Logo: to the web site of Uppsala University

Based on a number of Digital Terrain Models (DTM) different aspects of the geology of Mount Everest will be visualized. We use terrain models based on ASTER satellite images, the “ETH” DTM (Prof. Dr. Armin Gruen, Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry, ETH Zurich), as well as SRTM-data and own digitized contours taken from maps (1 : 10 000) kindly provided by Dr. Brad Washburn (Boston museum of Science) in our study to create a 3D view over the study area. Differences in the DTMs will be discussed together with the way in which they merged to form our data base.

Ground truth of the geological information is given by the newly released geological map of the Everest region (Searle, 2003), and fieldwork carried out by both authors independently at different occasions. Satellite imagery used in this study was produced by the following space born high resolution sensors:

Landsat MSS, TM, ETM+, MOMS, ASTER, and HYPERION

Finally we draped geological maps and remote sensing imagery over the optimized DTM, which allowed an interactive evaluation and comparison of the different data sets. Results from supervised classifications of the imagery will be compared with different maps based on geological fieldwork. The interaction and dependence of geology and geomorphology of the Mt. Everest Massif will be discussed.

Searle, M.P. 2003. Geological Map of the Mount Everest region, Nepal - South Tibet Himalaya. Scale 1:100,000. Dept. Earth sciences, Oxford University, UK.

The Guizhou Province in southwest central China is characterized by complex geological fold belts resulting in a varying geomorphologic pattern with steep valleys and ridges. The dominating carbonate rocks cause a karst environment with rough topography and bedrock outcrops lacking soil cover, leading to a fragmentation of the natural ecology environment. Soil erosion is another major problem of this densely populated area.

During intense exploitation of the area due to extended highway construction projects, there are risks for further fragmentation of the landscape. The construction process furthermore is triggering the establishment of rock falls and rock landslides endangering natural ecosystems and human lives. For the prediction and prevention of larger rock falls and rock landslides it is necessary to measure dip and strike of bedding and joints in the involved geological strata in relation to road directions. These data, together with elevation data and its derivates (slope, aspect) are put together in a GIS system enabling risk assessment for geohazards. The elevation data for this study are derived from freely available SRTM data with a 90 m grid. Landsat TM and ETM+ is use as ancillary data. The lithological and tectonic information is based on the Geological Map of Guizhou province, scale 1 : 500 000, dip and strike from local measurements.

Based on the derived information we hope to establish recommendations for the design and construction of prevention measures.

Developments in Spatial data collection and use have led to what are currently known as Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs). SDIs are technologies, policies, standards, and human resources to acquire, process, store, distribute, and improve utilisation of geo-spatial information. SDIs are generally believed to play a big role in optimising the utilisation of spatial data, which in turn leads to the development of a nation. SDIs are currently benefiting developed countries, which are characterised by high levels of IT, adequate financial resources and huge quantities of spatial data. However, SDI concepts are now being disseminated into developing countries whose levels of IT do not match those of the developed countries; where most mapping and GIS programs are funded through foreign aid and huge quantities of spatial data are still kept on paper maps. There is still uncertainty as to whether developing countries are ready to utilise the benefits of SDI. Like many developing countries, Uganda is in the processes of developing a national spatial data infrastructure. Initial studies for developing a National Spatial Data Infrastructure and a National Land Information System have been carried out. Data was collected from different institutions, compiled in a CRUD Matrix and analysed using a methodology of assessing individual SDI components. The experience from these studies gives us an insight into what opportunities and challenges are ahead of developing countries trying to develop SDI. Whereas most of the challenges are similar in developed and developing countries,

the unique challenges in developing countries are those sociated with underdevelopment and multiple donor aid. These challenges require that the components of SDI in developing countries take a slightly different shape but should serve the general purpose

of establishing SDI.