SLA Embarks on New Collaborations to Solve Urban Challenges with Geospatial Data and Technology

• New Memorandum of Understanding signed with Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore) to improve heavy vehicle routing.

• New partnership with SG Enable to pilot test mapping of barrier-free access routes.

• First collaboration signed with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information to exchange knowledge and experiences on geospatial technology adoption to benefit citizens

        The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is embarking on various new collaborations to solve urban challenges by tapping on the possibilities offered by geospatial technology to facilitate data-driven decision making and solutions. Geospatial technology refers to location-based technology which is a key enabler in supporting Singapore’s Smart Nation and sustainability initiatives and is commonly used in areas such as mapping and road navigation.

2        The new collaborations were announced by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and Ministry of Transport, at the opening of the Geo Connect Asia 2023 on 15 March 2023. At the event, Dr Khor also witnessed the signing ceremonies for two of SLA’s collaborations - with the Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore), and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Geo Connect Asia 2023 is an annual international geospatial industry event. Supported by the Singapore Land Authority as the National Geospatial Agency, the event is held from 15 to 16 March 2023 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.  Please refer to Annex A for the welcome remarks by Mr Yeoh Oon Jin, Chairman of SLA.

Memorandum of Understanding with Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore)

3        In its latest collaboration with the industry, SLA will collaborate with the Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore) or CDAS, to improve the routing of heavy vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Mr Sin Lye Chong, Assistant Chief Executive (Geospatial & Engagement) and Chief Sustainability Officer of SLA, and Mr Ricky Loo, Deputy President of CDAS. Under the two-year collaboration, CDAS and SLA will utilise geospatial data such as road conditions and restrictions to enable the CDAS's member companies to route their heavy vehicles efficiently and safely.

4        With more comprehensive data, companies that deploy such vehicles and their drivers will be able to plan their journeys better and save time. This will translate into cost savings for the companies as they use less fuel, and also lower their carbon emissions.

Collaboration to Improve Accessibility

5        SLA’s geospatial collaborations go beyond working with the industry.  SLA has also been working with SG Enable and Gardens by the Bay to map barrier-free routes to enable wheelchair users to move about easily. This collaboration is part of SLA’s support for the Enabling Masterplan 2030 which sets out the vision for Singapore as an inclusive society by 2030.

6        In this initiative, data relating to routes that are barrier-free such as those with wheelchair-accessible covered linkways, ramps, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, overhead bridges with lifts are collected and mapped in Bukit Merah and Gardens by the Bay. 

7        SLA has developed a pilot testing app with the barrier-free access routes for these two areas to gather feedback and suggestions for improvements from wheelchair users. Improvements in terms of data accuracy and user-friendliness will be incorporated in additional testing areas in the next six months.  Eventually, the barrier-free access routing function will be added to OneMap as an additional mode of wayfinding, to supplement the existing public transport, cycling and driving modes. Please refer to Annex B for screenshots of the pilot testing app.

Collaboration with General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

8        As part of SLA’s efforts to foster international knowledge exchange and contribute our experiences in the use of geospatial data and technology, SLA has also embarked on its first bilateral collaboration with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The collaboration stems from both countries’ rapid urbanisation, which has seen an increasing need to harness geospatial data and technology in decision making, as there are similar challenges faced by global cities which could benefit from shared solutions. The collaboration with GEOSA, which will be over a three-year period, will entail exchange of knowledge and experiences on:

• the development and management of national geospatial databases;

• the use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning in the development of Digital Twins;

• digital transformation in the geospatial industry; and

• development of geospatial products and services that will benefit citizens.

9        Mr Sin Lye Chong, Assistant Chief Executive (Geospatial & Engagement) and Chief Sustainability Officer of SLA, and Mr Asim Ibrahim AlGhamdi, Assistant President of GEOSA for National Geospatial Center, signed an Intent of Collaboration at the side-lines of the Geo Connect Asia 2023.

10       Please refer to Annex C for the quotes from the partners and the photos of the signing ceremonies.

Charting out the focus on education

11       At the opening of the Geo Connect Asia 2023, Dr Amy Khor also presented the “Distinction Award” to two winning teams of the ASEAN Geospatial Challenge 2023, which was organised by SLA. The annual challenge brings youths from the ASEAN region together to solve real life problems using geospatial technology and information. Please refer to Annex D for more information about the challenge and the winning projects.

12       SLA has been working with partners to inculcate geospatial interest and awareness among students by exciting them about the potential of geospatial technologies to solve everyday challenges in our community. Other examples of such initiatives include the annual Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Innovation Challenge co-organised with the Space Faculty, the annual Regional Geospatial Youth Forum, and the Young Geospatial Scientist workshop in partnership with Singapore Science Centre. New educational initiatives for students will be announced later this year. Through these initiatives, SLA aims to mainstream the use of geospatial data and capabilities.

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Issued by:

Singapore Land Authority

15 March 2023