Former Administrator Soliswas also the Chairman of the National StatisticalCoordination Board. In the succeeding years ofhis term, he grew in prowess and prominence asNAMRIA Administrator. In 1995, he was electedas one of the seven vice-presidents of theInternational Cartographic Association andheaded the Commissions on Education andTraining, and Mapping and Satellite Imagery.

In his third year of stewardship, formerAdministrator Solis managed to set NAMRIA ona steady course in fulfilling its mandates. Early

in his term and for the duration of it, he wantedNAMRIA to be firmly established and kept in thepublic eye. This was accomplished through theextensive use of various tools to market andpromote the agency’s products and services.Among these were publications, informationcampaigns, radio and television featureinterviews and guest appearances of NAMRIAofficials, technical fora, and videodocumentaries. During his term, NAMRIA wasable to develop its official homepage under theIntegrated Environmental Management forSustainable Development Program of the DENRand the National Economic and DevelopmentAuthority. Through the homepage, which waslaunched in 1996, NAMRIA’s products andservices became more accessible to Internetusers.

Former Administrator Solis endorsed wellNAMRIA’s participation in special projects withboth local and foreign institutions. These projectsduring NAMRIA’s formative years with hisleadership enabled the agency to accomplishnoteworthy endeavors, improve and upgradeits surveying and mapping capabilities, andestablish important linkages. The respect andconfidence especially of other governmentagencies, private institutions, as well as foreigncounterparts in mapping and related fields weregained for NAMRIA.

One such project enabled NAMRIA toestablish the Philippine Reference System of1992. This was under the Geodetic Surveycomponent of the Natural ResourcesManagement and Development Project or NRMDP(1989-1993), an Australia-assisted project ofDENR (see related articles in this issue).Another Australia-funded project (1990-1994)established the country’s archiving, processing,and applications center of remotely sensed datain the country. The NRSC was the object of thevisit of Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn onAugust 28, 1991.

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Jose G. Solis Liberato A. Manuel Isidro S. Fajardo Diony A. Ventura

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During his term, former Administrator Solisalso gave NAMRIA’s full support to the majorprograms and activities of the PhilippineGovernment spearheaded or supported by theDENR. Among these were the ComprehensiveAgrarian Reform Program (CARP) which usedNAMRIA’s land classification maps; governmentefforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River for whichthe agency conducted hydrographic survey in1988 and produced an updated land use map in1994; and the Coastal Environment Program(CEP) for which the agency, starting in 1994,conducted mangrove inventory, assessment,and mapping of CEP areas. Likewise, he ralliedthe agency to assist in the rehabilitation effortsfollowing the grievous destruction to life andproperty caused by such natural disasters asthe 1990 earthquake and the eruption of MountPinatubo in 1991. Disaster management mapsof Mayon and Taal volcanoes were also producedby NAMRIA in 1993.

As a leader, he fully endorsed acomprehensive manpower development thrustfor NAMRIA though the attendance of theagency’s staff in local and foreign trainings,conferences, conventions, and seminar-workshops. He encouraged the creation of theOrganization of NAMRIA Employees (ONE) whichwas formally established in 1993 and he wasgenerally supportive particularly of its projectsand activities promoting the welfare ofemployees.

Former Administrator Solis likewise stronglysupported the creation in 1993 of the InformationTechnology Strategic Plan (ITSP) and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Geographic Information(IATFGI). The ITSP is a framework for efficientand cost-effective integrated informationsystems to support NAMRIA’s functions. TheIATFGI aimed to promote and coordinate theefficient development, management, andutilization of geographic information at all levelsand in all sectors in the country. He was also astaunch advocate of the importance of modernmapping technologies like GIS. Near the end ofhis term in 1998 he wanted NAMRIA to take anactive role in teaching the usefulness of thesetechnologies especially among the localgovernment through the holding of seminars andworkshops. Also by the end of his term, theNAMRIA Modernization Bill was still beingdiscussed in the appropriate committees at theLower and Upper Houses of Congress. Itsapproval, which he vigorously pursued, andimplementation would have meant the furtherdevelopment of the agency’s capabilitiesparticularly in mapping and surveying. It couldalso have been a most fitting culmination of allof his hopes and dreams for the agency he hadhelped to build.

Former Administrator Solis served asNAMRIA Administrator for more than 10 yearsand under two Philippine presidents.Incidentally, then President Fidel V. Ramosattended NAMRIA’s seventh-year anniversarycelebration on 05 July 1994. Former

Administrator Solis left NAMRIA in March 1998to run for the position of Congressman ofSorsogon province in the national elections ofMay 1998. In the interim, Deputy AdministratorEvangeline C. Cruzado served as Officer-in-Charge of the agency.

The Time of LAMThe new administrator of NAMRIA who was

able to serve for two years was no less than aretired brigadier general of the AFP — LiberatoArrieta Manuel. He was designated as thenew head of the agency on 02 July 1998. Agraduate of the Philippine Military Academy(PMA), former Administrator Manuel is also aholder of master’s degrees in businessadministration and national securityadministration, from the Ateneo de ManilaUniversity and the National Defense College ofthe Philippines respectively. He also completeda strategic business economics program leadingto a master’s degree in business economics fromthe University of Asia and the Pacific.

Buckling down to work after assumingleadership of NAMRIA, former AdministratorManuel’s first agendum as administrator wasthe re-orientation of officials and employees onlove of country, especially through their seriousand faithful attendance at the flag ceremonies.The regular recitation of the Panunumpa saWatawat and the Panunumpa ng Kawani ngGobyerno became a part of the flag-raisingceremony. He also instituted value-formationthrough the giving by employees themselves ofa series of relevant talks during the Mondayformation. The new administrator instituted agradual restructuring of the organization whichhe believed was necessary in order to improvethe agency’s performance of its mandatedfunctions.

It was through his encouragement thatNAMRIA’s present day Multi-PurposeCooperative (NMPC) was established. The NMPCgrocery opened in 1999 and in the same year healso approved the establishment of the NAMRIAday care center as the agency’s contribution tothe Gender and Development Program (GAD) ofthe government. The setting up of the centerhad been the brainchild of ONE since the time offormer Administrator Solis. Through the holdingof a consultative assembly in December 1998which was facilitated by ONE and was part ofNAMRIA’s observance of National GovernmentEmployee’s Week, he afforded employees withthe opportunity to directly communicate withmanagement the issues and concerns theyconsidered important and were for the immediateattention of his administration. Similar sessionsfollowed in an Administrator’s Hour held in April1999 and two sessions of the Administrator’sDay held on 24 and 26 November 1999.

The projects and activities undertakenduring his term of office were pursued in linewith the programs of the administration of formerPresident Joseph E. Estrada. Foremost of thesewas the production of maps to serve as vitalreference materials for policy makers,development planners, and land use developersin the formulation of regional and provincial plans

and the judicious use of the country’s naturalresources, among others. As NAMRIA’scommitment to the first 100 days of the EstradaAdministration, the agency produced andprinted 108 sheets of updated land use andforest type maps of Luzon and Visayas at1:100,000 scale; a summary map at 1:2,000,000scale indicating the land cover of the country;and 30 digital maps covering CALABAR areas at1:10,000 scale.

Former Administrator Manuel alsoencouraged the agency’s drafting of theguidelines for delineating Philippine municipalwaters and gave his support to the agency’spilot project for the Philippines in the overall“Technology in Updating Topographic Maps UsingRemote Sensing.” It was a regional cooperativeproject done in 1999 and was spearheaded bythe ASEAN Experts Group on Remote Sensing,with funding from the Australian Surveying andLand Information Group. Gainful experienceswere derived by NAMRIA from efforts to testthe use of automated remote sensing andcartographic modeling techniques for a morepractical but cost-effective method of updatingbase maps.

The new leadership of NAMRIA also madeas a priority concern of the agency, the pursuitof the country’s claim over portions of thedisputed Kalayaan Island Group. The foremostmission target of the agency was the completionof the survey and mapping of the country’smaritime territory, including the ExclusiveEconomic Zone. Fortuitously enough for theaccomplishment of this mission target, theagency’s two modern oceanographic researchand survey vessels arrived in 1998 and 1999.

In giving support to DENR thrusts andpriorities during the period, NAMRIA continuedwith the mapping and inventory of mangroveareas within CEP sites for the DENR flagshipprogram on coastal environment. The agencyalso pursued the creation of a GIS database onthe country’s identified critical watershed areasfor the ENR preventive and rehabilitationprogram for sustainable development. Duringthe period the preparatory training for thedevelopment of geographic information systemsfor local government units also culminated.NAMRIA coordinated this activity under itsMunicipal Base Mapping Program with technicalassistance and financial support from the SwedishInternational Cooperation Development Agency.The NRSC in NAMRIA also took part in anundertaking involving Philippine governmentagencies and the National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration to investigate the potentials ofAIRSAR and TOPSAR datasets.

