A land information network for New Brunswick
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Abstract
Concern about regional economic disparity and the need to make the best possible use of resources has spurred New Brunswick to place its land information management on a formal and systematic basis. Interest in utilizing land information in decision making processes is leading to the development of land information system in the province.
A land information system may be defined as a combination of human and technical resources, together with a set of organizing procedures, which results in the collection, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and use of land information in a systematic fashion. Land information systems may be classified according to the nature of the information managed. This gives, for example: a) environmental information which is concerned with environmental zones of unique physical, biological, or chemical natures. b) infrastructure information which relates to man-made improvements to the land. c) cadastral information which focuses on rights, restraints, and responsibilities associated with the land. d) socio-economic information which is concerned with human and economic geography. There distinctions, however, are by no means clear cut.
Most recently, attention has been focused on improving coordination between systems through a land information network. A network may be described as a confederation of land information systems. While a land information system may be regarded as an attempt to improve the effective flow of information within an organization, a land information network may be viewed as an attempt to improve the effective flow of information between organizations.
A land information network requires information exchange standards and special co-ordination mechanisms. It also requires an understanding of the functions and needs of the land information community. A land information network is characterized by heterogeneity. It brings together people of different background, needs, and beliefs. It utilizes technology in widely disparate forms. A long term commitment by a multi-disciplinary team of land information managers is required if the individual heterogeneous elements are to be melded into a cohesive unified whole.