HISTORY OF GIS AT ALMD

ALMD is regarded as the pioneers in GIS in the Caribbean. In 1982 the division developed Jamaica's first Geographic Information System (JAMGIS) under the directorship of Mr. Robert de Kruyff. It was not until 1986 however, that GIS was successfully implemented. This project was a multi-disciplinary effort by staff from Michigan State University, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , Ohio State University, the Government of Netherlands and the Government of Jamaica under the Comprehensive Resource Inventory and Evaluation Systems (CRIES) project.

The objective of this project was the creation of a national resource database consisting of soils and land use cover. The strategies put in place to achieve this consisted of land resource assessment, land use identification, cartography and database assembly and analysis. Some of the noticeable outputs are:

In 1982, the Division also implemented the Jamaica Soil Survey Project. Semi-detail soil survey and land evaluation were carried out for the St. Catherine Coastal Plains, Montpelier, North Manchester, Clarendon, Linstead, Bog Walk, Worthy Park and Lluidas Vale. The results of these surveys were published in reports of the same name accompanied by maps. A new soil legend and an agro-climatic zones map were also developed for Jamaica.

GIS & MAPPING SERVICES

We have the capability to provide the following services:

MAP PREPARATION

Do you need a map to assist you in your job, project, entrepreneural venture or otherwise? then fill out our Request Form and fax to 977-0326 or email to almd@micaf.gov.jm. You may also contact us by phone at (876) 927-0441.