The NAMRIA Newsletter (1988-1989) wasrevived during his term of office. FormerAdministrator Manuel endorsed a heightenedpromotions and marketing strategy for NAMRIAthrough print and broadcast media, printing ofinformation materials, and the conduct ofinformation campaigns. He likewise vigorouslypursued the expansion program for the agency’smap sales offices (MSOs). A total of 11 regionalMSOs were established in 1998 and 1999 inaddition to the already existing MSOs which

The NAMRIA Administratorsfrom page 5

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included those in the main office in Fort Bonifacioand in the branch office in Binondo. The NAMRIAOne Stop-Shop was established and had its initialoperation in 1998. To date it houses all availableinformation on the agency’s map products, digitaland remote sensing data and services.

NAMRIA successfully hosted severalsignificant events during the term of office offormer Administrator Manuel. One of these wasthe 19th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing.The seminar, “National InformationInfrastructure for Management of MarineResources and Traffic at Sea,” held in October1998 was sponsored by the trade council of theRoyal Norwegian Embassy in cooperation withNAMRIA. In commemoration of the Philippinecentennial celebration, the agency produced acentennial map calendar which featured thefamous 17th century map made by Father PedroMurillo Velarde and a 200-year perpetualcalendar. Copies of the maps were disseminatedto various clients, visitors, and other governmentagencies.

The Time of ISFNAMRIA’s third administrator, who was also

able to serve the agency for two years, sharedwith his predecessors a transition from a militarycareer to civilian service. Isidro SarmientoFajardo took over the reins of leadership ofNAMRIA on 03 January 2000. Among thepositions he previously held were the following:Chief of Engineers, AFP, 1996-1999;Commanding Officer, AFP Mapping Center, 1990-1994; and Deputy Administrator, LocalWaterworks Utilities Administration, 1986-1988.He is a licensed civil engineer and sanitaryengineer with master’s degrees in businessadministration, management, and nationalsecurity administration. His civilian and militaryschooling included training courses in appliedgeodesy and photogrammetry. He wasconferred the Career Executive Service eligibilityin August 2000 by the Career Executive ServiceBoard.

Early in his administration, formerAdministrator Fajardo strove to gain the trustand confidence of NAMRIA officials andemployees alike and to reinforce the spirit ofcamaraderie among them, so as to ensuresmoother flow of work. Team building was acore component of the management planningworkshop in January 2000 and the managementconference in June 2000 which he bothspearheaded. The two occasions afforded himwith the opportunity to foster a harmoniousworking relationship with the agency’s officials.He later instituted the reforms he consideredurgently necessary. A major policy decision hemade was the delegation to the deputyadministrators and department directors theauthority to approve financial and personnelmatters. This was a setup which allowed directparticipation of officials in running the affairs ofthe agency. He also made as part of hisprograms and projects the construction ofquarters to house stay-in employees and of theday care center. The agency’s staff houseopened in March 2001 while its day care center

opened in July 2001. He likewise gave his supportto the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA)between management and ONE. The CNA wasinitially signed in March 2002.

Former Administrator Fajardo stronglysupported NAMRIA’s accomplishment of itscontinuing activities in accordance with itsmandated tasks. These included efforts to helpaccomplish the delineation of the municipal waterboundaries of the Philippine archipelago. Thedraft guidelines which NAMRIA prepared in 2000for delineating municipal waters were laterincorporated in DENR Administrative Order(DAO) number 2001-17, which was signed intolaw in June 2001 by former DENR SecretaryHeherson T. Alvarez. The guidelines introducedthe Enrique A. Macaspac Concentric CirclesMethod of Determining an Equidistance Line inMaritime Boundary Delimitation. In 2001 and forand beyond the duration of his term of leadershipin 2002, NAMRIA was involved in conductinginformation campaigns and briefings for theorder’s full implementation. The agency was alsopursuing actual delineation of municipal watersin all of the country’s coastal provinces.

In 2000, his first year in NAMRIA, theagency began its participation in severalnoteworthy undertakings. These includedNAMRIA’s project in support of the DENR flagshipprogram on the delineation and establishmentof permanent forestland boundaries. NAMRIAdid surveys and mapping in an effort to clearlymark on maps and on the ground the specificlimits of forestlands and national parks asexpressly provided for in the 1987 PhilippineConstitution. For the project of the Departmentof Health, NAMRIA designed and developed aMaternal GIS and health facility maps as part ofoverall efforts to improve technical services forwomen’s health and safe motherhood. The jointproject of NAMRIA with JICA would help the theagency acquire the technology to develop ENCscovering the whole Philippine sea area.

Projects which officially began during histerm of office, in February 2002 included theconduct of survey and mapping of ancestraldomains of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples. Projects officially completedduring his term of office, in 2001 included thesecond phase of the Land Cover and Land UseChange (LCLUC) Project which analyzed theinter-annual changes in deforestation and re-growth, through remote sensing images and GIS,and developed a model for land use change.NAMRIA also finished implementing, with JapanForest Technology Association, the InformationSystem Development Project for themanagement of the country’s tropical forests.Project outputs turned over to the LGUbeneficiaries included updated land use andforest-type maps and corresponding statistics.

It was during the term of office of formerAdministrator Fajardo that NAMRIA marked thecentenary of surveying and mapping in thePhilippines with the holding of a conference,product presentations, and a trade exhibit inJuly 2001. NAMRIA likewise spearheaded thenational celebration of GIS Awareness Week inNovember 2000 in collaboration with both

government and private entities. A conferencewas held for imparting knowledge about GIStechnology and its importance. A significantevent successfully hosted by NAMRIA was anational training in RS and GIS with JICA in March2001.

The NAMRIA homepage won the Best WebAward for the government and law category ofthe 3rd Philippine Web Awards held in November2000. The agency placed as a semifinalist in2001. Three MSOs were launched during theterm of former Administrator Fajardo, one ofwhich was the branch office at the DENR centraloffice in Diliman, Quezon City.

The Time of DAVThe first former police official to assume

the reins of leadership of NAMRIA is RetiredPolice Major General Diony Alvaro Ventura,the present NAMRIA Administrator. He startedhis military career as second lieutenant of theformer Philippine Constabulary right after hisgraduation from the Philippine Military Academyin 1967. He rose from the ranks in the militaryhierarchy and later became the police directorof the Philippine National Police in December 1998until his retirement in February 2001. He is aholder of master’s degrees in publicadministration and national securityadministration from the University of thePhilippines and the National Defense College ofthe Philippines, respectively. He also studiedfor a doctorate degree in peace and securityadministration from Bicol University GraduateSchool, under the extension program of CampCrame in Quezon City. He was in the militaryand police service for close to 40 years.

Among the key policy directions for NAMRIAset by Administrator Ventura early in hisadministration were the continuing developmentand enhancement of the agency’s existingcapabilities, priority equipment acquisition, andmaintenance of discipline in the organization. Hestrongly emphasizes in his leadership the needfor the unity and hard work of the agency’sofficials and employees, especially to fulfill theagency‘s commitment to the priority programsof the national government and the DENR.

There are several top priority concernsunder his leadership at present, as identified inthe agency’s General Program of Action andthe12-point agenda of DENR. One is thecompletion of the Philippine Geodetic Networkby calendar year 2010 that will establish commonreference points to all vital surveys and mappingactivities of DENR. These include cadastral(CARP-related) surveys, land classificationactivities, delineation of forestlands andalienable and disposable lands, demarcation ofprotected areas, mineral land surveys, andother similar surveying activities. Another is thecontinuous production of large- and medium-scalebase maps to be used for geohazard mapping,covering areas that are highly vulnerable tonatural hazards and calamities. NAMRIA is alsopursuing the continuous survey of unclassifiedpublic lands to be able to fulfill the government’scommitment of providing areas for development,

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whether for agricultural, industrial, housing,tourism and for other purposes. Finally, anotherpressing concern for the agency is theredefinition of the archipelagic baselines of thecountry in compliance with UNCLOS and to enablethe submission of maritime claims by May 2009,including the survey and charting of the country’sEEZ.

