The centre has won an Excellence in GeoSpatial Implementation award for for developing a Mobile framework for geo-enabled smartphone applications known as Oman NSDI Mobile Framework.
The Centre received the award at an International conference- GISWORK18, hosted by GISTEC in Dubai, UAE between May 8 and 10. The conference is considered as the biggest event for geographic information technology in the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The Excellence in GIS Implementation (EGI) Award has been instituted to promote innovation and experimentation in GIS implementation. Since its birth in 2007, EGI has become the most known and most prestigious award given to organizations, which use GIS in unique and innovative ways in the UAE and GCC. Each year, GISWORX recognize and award organizations that made innovative GIS programs, projects and implementations
The use of spatial information systems for smartphone applications is one of the latest trends in countries that adopt most advanced technologies. That is why many government, semi-government or private companies are keen to launch their smartphone applications. It has several other advantages since a large number of users can use the application simultaneously and it makes the users' access to geographic data and information easy.
As a part of National GeoSpatial Strategy, the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) of the centre has developed a common software architecture for developing smartphone applications to support all government entities in developing their mobile apps. It provides ~70 per cent of the commonly required geospatial features for geo-enabled smartphone applications.
The Centre has launched five applications for smartphones - Tour Oman, Banki, Waqudi, Spatial Statistical Information and Statistical Indicators - to provide a variety of services useful for different segments of the society. This is as part of an effort being made by the NCSI to provide data and information in various forms using modern technology. This strengthens its efforts for spreading knowledge and information about the spatial dimension in the Sultanate
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