Qatar University’s Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Unit in the Environmental Studies Centre (ESC) has started the process of digitally archiving its entire historic collection of satellite imagery, aerial photography, bathymetric data and GIS data.
The process, conducted by ESC researchers, will catalogue and archive the centre’s vast amount of data holdings on Qatar (and the Gulf) marine communities, coastal waters, marine physical parameters and digital maps.
The archives will provide a substantive resource collection for staff of ESC, its local, regional and international research partners, as well as students whose work depends on the digital geospatial data.
This will be hosted on a dedicated server with regulated access and regular backup.
“The archives will also enhance the security of the data holdings which are a valuable resource for Qatar, in its efforts to build an historical environment culture and heritage as stated in the national vision and development strategies,” ESC acting director Hamad al-Saad al-Kuwari said.
“We are proud to create such an important resource that will add value to Qatar’s environmental legacy,” he added.
The work will be led by ESC Applied Research Department Deputy Manager Dr Nadeem Hashem and GIS
specialist Julie Camy.
Mapping of seagrass types are now being digitally archived.