Key accomplishments of NAMRIA duringthe recent years of the leadership ofAdministrator Ventura include the agency’sproduction of the geohazard map for rainfall-triggered landslides; the construction of the1:10,000 relief model of the Pasig River systemto assist the geohazard mapping activities ofthe Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission; theagency’s support to the different committees ofthe Green Philippine Highways Project of DENR;the successful location by NAMRIA’s surveyvessels of the exact position of M/T SOLAR 1whose sinking caused the massive oil spill in theseas of the Guimaras Strait which threatenedthe coastlines in Central Visayas; and productionof the 1:1,500,000-scale base maps for eachof the country’s five “super” regions and thePhilippine Super Region Map at 1:2,000,000scale. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyogrouped the various provinces and regions intosuper regions to boost development andproductivity especially in the countryside.

Administrator Ventura strongly rallies theagency to participate well in noteworthyundertakings that will further strengthen itstechnical capabilities. His support andencouragement helped ensure the success ofthe technical cooperation project with JICA forENC development and technology transfer in thecountry. NAMRIA is now producing, updating,and publishing the country’s ENCs in large- andsmall-scales covering the entire Philippinewaters, major ports, and harbors. TheNorwegian Agency for DevelopmentCorporation, through Blom Maritime, a technicalconsultant on matters pertinent to the UNCLOS,is helping the Philippine Government throughDENR in preparing the necessary documents tosupport the country’s claims to maritimeboundaries in accordance with the UNCLOS.NAMRIA is the implementing arm of DENR in thiseffort.

With his leadership, NAMRIA comes evencloser to its vision of becoming a highly-professionalized, technologically-advanced,globally-competitive, and ENR-caring agency.The facilities operated and maintained by theagency to date are manned by well-trained anddedicated personnel working with some of themost modern equipment. The NAMRIA GeomaticsTraining Center (GTC) located in the NAMRIAmain building in Taguig City started its operationsin 2003. Accredited by the Civil ServiceCommission, the GTC is a training institution onGIS, mapping, and allied technologies.

Administrator Ventura strongly endorses aheightened information, education, and

The NAMRIA Administratorsfrom page 7

communications strategy for NAMRIA throughthe preparation/packaging and dissemination ofthe agency’s major information materials like theNAMRIA Annual Report, Infomapper, and GISLink; press and photo releases in majornewspapers; primers and posters; audio-visualproductions; and map and technology exhibits.NAMRIA’s 19 th MSO in Koronadal City waslaunched in June 2006. It is the fifth NAMRIAsales outlet in Mindanao.

NAMRIA likewise hosted the 9th executiveboard meeting of the Permanent Committee onGIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific(PCGIAP) in October 2002, the first time for themeeting to be held in the Philippines. The PCGIAPis a 55-nation council that aims to maximize theeconomic, social, and environmental benefits ofgeographic information in accordance with theprovisions of Agenda 21 of the Rio de JaneiroSummit. Two siginificant events for November2002 were NAMRIA’s spearheading the nationalcelebration of GIS Day, in collaboration withprivate and government agencies; and theagency’s again winning for best website in thegovernment and law category of the 5 th PhilippineWeb Awards.

As NAMRIA’s new leader in 2002,Administrator Ventura’s establishment of kinshipwith the agency’s staff component wasauspiciously sealed by way of an affirmation-signing ceremony in May 2002 for the CNAbetween ONE and the NAMRIA management.To date he has been giving his full support forthe successful implementation of the provisionsof the CNA during his term of office. He againconcluded for management the second CNA withONE in the signing ceremony held in March 2005.He is likewise strongly supporting the housingproject in Fort Bonifacio to benefit the agency’semployees. He greatly encourages everyone’sparticipation in physical fitness activities.

Administrator Ventura ably supports theprojects and activities of the GAD committee ofNAMRIA to celebrate “National Women’s Month”and mainstream GAD concerns in the agency’soperations. During his term of leadership, thereis the continuing operation and maintenance ofthe day care center in Fort Bonifacio. Keynotable agency contributions also include theproduction in 2002-2003 of the DENR-GAD audio-visual presentation “Magkasama Tayo” and thedistribution of its copies in 2004 to the regionaloffices and attached bureaus and agencies;and in 2005, the production of a documentaryon DENR GAD initiatives and the admission offemale cadets in the NAMRIA-CGSD Corps ofCommissioned Officers.

Towards GreatnessSection 5 of DAO 31 which contains the

guidelines implementing EO 192, dated 10 June1987, with respect to the creation of NAMRIA,lists as the foremost qualifications of the NAMRIAAdministrator his/her being an appointee of thePhilippine President; a Filipino citizen; at least35 years of age at the time of the appointment;of good moral character; and with recognizedmanagerial competence in surveys, mapping,and/or resource information. With thesequalifications, only a chosen few will indeed beable to have the title of “Administrator.” NAMRIAadministrators only aspire for the agency’sgreatness. Their backgrounds may differ butwhat truly matters is that they are able to leadthe agency, and lead it well. True leaders,however, are also good servants. They canbetter teach their followers to work hard, to behonest, and to stay strong and united. Thusthe agency will win the respect not only of thenational leadership but most importantly of thepeople it serves.

Meeting of NAMRIA Board of Governors chaired by DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes withAdministrator Diony A. Ventura as Board Secretary

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*Forester Molina is the Chief, Land Classification Division, RSRDAD and holds a Master’s degree in Management from the Technological University of thePhilippines.

Land classification (LC) is the process ofdemarcating, segregating, delimiting, andestablishing the best category, kind, and usefor a public land. Its objective is to determinethrough inter-bureau action which portion of thepublic domain is suitable as a forestland (FL) andwhich could be released as an alienable anddisposable (A & D) land.

Before the creation of NAMRIA, landclassification was a function of the formerBureau of Forest Development (BFD) under theformer Department of Natural Resources. On10 June 1987, pursuant to EO 192 known as theReorganization Act of DENR, the LC teams ofthis bureau were integrated into NAMRIA andconstituted the LC Division of the RemoteSensing and Resource Data Analysis Department(RSRDAD). Hence, from then on, landclassification has been a continuing function ofthe LC Division.

From its office at Perlas Building in QuezonCity to its location now within the NAMRIAcompound in Taguig City, the LC Division iscontinuing the LC activities started by the BFD.Land classification, however, was conductedonly in the remaining areas of unclassified publicforests. The reclassification of forest or minerallands was also stopped as this activity wasprohibited under Section 4(a) of theComprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988.Tie points used in the survey were the Bureauof Lands Location Monuments (BLLMs) andBarangay Boundary Monuments (BBMs)established by the former Bureau of Lands andthe triangulation stations established by theformer Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey(BCGS).

During this period, there were 14 LC teamsin NAMRIA. Each team was composed of oneteam leader and one or two members. Therewere, however, only three total stations (oneunit Shokisha, one unit Pentax, and one unitWilde) being used by the field men. Hence, theremaining teams used surveying compass andengineer’s transit. The use of the compassentailed longer time spent during fieldwork sincethe maximum distance that could be sighted/measured in one shot/reading was 100-200meters only. With the total station, a maximumof more than one kilometer distance could bemeasured in one sighting/reading. The RSRDADoffice was able to acquire additional sixGeodimeter total stations during theimplementation of new projects such as the OldGrowth Forest Boundary Project and theEstablishment of 12.5-Meter ReglementaryElevation of Laguna de Bay in a memorandum ofagreement with the Laguna Lake DevelopmentAuthority. The new instruments replaced theoutdated instruments. To date, there are fiveunits of operational Geodimeter Total Stationssurvey equipment (four units 600 series and one

Milestones in 20 Years of Land Classification by NAMRIAby Olivia R. Molina*

unit 500 series) being usedby the LC teams. Surveyingwas made easier with theuse of high technologytheodolite with ElectronicDistance Meter (TotalStation), combined with theteam’s use of othersurveying accessories likeradios and cell phones whichfacil itate theircommunication while doingboundary delineationbetween A & D lands andforestlands.

Integrating the LCstaff of the former BFD intoNAMRIA in 1987 resulted inthe carryover of LCstatistics on the remainingunclassified lands of thepublic domain/foresttotaling 1.1 million hectares.During the implementationof the LC program inNAMRIA, more and moreunclassified lands such assmall islands and gaps werediscovered while the LCprojects were in the stages of compilation andfinal mapping. Another regular project, “Updatingof LC Status,” which was started in 1995, entailedthe projection of individual LC maps into theprovincial administrative maps to provide a quicklook of the indicative legal status of provinces inthe country. With this project, more unclassifiedlands were discovered and also included in thework programs of the LC survey teams. Hencein 1997, the latest statistics showed that fieldaccomplishment on classification/assessment oflands of the public domain totaled over one millionhectares. From 1989 to 2000, there were 38approved LC projects covering a total of226,955.31 hectares.

