Asmat AliSurvey of Pakistan · Cartography and GIS
Asmat Ali
PhD in Remote Sensing & GIS
Project Director National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Pakistan
About
87
Publications
194,426
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Introduction
35 years of experience in spatial information production & management discipline as practitioner, trainer, educator & researcher.
• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8804-2285
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HJcaU-8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmatali/
Skills and Expertise
Additional affiliations
July 2020 - present
Survey of Pakistan
Position
- Managing Director
Description
- Project Director National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Pakistan
Education
February 2014 - February 2017
June 2007 - June 2007
National Land Survey of Sweden
Field of study
- Cadastre
September 2006 - March 2008
Publications
Publications (87)
Special characteristic of spatial information is that it can be shared and used for many other purposes than the one, for which, it was originally produced. To facilitate its efficient sharing and reuse, it needs to be properly managed. This is one of the reasons that many countries are developing National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). But th...
Geospatial data are produced by several organizations located at various places, and that is clearly a distributed environment. Many technical and institutional issues need to be resolved to share data in such an environment and to eventually enable regional development. For this matter, many countries implement Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs)...
The growth of Pakistan’s agriculture-based economy depends on elevating agriculture production and raising the per-capita income of rural communities. This paper evaluates the value of two simultaneous initiatives for the economic development of Pakistan, i.e., (i) reforming and modernization of the cadastre system, and (ii) the implementation of n...
Spatial data is one of the core components in all information retrieval processes for decision-making. Spatial data acquisition consumes enormous monetary resources and time. The Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) provides a basis and guide for developing, integrating, strengthening, and maximizing geospatial information management...
Geospatial information is used to regularly estimate agricultural production for improving food security and economic indicators. Particularly, such estimates are vital for agriculture-based economies like Pakistan. However, poorly managed spatial information causes inaccurate agricultural estimates. Consequently, public policies such as agricultur...
The paper addresses the important question of how many policies and acts related to NSDI/geospatial data sharing are in place around the world, while also comparing the situation in Pakistan.
This paper aims to identify and prioritize spatial data required for effective agriculture policymaking. The data are identified with the help of a literature review and organized under five dimensions to ease the process of prioritization through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The relative importance of the data is determined through an a...
The demand for geospatial information is growing rapidly across diverse sectors, including urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, and public health. Geospatial information has become a crucial requirement for sustainable development across all countries and sectors. This chapter aims to investigate and establish the rationale of geospati...
![Factors and indicators of the SDI readiness model adapted from [25].](publication/384457856/figure/tbl1/AS:11431281288085771@1730508550634/Factors-and-indicators-of-the-SDI-readiness-model-adapted-from-25_Q320.jpg)
Efforts to establish Pakistan’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) have been underway for the past 15 years, and therefore it is necessary to gauge the current progress to channelize efforts into areas that need improvement. This article assessed Pakistan’s NSDI implementation efforts through well-established approaches, including the SDI...
SDI is a vital tool for addressing various challenges of the 5E Framework in Pakistan. In the export sector, SDI datasets can identify new markets, optimize trade routes, diversify industries, and attract foreign direct investment by mapping critical infrastructure. In the realm of E-Pakistan, SDI datasets can support IT infrastructure development,...
Pakistan's healthcare system grapples with numerous challenges, including limited access to quality healthcare, a shortage of healthcare workers, and poor coordination among stakeholders. However, amidst these challenges lies a transformative solution—the integration of spatial data infrastructure (SDI). SDI serves as a central hub for geospatial d...
The significance of spatial data infrastructure (SDI) in municipal planning in Pakistan cannot be overstated, as it can plays a central role in reshaping urban development endeavors. By amalgamating a variety of geospatial datasets and fostering cooperation among government bodies and stakeholders, SDI can facilitate well-informed decision-making,...
This article aims to assess Pakistan's National Spatial Data Infrastructure implementation efforts through well-established approaches including the SDI readiness model, organizational aspects, and state of play. The findings underscored challenges related to human resources, SDI education/culture, long-term vision, GI awareness, sustainable fundin...
This chapter focuses on three targets of sustainable development goals (SDGs), establishes their interconnectedness, and reports on their status in Pakistan. These include targets 5.A and 5.B of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Target 5.A aims at gender equality to guarantee economic empowerment, as reflected in its indicators: 5.A.1, which me...
By examining the case study of spatial data infrastructure (SDI) implementation in Pakistan and its relationship with information governance, this chapter contributed to a deeper understanding of how effective spatial data management can support information governance objectives. A feasibility study is ongoing to establish NSDI in Pakistan. Moreove...
