Creating a large-scale base map to underpin a national data model

• Understanding Malta’s unique landscape – both urban and rural – to ensure topographic features were accurately depicted and appropriately attributed within the data model.
• Identifying and selecting the most appropriate standards for the data model.
• Understanding the Planning Authority’s requirements and creating a capture specification to meet them.
• Ensuring transfer of knowledge and measurable capability growth following the training provided to the Planning Authority.

Ordnance Survey in collaboration with IIC Technologies and BlueSky created a topographic base map of Malta which will underpin a new national data model known as MapMalta:

• MapMalta is a new standards-based geospatial database which provides an accurate representation of the man-made and natural environment of the islands, with each data object representing a real-world feature.
• The MapMalta data model is represented by a Feature Catalogue which details the capture specification for each feature, both for initial capture and maintenance. These features have been categorised into with the unique feature identifiers enabling all features to be managed throughout their lifecycle.
• The data model for MapMalta reflects industry best practice and follows international standards – this will provide a framework for efficient maintenance, updating and feature lifecycle management that is compliant with European and international directives and standards.
• Creation of a comprehensive capture specification defining the real-world features to be captured and detailing guidance for the initial capture and maintenance of MapMalta data.
• Development of a new suite of quality tools to ensure that Malta’s geospatial data is maintained and published in accordance with the agreed data capture specifications.
• Development of a flexible topographic dataset reflecting real-world features which can be stored in tabular format and within a spatial database.
• Embedding new geospatial capabilities within the Planning Authority of Malta through the delivery of a bespoke training programme.

• Enable the Planning Authority to satisfy the current and future spatial needs of its users.
• Support the development of new government policies and enable effective decision making through the provision of reliable, accurate and flexible geospatial information.
• Underpin interoperability across government entities.
• Encourage economic growth by providing businesses with the information they need to make rapid and informed location-based decisions.
• Enable the development of new and innovative digital citizen services using geospatial information as the underlying reference tool.