The worn-out/dilapidated LC maps wereretraced in mylar print medium to preserve theinformation contained in them. A certification ineach retraced map was of its being the true andcorrect retracing of the old LC map and was dulysigned by RSRDAD Director Virgilio F. Basa. Asthe division also gained knowledge in using GISsoftware particularly ArcView, the provincialindicative maps were eventually digitized in 2003.

The methodology of land classification hasdeveloped since the time of the integration ofthe LC staff of the former BFD into NAMRIA.The preparation of thematic maps (i.e., drainagemap, hazard map, land cover map, regulatorystatus map, road map, slope map, and the soilmap prepared by the Bureau of Soils and WaterManagement) is a requirement before the actualfieldwork is conducted. Overlaying the proposed

Proposed land classification boundaries of an area in Aparri,Cagayan overlaid in high-resolution satellite imagery

map on available high-resolution satelliteimageries is also done to determine thepreliminary line/corners of the proposed landclassification and the present land cover of thesubject area. Starting in 2002, all LC surveyswere tied up to PRS92. LC surveys wereconducted in the provinces of Benguet,Cagayan, Culion, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, andother areas using total station and high-gradeGPS. The results of the surveys were mappeddigitally indicating the boundary between the A& D land and the forestland.

Other thematic maps were also prepared.The proposed LC maps that were surveyed acouple of years ago were also digitized andoverlaid on high-resolution imageries primarilyto determine the present status of the area (i.e.,present land use and accessibility). There werea total of 14 proposed LC maps presented toand deliberated/approved by the LC-TWG andeventually endorsed to the DENR Secretary bythe National Technical Evaluation Committee(NTEC) chaired by the Undersecretary forPlanning and Policy. These maps were approvedon 31 August 2004 by then DENR Secretary EliseaG. Gozun, who approved on 14 October 2003one LC map covering a portion of the Municipalityof Subic, Zambales. A total of 45 proposed LCprojects have already been submitted to theOffice of the DENR Undersecretary for Planningand Policy for the eventual approval of the DENRSecretary.

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The world is rapidly changing: technologicalinnovation, restructuring of organizations,economic growth, and growing use of Internetvis-à-vis increasing population. Theadvancements on the one hand and demographicgrowth on the other,brought about competingdemands on the use of the earth’s finite naturalresources to further sustain economicdevelopment and prosperity. Hence, nowadays,environmental issues shape planning fortomorrow’s needs, and more recently, the issueon climate change due to global warming. In thisregard, managers, planners, and customers aredemanding more accurate and updatedinformation about their natural environment,delivered on a timely basis, in order to help themmake rational decisions.

NAMRIA, as central mapping agency ofgovernment, continuously strives to contributein addressing the above issues in undertakingits mandates. Through the years, it has beenbuilding on its traditional strengths whilebecoming more flexible and responsive to thechanging times. It is working to integrate itsexpertise in the fields of mapping, surveying,and information management and build up itstechnical excellence; streamline operations tobecome as efficient as possible; acquire andutilize the rapid advances in informationtechnology to better deliver information tosupport the needs of decision-makers; and do abetter job of understanding the needs andincreasing demands of our varied customers andstakeholders for different types of geographicinformation.

How do we see NAMRIA in the next 10years? As we move towards the next decade,NAMRIA envisions to create a responsive spatialdata infrastructure, open up new opportunitiesto improve its present technology, produce moreproducts and services brought about by evolvingrequirements in planning, face new challengesin surveying and mapping, and continue toevolve and adopt to the rapid changes in theeconomic, political, and natural environment.

By the next decade, the rationalization planof NAMRIA would have been completelyinstituted, resulting in a lean and mean agency.As organizations continue to evolve over time,we foresee NAMRIA undergoing another seriesof organizational restructuring due to newtechnology, varying customer requirements andthe changing role of government. In ten yearstime, mapping and surveying technology wouldhave improved several folds over, with softwareand hardware becoming more affordable and asa result, there will be more private sectorparticipation in the field of mapmaking andsurveying activities.

NAMRIA in the Next Decadeby Ruel M. Belen*

By that time, NAMRIA would be embarkingon the updating cycle of its medium- and large-scale maps and would start moving towards theproduction of even larger scale maps down tothe barangay level. With volumes of mapsneeded for updating and production by then,the agency would exercise mainly the role ofregulator and less of an implementor, whileconcentrating on the production of specializedmaps and embarking on research anddevelopment activities. The streamlined agencywould be able to focus on undertaking its corefunctions, channeling resources where they aremost needed, and acquiring state-of-the-artmapping and surveying technology, therebyresulting in a more efficient and effectivemapping agency. Most of the mapping equipmentat present would be rendered obsolete,discarded, and replaced by more compact onesthat operate in a fully digital environment. It isnot far-fetched that with the advancement inremote sensing technology, the resolution ofsatellite images would vastly improve, perhapsup to less than half a meter. This would enableNAMRIA to acquire very high-resolution imagesand facilitate large-scale mapping of the entirecountry; and the use of these accurategeographic data would result in the fast-trackingof infrastructure projects and the delivery ofbasic services to the rural communities.

PRS92 would have long been established inthe next 10 years as a homogenous nationalnetwork of geodetic controls, and adopted asthe reference system in all surveying andmapping activities in the country. NAMRIA wouldbe concentrating on the maintenance of thenetwork, especially the operations of thepermanent GPS stations or the Active GeodeticNetwork (AGN). By then, the impact of thisNAMRIA flagship project would have immenselycontributed to national development. With landas one of the country’s primary resources thatspur economic activity, the project would haveestablished the integrity of land management,administration, and the tenurial system, bytransforming into PRS92 all cadastral data, andby that time continuously enhance the integrityof the country’s land titling system. The PRS92would likewise contribute to the internationalscientific community in the field of geodesy withthe migration of the system into the internationalgeodetic reference system. In the same respect,the present land classification activities wouldhave been accomplished. With the ever-changing use of land due to population pressureand economic activity, however, we may seethe start of the cycle on land reclassification.

By the next decade, NAMRIA hopefully willbe in the final stage of its survey of its EEZ but

negotiations with our neighboring countries onoverlapping maritime claims would still beongoing. On the resolved boundary areas, jointundertaking would have started on scientificresearch and exploration for energy and marineresources. Such negotiations should be takeninto the context of the expected improved tradeand diplomatic relations with our neighbors bythat time. Likewise, our claim for an ExtendedContinental Shelf would have long beensubmitted to the United Nations and ruled on infavor of the country. It would translate toexpanded jurisdiction over our maritime zoneswhere potentials for possible energy resourcescould be explored.

The emergence of powerhouse economiesin the Asia-Pacific region in the coming yearsshall make the Philippines a strategic site formaritime trade, hence ports and harbors wouldbe improved and expanded to accommodate thelarge volume of seagoing vessels. By then,NAMRIA would be in the forefront in theinstallation of electronic navigational charts ondesignated major harbors, as well as in thehydrographic survey of navigational routes usingmore advanced technology.

By the next decade, growth centers wouldhave expanded to the countryside with moremunicipalities being converted into cities due togrowing population and the increasing incomeof local governments. Hence, the demand forupdated and reliable geographic information fordevelopment planning and monitoring changesin the country’s landscape. To serve this end, aweb-based National Spatial Data Infrastructure(NSDI) would have been set in place so thatusers could readily access accurate map-baseddata and information. NAMRIA would be thecentral hub of the NSDI that links other nationalgovernment offices, their regional offices, aswell as the local government units.

As for the workforce of NAMRIA, most ofits old guards would have retired, replaced bynew generations who would be at the helm ofthe agency. Others would have sought brighterfutures outside. Hopefully, with a competitivesalary scale, the agency would be able to attractand retain the best and brightest technicalpersonnel.

The scenarios painted above put intocontext the challenges that face NAMRIA in theyears ahead, in the light of a constantlychanging global and local environment. Despiteour present uncertainties, apprehensions, andanxieties, there should be always room foroptimism. As the famous US President John F.Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life. Andthose who look only to the past or the presentare certain to miss the future.”

*Engineer Belen is the Officer-in-Charge, Plans and Operations Division and holds a Master’s degree in National Security Administration from the NationalDefense College of the Philippines.

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PRS92 this year turns 15 years old. At theforefront of the NAMRIA work plan is the fast-tracking of the activities for its full adoption by2010.