This chapter explored the transformative impact of cloud computing on geospatial data management, highlighting its scalability, cost-efficiency, and security features. This exploration adopted a qualitative method based on a literature review, systematically analyzing existing works to gain insights into the qualitative dimensions of the evolving i...
This chapter assessed the role of social media on the adoption of technology in public sector organizations. The chapter employed a case study of the impact of the Pak-NSDI WhatsApp Group on NSDI adoption in Pakistan. The results revealed that the Pak-NSDI WhatsApp Group functioned as a valuable resource for learning and knowledge-sharing, facilita...
Paid Reviewers are urgently needed for reviewing Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) related papers/project documents. The mode of reviewing the document is home-based through email. It is a good opportunity regarding the implementation of SDIs for early career researchers/PhD scholars from developing countries to learn and earn.
To enable data sha...
Fog computing offers key features such as real-time communication, physical distribution, position awareness, compatibility, scalability, and energy efficiency, which collectively enhance the management of integrated spatial data. It provides benefits such as real-time data processing, seamless data sharing, improved efficiency, enhanced data secur...
Transformative discoveries are available across several disciplines because of the convergence of integrated geospatial information management with the Metaverse. Through the study of geospatial data, integrated geospatial information management (GIM) offers useful insights that can support emergency response, transportation, and urban planning. Im...
OSM plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development across the economy, environment, and society. It can foster economic sustainability by enabling infrastructure planning, disaster response, and energy efficiency. Moreover, OSM can contribute to environmental sustainability through resource management, climate change mitigation, and biod...
This chapter examined the governance framework of National Spatial Data Infrastructures in five South Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It analyzed six key components—participation and consensus orientation, responsiveness and transparency, equity and accountability, effectiveness and efficiency, rule of law, and s...
Fog computing is a promising approach to address the challenges faced by traditional spatial data infrastructure when processing large-scale and real-time data. This chapter examined the opportunities and challenges of using fog computing in SDI through the service dominant logic framework. The study showed that fog computing can improve SDI by pro...
Expression of interest for research collaboration
Dear Colleagues
There is an opportunity for research collaboration that will focus on Integrated Geospatial Information Management in Pakistan for:
• Development planning
• Disaster management
• Food Security
Expertise Needed
i. Experience in systematic literature review
ii. Data analysis skil...
Physical infrastructure projects such as road networks, housing, health and education facilities play important role in the development of a region. The projects help in improving the quality of life of the masses of the region. All such projects are related to civil engineer which consume lot of government budget. Due to poor economy and financial...
The growth of Pakistan’s agriculture-based economy depends on elevating
agriculture production and raising the per-capita income of rural communities. The
agricultural sector had been a major contributor to the economy of Pakistan but the
dilemma is like many other sectors it is also on the decline for the last two decades.
This scenario challenges...
This Virtual Capacity Building Workshop will be jointly organized by the Survey of Pakistan and Geological Survey of Pakistan with the support of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). It will be a six-session workshop held over three days. The program is designed to raise and improve awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the regional SD...
This is a short video that reveals the name of pioneer of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) of Pakistan. It is Dr. Farha Sattar wife of Dr. Muhammad Nawaz (both ex-faculty members of Punjab University).
Agriculture is directly linked to the socioeconomic development of every region. Agriculture impacts us all, whether we are seeking food security, better health or striving to conserve natural resources. Goal 2 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underlines the significance of agriculture as a means to achieve food security. United Nations in i...
Geospatial data are produced by several organizations located at various places, and that is clearly a distributed environment. Many technical and institutional issues need to be resolved to share data in such an environment and to eventually enable regional development. For this matter, many countries implement Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs)...
Survey of Pakistan, a National Surveying & Mapping Organization invites the services of a Consultancy Firm under Single Stage-Two Envelop procedure for carrying out “Feasibility Study for Establishment of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Pakistan”.
2. Bidding documents, comprising scope and objectives of the study, proposal evaluatio...
Successfully conducted capacity building workshop on Regional Spatial Data Infrastructure for sustainable development in ECO countries. Workshop material can be retrieved from:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1as4ZM1wamX4JkziMzKYLVyQbxBBA9DRO
As Head of Delegation from Pakistan for Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (Eleventh Session 2021). Contributed in Agenda Item#3: Strengthening of geospatial information management. The following points were raised:
• GIM professionals of developing countries should be included in
UN-GGIM Expert and Working Groups
• I...
Country report about Geospatial Information Management in Pakistan, prepared for 11th Session of UN-GGIM 2021.
Survey of Pakistan, a National Surveying & Mapping Organization invites the services of a Consultancy Firm under Single Stage-Two Envelop procedure for carrying out “feasibility study for establishment of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Pakistan”.
