Border Information
The definition, delineation, mapping, demarcation and management of international and regional borders are issues that are as important today as they have been throughout the history of nation states, and in many regions they are far more important now than they have been at any time in the past.
A number of trends are driving the need for improved definition and management of borders, including the break-up of countries into smaller entities (Balkans, former Soviet Union, East Timor), stronger regional autonomy in some countries and the growing importance and scarcity of a range of natural resources such as oil, minerals and fresh water. The issue of borders is also not confined to land masses, as territorial claims in maritime regions are assuming increasing significance due to claims for mineral and natural resources and fishing rights.
Typical Clients
- Governmental boundary commissions
- International boundary commissions and adjudicators
- Regional organisations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS
The processes and activities relating to borders that benefit in particular from the use of geographical information can be divided into two very broad areas, these being:
- activities relating to the actual borders (definition, mapping, visualisation, demarcation, maintenance)
- cross-border issues that rely on knowledge of the border position (resources rights, border crossings, access to nearby facilities in neighbouring countries such as hospitals and emergency services, cross-border oil spills and pollution events)
Information systems can play an important role in aiding the delineation and mapping processes, as well as being vital for effective management of the borders themselves and cross-border issues.
GAF provides a range of services and products to meet the demands related to this field of activities. Our portfolio in this domain focuses on mapping and information systems and includes (but is not limited to):