BeginningsThe idea of establishing a new Philippine

reference system was conceived in 1987 as apriority component of the Natural ResourcesManagement and Development Project (NRMDP)of DENR. The NRMDP was an Australian bilateralassistance to the Philippine government to upliftthe economic growth of the land andenvironment sectors through improvedmanagement of natural resources and landutilization. The project study found the sectorsto be poorly contributing to the gross domesticproducts of the country. The primary reasonattributed to the low economic performance ofthese sectors is the absence of consistent andstandardized land and resource use data whichare tools in revenue collections, land propertydevelopment, and management natural andland land resources.

The NRMDP identified the areas forimprovement, namely: Geodetic Network,Institutional Strengthening, and Land Laws andAdministration. These were envisioned toincrease the economic yield of the concernedsectors. NAMRIA, through the Coast andGeodetic Survey Department (CGSD), wastasked as the project leader of the GeodeticComponent. Its objective was to establish usingGPS a consistent and homogeneous nationalgeodetic network. The execution of a fullgeodetic survey of the Philippines as a supportframework for the NRMDP is economicallyfeasible only with the present state-of-the-artsatellite technology. The then existing geodeticnetwork of the Philippines established in 1903-1946 and made up of narrow chains of coastaltriangulation was not capable of supporting theintegrated surveying and mapping programsrequired for the definition of land ownership andfor the assessment and management of thecountry’s natural resources.

It took almost three years, from November1988 to mid-1991, of field surveying in Northernand Southern Luzon, Central Visayas, Mindanao,Palawan, and Sulu Islands to complete theestablishment of the new Philippine referencesystem. It consisted of 330 first-order stations,101 second-order stations, and 36 third-orderstations. In the ensuing year, the new system,now known as PRS92, was endorsed andsubsequently approved for adoption as thestandard reference for all surveying andmapping activities in the country through EO 45,as amended by EO 280, and further amendedby EO 321.

PRS92 at 15 and Beating the Oddsby Concepcion A. Bringas

Growth and AdoptionThe underlying reason for the adoption of

PRS92 is its being an accurate homogenousnational network, capable of supporting thesurveying and mapping of the nation, and thesustainable management and development ofits environemnt and natural resources. Thisspatial framework provides the basis for theintegration of the different elements of asuccessful Land Information System.

The government supported the advocacywith the issuance of EO 45 in 1993, whichmandated the use of PRS92 in all surveying andmapping activities in the country. It set CalendarYear 2000 as the deadline for the integration ofall surveys and maps into the new system. EO280, however, was later issued to extend thedeadline of the integration to CY 2005. In thetwo presidential issuances, no agency wasdesignated to oversee its implementation, andso monitoring compliance was never done.

There was a confirmation of low compliancewith the EO in the 2003 gathering of PRS92stakeholders in 2003 which included othergovernment agencies engaged in surveying andmapping, private surveying companies likeCERTEZA and F. F. Cruz and non-governmentorganizations like the Geodetic Engineers of thePhilippines (GEP). Upon their recommendation,EO 321 was issued in 2004 which furtherextended the deadline to 2010. The EO alsodirected DENR to allocate funds and designatewhich office will oversee the implementation ofthe order.

The DENR initiatives that followed includedthe issuance of DAO 2005-13 prescribing therevised guidelines for the implementation ofPRS92; creation of a program steering committeechaired by the DENR Undersecretary for Lands

with the heads of NAMRIA and of the DENRbureaus as members; setting up of regionaloperations committees headed by the respectiveregional executive directors; and creation oftechnical working groups and the PRS92 NationalSecretariat. NAMRIA was designated as theNational Secretariat.

Given the remaining four years to complywith the deadline in 2010, the programmanagement is faced with the challenge of fast-tracking the activities. NAMRIA is collaboratingwith the Land Management Bureau (LMB) andthe DENR Regional Land Management Sectors(LMS) for the implementation of the variouscomponents in the regions. Other institutionslike the GEP and the University of the Philippineswere tapped to help accomplish the enormoustask.

Caretaker of the ProgramAs the PRS92 National Secretariat,

NAMRIA is taking its role seriously in theimplementation of the EO. To expedite the task,it created TWGs on the project components,namely, Geodetic Network Development (GND);Transformation and Integration (TI); GeodeticNetwork Information System and Information andCommunications Technology Support (GNIS andICT); Information, Education, andCommunication (IEC); and Project Management(PM).

Information campaigns on PRS92 are beingdone in both formal and informal gatherings togenerate further support and cooperation forthe endeavor. The present NAMRIAadministration, under Administrator Diony A.Ventura, is unwavering in its efforts to accomplishits mission for PRS92.

GPS observation over a signalized ground control point

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BackgroundThe upgrading of the old geodetic reference

system of the country through PRS92 wasenvisioned to address the inconsistencies ofvarious surveys, maps and other geographicinformation in the Philippines. The adoption ofPRS92 as a common geodetic reference systemshould have been instrumental in resolving thesegaps, overlaps, and other inconsistencies hadit been fully implemented. The fullimplementation of PRS92 was severely hamperedby various reasons, namely: limited resourcesfor densification of geodetic controls; lack ofstandard methods for local transformation andintegration of old surveys and maps into thenew geodetic network; presence of errors insome areas of the country when transformingold data into the new PRS92 datum; and legalimplications of PRS92 on the existing land titlingand registration projects.

As the central mapping agency, NAMRIA isdetermined to fast-track the full implementationof PRS92. Geodetic Network Development(GND) is one of the project components for itsfull implementation.

The results of the previous users’ andstakeholders’ consultations and meetingsconducted by NAMRIA served as a catalyst forthe project implementation. It becameimperative that PRS92 should be upgraded interms of horizontal and vertical referencesystems and ensure its reliability, completeness,and accuracy as a geodetic reference network.This article presents the main tasks of the GNDcomponent being implemented by NAMRIA’sCGSD.

The GND Project Sub-ComponentsHorizontal Reference Network

Densification of Horizontal ControlsSince the establishment of PRS92, NAMRIA

continuously seeks to densify the number ofhorizontal geodetic control points available tousers. The primary horizontal reference networkof the PRS datum consists of 330 first-order,101 second-order, and 36 third-order stations.These numbers are insufficient as determinedduring the stakeholders meeting. Destroyed ormissing concrete monuments undoubtedlycontributed to this issue.

Densification of the PRS92 network hasbeen a continuing activity of NAMRIA since 1993.As of 2006, the following GCPs have beenestablished by NAMRIA: first order, 347; secondorder, 723; and third order, 2,218.

The NAMRIA-established control pointswere mainly of the third-order accuracy. It washowever unclear what the primary basis was indetermining the areas that need to be densified.Apparently, the densification of the control

Geodetic Network Developmentby Dennis B. Bringas*

network was done independently of the spacingbetween geodetic controls points. Hence,several areas were left out. This contributed tothe need to consider the spacing of the geodeticcontrol points to be able to consistently cover awider area and determine gaps that need to besaturated with geodetic control points.

Aside from NAMRIA, DENR-LMS and LMBwere also tasked to contribute to thedensification of the PRS92 network. The totalnumber of targeted control points for 2007 is11,459. It is broken down as follows: secondorder, 1,453; third order, 1,424; and third- andfourth-order project controls, 8,582.

It was determined that out of the totalnumber of targeted control points, only 735points could be done by NAMRIA and theremaining 2,142 points would be contracted out.

Active Geodetic NetworkAnchored on the whole PRS92 Program

objectives, a viable track to hasten the fullimplementation of PRS92 is the establishment ofseveral continuously operating referencestations (CORS) that would make up the ActiveGeodetic Network (AGN) of the Philippines. AnAGN encompasses several first-order controlpoints that serve as a permanent referencestation. Each station is equipped withcontinuously operating survey-grade GPSreceivers, a computer system, andcommunications and networking equipment.With an AGN, users doing a new GPS survey willno longer have to set up a reference GPSreceiver at a control point because the CORSwill serve that purpose.

The AGN will endeavor to solve the issueon the availability of geodetic control points tosurveyors densifying the PRS92 primarynetwork. With the projected full nationwidecoverage, the AGN will significantly hasten theadoption and implementation of the PRS92 datumin all surveys, including an intensification of theGPS technology applications in the country.

The concept of AGN or CORS as anotherGPS application is new to the Philippines. Forthis year, six active geodetic stations located inMetro Manila and vicinity will be established toserve as pilot areas for NAMRIA to gainexperience and test its reliability in the Philippinesetting. A full AGN coverage will then bedesigned and developed for the whole country.

The infrastructure, instrumentation, andoperationalization requirements of the AGN willgo through the bidding process.