2. Bidding documents, comprising scope and objectives of the study, proposal evaluati...
Proposal submission date extended to 21 December, 2020 for hiring consultancy firms to carry out feasibility study for establishment of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) of Pakistan
We are collecting data of firms which intends to participate in bidding for feasibility study for establishment of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Pakistan.
The form is available at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NYT799yr5jKWrbXkRzkqmNRMJ7OVXMgPj1covEZJp08
Agriculture is directly linked to the socioeconomic development of every region. Agriculture impacts us all, whether we are seeking food security, better health or striving to conserve natural resources. Goal 2 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underlines the significance of agriculture as a means to achieve food security. United Nations in i...
Survey of Pakistan is seeking consultancy services for National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) for Pakistan.
TORs can also be downloaded from Survey of Pakistan website
http://sop.gov.pk/ or
https://www.ppra.org.pk/doc/2-9/9sop29-710.pdf
Information sharing to combat climate change
Implementing SDI in an economically less developed country has always been challenging. The implementation of SDI requires lot of financial, human and technical resources. Governments of such countries especially can’t meet this challenge. Therefore, out of the box solutions and approaches needs to be investigated and weighted such as Public-Privat...
Volunteered Geographic Information is the term used to describe the process of collecting spatial data using a network of volunteers. The approach collects spatial data to build maps which are often freely accessible. The maps and the underlying data can be used by the public, companies and government agencies for a variety of tasks such as route f...
Location information may it be of our friends or foes always interests to us. Location based data (spatial data) is a key resource and strategic asset that is used by governments for decision making during peace and war. Due to various administrative and technical constraints, no single organization can collect and maintain data of a country. There...
Tourism industry had global economic contribution of almost 7.6 trillion US dollars in 2014. To protect the valued heritage landmarks, tourism and heritage management when integrated together lead to the rise of a new form of tourism i.e. heritage tourism that includes cultural, historic and natural resources. It is learned that climate change has...
A common notion is that the governance and performance of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) and Electronic Government (eGov) are closely interlinked. However, in practice this notion does not hold. We test why this is so, using the empirical context of a developing country, Pakistan. The main question is thus to which extent eGov and SDI implemen...
Why land administration is strategically important and challenging especially for developing countries such as Pakistan, what exactly are the barriers and how geospatial technologies, literature as well as best practices related to land administration can help to break the barriers? To address these questions, this paper investigates land administr...
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the important role of information sharing in advancing innovation that is presently missing in National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy of Pakistan approved in 2012. Information is a key resource for making innovations in science, technology and policies. Like other countries of the world, al...
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the important role of information sharing in advancing innovation that is presently missing in National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy of Pakistan approved in 2012. Information is a key resource for making innovations in science, technology and policies. Like other countries of the world, al...
Climate change is a spatiotemporal phenomenon and global issue, too. It challenges sustainable environment and development. It is anticipated that climate change will affect almost all important sectors like agriculture and food security, water and energy resources, physical infrastructure, forest, biodiversity and marine environment.In order to de...
Natural resources play a key role in the economy of a country such as Pakistan which depend more on land owned resources and less on industry for its economy. Pakistan’s natural resources include but are not limited to natural gas, soil, oil, hydro power, coal and limestone etc. However, unplanned urbanization and industrialization, increasing freq...
Obviously like rest of the world, Pakistan is facing numerous environmental challenges that include but are not limited to noise, air and water pollution, deforestation and emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), dumping of ever increasing urban and rural waste. Moreover, the recently published UN and World Bank reports show that Pakistan is among the...
Some companies/NGOs are publishing map of Pakistan without showing Jammu & Kashmir which is incorrect. To download correct map of Pakistan, please visit Survey of Pakistan (SoP) website:
http://surveyofpakistan.gov.pk/
The objective of this paper is to develop a set of interoperable system models for ensuring smooth and quick supply of multiple geospatial datasets demanded by Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning Development and Reform to implement China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Benefiting Geographic Information System (GIS) for various disciplines is obviously not new in Pakistan like many other countries in the world. Government of Pakistan (GoP) has recently announced to establish national Geographic Information System (GIS) instead of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for the country. Most GIS applications cannot be de...
Inequality is a buzz word now a days though it cannot be separated from the history of living organisms. Inequality of opportunity is a well-known ground reality whereas shared prosperity especially “for all’ is a dream may it be a developed or developing country. To transform the dream of shared prosperity into reality, a lot
Every country has plenty of policies. What matters the most is the policy implementation instrument. Over time, developed countries have developed and tested new policy instruments like spatial planning but some developing countries like Pakistan are still relying on traditional policy instruments.