Vertical Reference NetworkGenerally, a geodetic reference system

does not only refer to the horizontal componentbut also to its vertical component. Indeed, the

World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84),where all GPS surveys are referred to, has theellipsoidal heights as its vertical component, butthis has not been exploited in our local surveyingGPS applications.

Geodetic surveying using GPS continues toevolve in the country. Its applications as well asbenefits have been proven and the need tooptimize its capability will be a great help to thesurveying sector in the country. One of itsproven capabilities is the use of the so-called“GPS heighting.” The geodetic surveying sectorutilizing the GPS technology has yet to capitalizeon this feature. To be responsive to this issue,PRS92 has to be upgraded to incorporate avertical component. To do this, a local geiodmodel should be developed wherein geiodalheights could be determined. The geiodalheights are essentially the elevation of controlpoints above mean sea level (MSL), or the so-called orthometric height. The orthometricheights are required in geodetic leveling surveys.

Leveling NetworkThe existing level network of the country is

composed of around 7,000 line-kilometers markedby benchmarks (BMs) at least one kilometerapart. With its vast area, the leveling networkof the Philippines should be expanded. Theheights of the BMs are related to the local MSLand were established by the continuous tidalobservations from the existing tide stations.

A wider coverage of the leveling networkwill determine more accurately the geoidal modelfor the whole country. The vertical componentis likewise essential. A local geiod model can bedeveloped in conjunction with MSL heights andgravity information on the BMs and/or controlpoints.

For this year, a total of 8,139 kilometersof level lines are targeted to expand the levelingnetwork. The leveling survey will be conductedpartly by NAMRIA due to equipment andpersonnel constraints. From this year’s totaltarget, only 2,139 line-kilometers will be doneby NAMRIA and the remaining 6,000 line-kilometers by private contractors.

Gravity NetworkA critical parameter to establish a geiod

model is the gravity survey of various controlpoints and/or BMs. The data on gravity stationsestablished during the period 1950-1960 by theUnited States Coast and Geodetic SurveyDepartment are in the archives of the NAMRIACGSD numbering 425 throughout the country.These stations need to be re-surveyed and/orre-established in order to update/check theircurrent values and other information.

*Mr. Bringas holds the position of Geophysicist IV at the Geodesy and Geophysics Division, CGSD. He holds a Master’s degree in Marine Management fromDalhousie University in Canada; and a Diploma in Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry from the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman.

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Strategic Framework for the Integration ofCadastral Datasets into PRS92

In response to the growing demand for astandard national reference system in thePhilippines, NAMRIA, in partnership with thedifferent stakeholders is spearheading theimplementation of the PRS92 project. TheMapping Department of NAMRIA in collaborationwith Lands Management Bureau is tasked tooversee the transformation and integration ofall cadastral survey and map data into the newsystem.

In order to facilitate the proper executionof activities under data integration, a frameworkfor the transformation and integration ofcadastral data, surveys, and maps into PRS92has been prepared as shown in the figure. Thisframework will serve as basis for the continuousimplementation of the project.

The approach shall include the followingactivities, namely: conversion of coordinates,bearings and distances, and maps in preparationfor the digital cadastral database; recovery andobservation of existing cadastral survey controlsand reference monuments and densification;determination of local transformationparameters, verification and approval of thederived parameters, derivation of PRS92coordinates for project controls and lot corners,and assessment of results on derivation; andthe integration and projection of cadastral data,surveys and maps into PRS92 control map.

The conversion of analog cadastral recordsinto digital format is guided by an instructionalmanual provided during the recently concludedon-the-job training for the LMS staff of therespective DENR-regional offices conducted bythe data integration task group in February-April2007.

Conversion of Cadastral Data, Surveys,and Maps into PRS92

The transformation and integration ofapproved cadastral maps and coordinates shallstart with the conversion of lot corners, surveyproject controls, and other reference points. Thedata conversion of coordinates and maps is aninitial step in the creation of the digital cadastraldatabase. Hence, the following data or recordsshall be used in the conversion: lot datacomputation sheets, lot description sheets,traverse computation sheets; political boundarycomputation sheets; boundary index maps suchas provincial, municipal, barangay, and cadastralmaps, monument description books,monumentrecovery reports, project control schemes, andother relevant records that are necessary. Incases where no data is available, extra efforts

Transformation and Integration of Cadastral Datasets into PRS92by Jowill E. Rodriguez*

shall be taken to retrieve,validate, assimilate, andre-establish the databased on existingguidelines.

Before theconversion of cadastraldata, the inventory of allcadastral survey recordsmust be conducted in therespective DENR regionaloffices to ensure thecompleteness of therecords. Priority for theconversion shall be givento the municipalities withapproved and completecadastral surveyrecords. DENR regionaloffices must take note ofthe errors observed inany of theaforementioned dataand report these tohigher authoritiesinvolved in this projectfor immediaterectification.

The training oncadastral databasebuildup and data integration was held at selectedtraining sites for the DENR-Regional Offices inMay-June 2007. The featured topics were GNIS,GIS, and Data Conversion, Derivation of localtransformation parameters and Transformationof ENR data into PRS92.

Under the topic on the derivation of localtransformation parameters using MS Excel, theparticipants from the different regional officesof DENR composed of geodetic engineers.

During the training, participants wereprovided a transformation template in MS Excelformat. This will be used for deriving the localtransformation parameters and eventually thenew lot data coordinates. The operation simplyinvolves encoding the rectangular coordinatesof the existing survey control points and thenewly observed coordinates of these surveycontrol points. The template will automaticallygenerate the four-transformation parameterswhich will be used to transform old lot datacoordinates into the new system.

The provided template computes for thetransformation parameters based on the four-parameter transformation procedures.

Guidelines on Determining LocalTransformation Parameters

Prior to the determination of localtransformation parameters, initial activities area recovery survey and re-observation of allexisting survey controls using GPS technique inthe priority target locality

There will be two sets of cadastral datathat need to be transformed and integrated toPRS92. The four-parameter transformation—scale constants, rotation constants, and shiftconstants—will be derived from the cadastraldata on the existing survey controls such asproject controls, political boundary, andreference monuments of the target prioritymunicipality. After generating the four-parameter transformation from the existingsurvey controls of a particular municipality, thesecond set of cadastral data pertaining to thelot data records of the same municipality is nowready to be transformed and integrated toPRS92.

Once the integration of cadastral datasetshas been completed, the far-reaching conceptof having a unified system of cadastral projectionwill now become achievable.

*Mr. Rodriguez is a Cartographer of the Photogrammetry Division, Mapping Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geodetic Engineeringfrom UP-Diliman.

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The PRS92 seven-parametertranasformation values were already definedand estimated as early as 14 years ago.Coordinate values for PRS92, WGS84, andPhilippine Transverse Mercator (PTM) for allgeodetic controls were generated and comparedusing only their tabular values. The PRS92parameters were not applied and tested usingany GIS software. This article presents andcompares, using the GIS Manifold System, thespatial accuracy of GEOCALC, thetransformation tool used by the NAMRIA CGSDand the Manifold Software using the PRS92transformation parameters.

PRS92The derivation of the seven parameters for

PRS92 is based on the 3D Helmert transformationmethod which defines a new reference systembased on three translations (shift of origin), threerotations, and one parameter modeling a possiblescale difference. The seven-transformationparameters are the following:

Translation parameters:Delta X 127.62195 metersDelta Y 67.24478 metersDelta Z 47.04305 meters

Rotation parameters:Rot X -3.06762 secondsRot Y 4.90291 secondsRot Z 1.57790 seconds

Scale parameter: 1.06002

These parameters are applied to WGS84geocentric Cartesian coordinates to giveCartesian coordinates on the Luzon Datum whichwill then be transformed to geographical PRS92coordinates.

The generation of a standard referencesystem for the country serves as thefundamental component of the country’s spatialdata infrastructure. PRS92 shall ensure a unified,consistent, and reliable geographic informationdatabase to be used in many planning anddecision-making activities of both thegovernment and the private sectors.

The Manifold SystemManifold is an advanced GIS software

developed by the group called manifold.netteam. Its features include the capability tocustomize coordinate systems (projections) byspecifying customized projection presets. Thesepresets refer to the derived parameters used ingenerating a specific coordinate/referencesystem. Manifold uses high accuracy coordinatetransformation mathematics when re-projectingdata from one coordinate system to another.

PRS92 Implementation in Manifold: A Simple Spatial Accuracy Assessmentby Benjamin P. Balais*

Manifold includes numerous standard typesof projections that, with optional parameters,may be used to specify hundreds of standardprojections.  Within most projection types,optional parameters may be used to create aneffectively infinite number of differentprojections. Even standard projection types canexist in thousands of different variations whenoptional parameters such as datum arechanged.

All projection formulas used within Manifoldhave been programmed by the manifold.netteam using the full ellipsoidal formulae that definethe projection, wherever applicable. The mainsource of projection formulae is J.P. Snyder’sdefinitive work, “Map Projections-A WorkingManual” (USGS Professional Paper 1395).

Data Used in AssessmentA total of 18 first-order control stations

being maintained by the CGSD are used in thevisual analysis of its positional accuracy. Thesecontrol points are scattered throughout thecountry. Three are situated in Aklan; twoare in Ilocos Sur; six in Davao del Sur;three are in Laguna; three are positioned inCebu; and the Metro Manila 1 (MM1) controlstation in the NAMRIA compound. The geographiccoordinates based on the WGS84 datum and

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the PRS92 coordinates computed by the CGSDusing GEOCALC transformation software wereutilized. The WGS84 geographic coordinateswere then transformed to PRS92 coordinatesusing the customized projection utilities ofManifold. The three values are then plotted andcompared in Manifold.

ResultsCoordinate values (WGS84, PRS92/CGSD

and PRS92/Manifold) of the 18 controls werecompared. The 18 point features in threedifferent projections were displayed on a mapcomponent within Manifold. A map as acomponent in Manifold shows drawings, imagesand text labels as layers in a map window. Animportant function of maps is to show the datathey contain in projected form, where thenative coordinates of drawings are transformed(on the fly) into a desired geographic or anotherprojection.

For MMA1, the result shows that theGEOCALC-derived coordinates are about 8.68mm (Eucledian distance) away from the WGS84geographic coordinates. The Manifold-derived,PRS92 coordinates are only about 1.5 mm awayfrom the same WGS84 coordinates. (SeeFigures 1 and 2.)

Figure 1. Thed i s t a n c eb e t w e e nG E O C A L C -derived MMA1point and theW G S 8 4 -p r o j e c t e dMMA1

Figure 2. Thed i s t a n c eb e t w e e nManifold-PRS92-derived MMA1point and theW G S 8 4 -projected MMA1

*Mr. Balais holds the position of Information Technology Officer II, at the Database Management Division, IMD. He holds a Master of Science degree inRemote Sensing from UP-Diliman.

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Figure 4. Display of the position of the 17 first-order control points alongwith their coordinate values; a zoom-in view of a sample control pointfrom Cebu, illustrating the difference between the Manifold-transformedcoordinates and the GEOCALC-calculated PRS92 coordinates

To further evaluate the accuracy of theManifold transformation procedure, 17 samplecontrols scattered throughout the country wereused. For the 17 controls, a distance ofGEOCALC-derived points from the WGS84coordinates averaged about 8.029 mm witha standard deviation of about 2.3819.Manifold-derived PRS92 coordinates onlyaveraged about 1.458 mm with a standarddeviation of 0.0527 from the WGS84 projectedpoints. Figure 3 illustrates the comparativedistances between the WGS84 and GEOCALC-derived points, and between WGS84 andManifold points. Also shown in the figure arethe summary statistics for the Manifold andGEOCALC values. Figure 4 shows the zoom-inview of one control point in Cebu as depicted ina Manifold map window.

C o n c l u d i n gRemarks

The Manifoldsoftware offers ana c c u r a t ec u s t o m i z e dprojection utilitybased on thedisplay of theposition of thesampled andc o m p u t e dcoordinates. This is important since the softwarewill be provided as part of the implementation ofPRS92 in the regional offices. The accuracy ofthe Manifold-computed PRS92 coordinates canbe attributed to the precise mathematical

Figure 3. Manifold-generated table and its summarystatistics

In 1991, NAMRIA acquired and installed inthe NRSC two MicroBRIAN (Barrier Reef ImageAnalysis) Systems, four Stanford UniversityNetwork (SUN) Workstations, a SUN SealableProcessor Architecture Fileserver, an upgradedVersatec Plotter, a 2.3 Gigabyte tape drive(Exabyte), an AGFA Forte Film Recorder (utilizingimage system slide production software), aSharp Color Scanner, and a Kennedy tape drive(open reel). Previously, NAMRIA only had twoMicroBRIANs with dual monitor systems and ahalf-inch magnetic tape drive (9 track). In 1992,acquired was a Macintosh Quadra700 which iscapable of converting recorded video images intocomputer-compatible format.

Through the RS project, the capability ofthe former NAMRIA photolaboratory installed in1988 was also upgraded. The lab catered to theneeds of RS people by printing and enlargingimages from transparencies and duplicatingslides, LANDSAT imageries, and SPOT data. Thephotolaboratory equipment included the ColentaRoller Transport Processor which eliminated thetedious manual processing of prints and theaccessories for the Durst Laborator ColorEnlarger.

In 1999, NAMRIA contributed to theregional cooperative project on the technologyin updating topographic maps using RSspearheaded by the ASEAN Experts Group onRS. The ASEAN-Australian Surveying and LandInformation Group aimed to enhance theimplementation of new ideas and technologiesin updating topographic maps. The RScomponent used MicroBRIAN version 3.0 and

From Analog to Digital...from page 4

method being utilized by the software. Thesoftware also uses the floating point doubleprecision type of number, which other softwaresmay not be using in transforming coordinatesfrom one projection to another.

ERMapper 5.5 software in processing,classification, registration, and integration.

In 2002, a joint NAMRIA-Clark DevelopmentCorporation land use mapping project wasimplemented. The project was the first detailedtopographic/land use mapping of an area to beconducted in the country, utilizing high-resolutionearth imagery produced by the IKONOS imagingsatellite. A three-dimensional model of the ClarkSpecial Economic Zone image was developedusing RS software packages. To date, the NRSCcontinues to provide RS data and operationalimage processing requirements of variousgovernment and private sector clients.

Information Management and StatisticalServices

The rapid advancement in computertechnology as well as in surveying,photogrammetry, and remote sensing paved theway for the linking of spatial information obtainedfrom these different fields into a multipurposesystem__GIS. With GIS, large amounts of dataare easily stored and updated; spatial featurescan be sorted and stored; and new maps can becreated by modeling or reinterpreting existingdata.

NAMRIA is mandated “to integrategeographic and related information to facilitateaccess to and analysis of data and itstransformation into useful information forresource policy formulation, planning, andmanagement.” NAMRIA remains committed to thismandate through its leadership in thedevelopment of GIS application models and inthe promotion of the use of GIS throughtechnology transfer.

GIS initiatives in NAMRIA cover variousapplications such as land-based statistics,determination of suitable upland agriculturalareas, natural resources management, landinformation, and soil erosion susceptibilitymapping. NAMRIA undertakes thematic mappingutilizing GIS technology. Among the softwareused in the past and in the present were theComprehensive Resource Inventory andEvaluation System, ArcINFO, ArcVIEW, TYDAC-SPANS (Spatial Analysis System), and Manifold.Currently being developed is a Manual ofProcedures and Standards for the Developmentof a Standard Seamless National DigitalTopographic Database. From heads-updigitization, the process is now done onscreen.Conversion of analog maps into digital formatinvolves scanning, georeferencing, and accuracyassessment which produce digital raster data.

Looking ForwardSurveying and mapping technologies have

indeed come a long way. From freehand drawingsbased on ground surveys, maps are nowproduced with the aid of computers and satellites.Modernity indeed shaped surveying and mappingactivities. The terms “surveying” and “mapping”have also evolved into “geomatics.”

As one writer has said, after every greatdevelopment in technology in the past, therehas been a greater one down the road. NAMRIAmust be able to keep attuned with the incessantshifts and advances in technology to be able toprovide timely and reliable geographicinformation, which is vital to national planning,development, and security.

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At present, there are more than 4,000 mapsheets of LC maps which are stored in theRSRDAD Map Room. These maps are traced indifferent types of print media such as tracingpaper, tracing cloth, and mylar. Due to wearand tear after long usage, some of the old LCmaps are no longer readable especially whenprinted. There are also missing or lost maps dueto several transfers of office location. Hence, itis the long-term vision of the LC Division toconvert into digital format all these LC maps foreasier management, retrieval, access andpreservation of records for present and futureuse.