Working paper. Comments and feedback will be highly appreciated. Even you are invited to be a co-author as well to complete the paper.
The benefits of sharing of geospatial data are well grounded in theory and practice.
However, the mechanism to share geospatial data is still not in place in most of the
countries like Pakistan. In Pakistan, immense geospatial data is available with
various public and private sector organizations. Although, Government of Pakistan
(GoP) is funding p...
Secretariat of International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM) is promoting geospatial coordination among many countries of the world to enable sharing, exchange and dissemination of geospatial
information.
The purpose of this paper is to explore rationale for National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) development in Pakistan. Although all the potential benefits of SDIs are difficult to conceptualize and quantify as SDI concept has not reached its maturity level in theory and practice. However, this paper attempts to determine practicality of NSDI in...
Pakistan launched E-Government programme in 2005 with the aim to deliver public service information, efficiently, effectively and economically to the citizens. Pakistan’s E-Government programme included GIS for Agriculture, Natural Resources & Urban Property of Pakistan, Mapping and Database of National Cartographic Data. The programme also include...
The use of Remote Sensing (hereafter called RS) in the exploration and monitoring of natural resources inherited by land as well as planning and development domains is not innovative and new to the geospatial community. However, benefiting from RS to fight against terrorism can be an innovative and a new approach for many countries such as Pakistan...
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach has been instrumental to implement infrastructures
such as transportation networks, health facilities, education, and communication networks in
many developed as well as developing countries such as Pakistan. This scenario poses the
question, is public private partnership an effective instrument to implemen...
This paper identifies current needs and challenges faced by Land Administration (LA) in Pakistan. The paper discusses implications of information systems that are being developed in the country outside a bigger framework of information infrastructure such as SDI. More over, the paper explores the supporting role of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)...
The term Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) has been defined, redefined and still is being refined. Understanding needs and rationales for SDI development cannot be exactly the same for developed and developing countries though it may have some commonalities. Therefore, time has come when it needs to be translated into tangible benefits according to...
This paper argues and explores readiness for the establishment of national geospatial data clearinghouse in Pakistan and determines with the help of empirical study, which components of the clearinghouse exist in the country. Hence, the paper focuses on “where are we” and not “how to get there”.
For more than a century, humanity has started showing concern for the future of our planet. Natural resources like water reservoirs, forests, oil and gas fields have drawn attention of governments all over the world due to their limited capacity on the one hand and their rapid consumption on the other hand. This situation is a matter of great conce...
Does an e-Government strategy inherently foster spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development?
The term Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) has been defined and still being redefined. However, ultimate objective of SDI is to improve the availability and accessibility to interoperable multiple geospatial data for a wide range of user community. One of the preliminary requirements to improve the availability and accessibility to geospatial data...
A spatial data infrastructure model must serve many constituents.This paper explains how the data may be developed by corporate, local, state, national, regional or global interests, and each potential creator imbues them with different characteristics “due to different needs at these different levels.” That, presents a potential pitfall. Therefore...
Special characteristic of spatial data is that it can be shared and used for many other purposes than the one, for which, it was originally produced. To facilitate its efficient sharing and reuse, it needs to be properly managed in the form of infrastructure i.e. Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). This is one of the reasons that many countries are...
“What are the strategies to implement NSDI?” Asmat Ali asserts no consolidated documents exist at the moment to answer that question. In this paper he reviews only socio-technical approaches to implementing NSDI, highlighting the Rainbow Metaphor Approach and the Public Private Partnership Approach. Neither approach alone offers all the potential b...
Due to technological developments-lots of things have happened in the context of Survey of Pakistan (S.O.P) in the past few years and are still happening. One of these changes is the transition period from analogue production line to Digital Production Line (Map-making using digitally controlled techniques).
Digital Production Line is split up int...
Questions
Questions (34)
Public Information Infrastructures are funded by governments for service delivery. One of the recent example is Blockchain. Can you please cite some literature and more examples?
Your contribution will be acknowledged.
The failure of public policies is a known fact specifically in most of the developing countries. The well-being, development and prosperity of masses, sectors and regions is largely dependent upon public policies (hereafter referred as policies). The fact remains is, governments especially of developing countries make policies in order to govern in the first place. It is however argued that we can inform policymaking process if we understand how policies are made actually or in simple words, what is the policy making process in developing countries such as like Pakistan. One can find plenty of literature on policy making process in the western and economically developed countries but the same does not hold true for developing country like Pakistan. Therefore, the question “What is the policy making process in Pakistan” is relevant and valid.
Please contribute your knowledge and experience. Links to relevant literature is welcomed, too. Thanks