With the PRS92 project, the LC Division istasked to transform and integrate all LC maps,old and new, into PRS92. The six phases ofintegration are as follows:(1) Map database creation – This is an inventoryof all approved LC maps with detailed informationsuch as LC map number, province, area of A &D, FL, number of sheets, size/s, price/sheet,Forestry/DENR Administrative Order No., dateapproved, map rack number, and availability.(2) Manual and digital map compilation – This isthe scanning, geo-referencing, digitization ofmap features, replotting, and adjustment of the

LC lines and corners to come up with a digitallycompiled topo based map. (See Figure A)(3) Reconstruction of missing LC maps – Theprocess is based on available references suchas existing/adjoining LC maps, LC maps gatheredfrom the DENR regional offices, and cadastralmaps from the Land Management Bureau. Itinvolves the compilation of the adjoining LC mapsto identify the coverage of the missing LC map.Once the missing coverage is identified, the areashall be subjected to ground survey. Theresulting map will be presented to the LC-TWGand subsequently to the NTEC for issuance of aDAO by the DENR Secretary. The diagram of LCmap reconstruction is in Figure B.(4) Field observation/field survey – This is theactual ground validation of selected LC cornerswhich are distributed evenly within a certainblock in the LC map to approximate the positionof the said LC block with respect to the adjacentblocks.(5) LC map integration into PRS92 – The pointsidentified during field survey shall be plottedtogether with the compiled LC maps. The pointsidentified on the ground will be considered ascommon/fixed points to obtain the best fitposition for a certain project block. Points thatdo not meet the criteria for accuracy, however,will be deleted to minimize the error of the wholeblock. Thus, LC corners will have PRS92

Original LC lines Re-plotted LC lines

Selected LC corners to be validated on the ground which serve ascommon/fixed points to obtain the best fit position for the certainproject block

coordinates. (Note: The standard forcomputation of acceptable error is still understudy and development as the pilot study areasfor LC map transformation are subjected toground survey.) (See Figure C)

(6) Map integration of other ENR data sets– The integration of ENR data sets such asCommunity-Based Forest Management,Integrated-Social Forestry, Social-IntegratedForest Management Application, IntegratedForest Management Application, Timber LicenseAgreements, watersheds, protected areas/National Integrated Protected Areas System,mining claims and other tenural instruments, willfollow after the integration of LC maps intoPRS92.

With the PRS92 project, 2,724 LC mapsconsisting of about 4,000 map sheets will bescanned and stored in digital format. These LCmaps will be eventually compiled and digitizedfor their eventual integration into PRS92.

There are 22 personal computers in thedivision to facilitate the implementation of thisproject. NAMRIA has hired contractualemployees to help in the compilation anddigitization of the LC maps. On the other hand,a total of 824 missing/lost LC maps will hopefullybe retrieved or reconstructed subject to groundsurvey and approval by the TWG and NTEC.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Milestones in 20 Years ...from page 9

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NAMRIA has targeted to re-survey and/orre-establish 80 gravity base stations for theyear 2007. Due to the lack of technical capabilityand instruments, however, the gravity surveyswill be contracted out to private companies.

Tide Station NetworkAnother parameter in establishing a geoid

model is the elevation of control points. Theelevation of a control point should be determinedabove the MSL, hence the establishment ofvarious tide stations throughout the country.This is in preparation to refer the benchmarksand/or control points to the local MSL.

For this year, 10 new tide stations will beestablished and seven existing tide stations willbe upgraded in terms of equipment.

Project Component StatusHorizontal Reference Network

Densification of Horizontal ControlsFrom January to June 2007, the GPS

densification conducted by NAMRIA hasestablished a total of 209 second-order controlpoints and 89 third-order control points.

The budget allocation was already releasedto the DENR-LMS to start their own surveys forthe PRS92 Program.

Active Geodetic NetworkAt least 10 potential AGN sites near Metro

Manila have been inspected while the final sixsites will be decided on, based on practicalconsiderations such as the distance betweenpermanent reference stations and accessibility.Being pilot sites, it is essential that these AGNstations are near Metro Manila for easymanagement and operation. The bidding termsof reference (TOR) are being prepared.

Vertical Reference NetworkLeveling Network

The leveling survey done by NAMRIA hascompleted at least 395 line-kilometers mainly inthe Luzon areas, while the rest of the targetedlevel lines are in the final stages of the biddingprocess.

Gravity NetworkThe locations of the 80 gravity base

stations have been identified and thepreparation of bidding documents and terms ofreference (TOR) is ongoing.

Tide Station NetworkThe following is the status of the

accomplishment of the project sub-component:inspected sites for the 20 new tide stations;upgraded tide stations in Legaspi, Subic, andDavao; completed construction of the tidestation in Claveria; ongoing construction of tidestations in San Fernando, La Union and Currimao,Ilocos Norte; reconnaissance being conductedof Dipolog, Cagayan De Oro, and General SantosCity, Puerto Princesa, Balanacan, San Vicente(Cagayan), Zamboanga and the Kalayaan IslandsGroup (KIG) stations; and approval beingawaited of the request for space for Guiuan, E.Samar and Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

The benefits of PRS92 will redound to theimprovement not only of the country’s landmanagement and administration but also, amongothers, to disaster and risk mitigation,infrastructure and energy development, localgovernance, public order and safety, and healthand education.

Geodetic Network ...from page 14

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GNIS, a component of the PRS92 project,is a system developed to provide NAMRIA, LMB,and the LMS of the DENR regional offices witheffective and efficient management of geodeticnetwork data. It is a windows- and web-basedsystem that provides online access to users,recording and updating of geodetic networkdata, and a facility to generate reports andlistings. The GNIS also utilizes GIS technologyto provide graphical representation of thegeodetic network data. In addition, the technicalcapability of NAMRIA, LMB, and LMS will bestrengthened through training, ICT support,and the full use of local area network.

Features of GNISThe GNIS is composed of two sub-systems

to manage the geodetic network. These are theregional GNIS and the national GNIS. The regionalGNIS sub-system was developed specifically forthe use of LMB and LMS in the population andmaintenance of third- and lower-order geodeticcontrol points/project control points. The sub-system works by allowing entry of geodeticnetwork data on a “per cadastral project” basis.It also allows entry of multiple formats for givengeodetic network data such as local coordinates,PTM, and PRS92. The regional GNIS is alsocapable of recording station markings, sketches,and inscriptions to provide information on thecharacteristics and location of specific geodeticnetwork data. Another feature of the syb-system is a search module that facilitates directaccess to any geodetic network data. Searchingof data is possible either textually or spatially.The sub-system can easily generate reports andmaps such as survey certificates with sketch,geodetic network data per cadastral project, andgeodetic network per administrative unit.

The regional GNIS was designed to beimplemented on a local area network and accessis restricted to authorized personnel from LMS.The screen below shows a snapshot of theregional GNIS main screen.

The Geodetic Network Information Systemby the Systems Development and Programming Division

NAMRIA Information Management Department.

The national GNIS sub-system was alsodeveloped to manage the national geodeticnetwork database consisting of approvedgeodetic network data from NAMRIA and LMB toLMS. This database will be housed at NAMRIAwith backup and mirror copies at LMB and DENR-Management Information Systems Division,respectively. The database and the sub-systemwill be incorporated into the NAMRIA and PRS92website. Access to the national geodeticnetwork database is possible through theInternet.

Regional GNIS PrototypeFrom 30 April to 01 June 2007, training was

conducted by the NAMRIA GNIS DevelopmentTeam for LMB and the regional LMS on the use ofthe prototype regional GNIS. The cluster trainingwas held at the Geomatics Training Center inNAMRIA, Baguio City, Cebu City, Davao City,and Cagayan de Oro City. The objective of theactivity was to train the participants on how touse and operate the system. The training alsoserved as an avenue to evaluate the capabilitiesof the system and to recommend necessaryfeatures to satisfy the requirements of theparticipants. As part of the training, theparticipants from LMB and LMS were required tobring cadastral projects, project controls andreference points as sample data. At the end ofthe training, suggestions and enhancementswere provided by the participants for integrationin the final version.

Ongoing and Future GNIS ActivitiesThe ongoing and future activities of the

NAMRIA development team for the GNIS projectare: compilation and review of suggestions andcomments provided by the participants duringthe recently concluded cluster training; designingand programming of an additional module tomonitor the submission and verification of newlysurveyed controls from the regions to NAMRIA;revision of the database design and re-

programming of the prototype GNIS;modification of the user’s manual; user’straining; and monitoring the progress ofthe project implementation.

PRS92 WebsiteThe PRS92 website is designed to

provide basic information on PRS92. Itfeatures a GIS-based networkof geodeticcontrol points and a forum whereinsurveyors, foresters,geodetic engineers,and students can discuss relevant topics.The website also provides updates ofactivities that are being done at theregional level to monitor the progress ofthe project.

Regional GNIS main screen

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