Asiaq updates technical base maps of all towns and settlements in Greenland. The maps are processed digitally using 3D information and positioning in the global coordinate system UTM. In the base maps, ortophotos (aerial photographs) from 2000 are included (in the case of Nuuk, from 2006).
 
Using the base maps as a starting point, Asiaq prepares a variety of different theme and special maps. The base maps are used as a basis for land allotment and building numbering in NIN – the Land Use Register of Greenland – and for maps in MapInfo GIS. 

On-site updating

Asiaq’s measuring team visits the towns of Greenland every second year and settlements every fourth year in order to update the base maps.
At the localities, we follow a specific routine. First, a so-called Field Control is carried out, during which we check whether any changes have occurred at the site and if so record them. Then the actual measuring takes place to register houses, fences etc. Carrying GPS equipment – called GPS-RTK – we measure at a precision of 2-3 cm. In addition, some things are measured by total station. Finally, data are quality assured and secured by calculating all measurements and converting them to the existing base map as a control. Various quality assurance forms are filled in and data are backed up.

Further processing and publishing

After the land measurement itself, results must be processed further at the office in the CAD program MicroStation, by which the new measurement are combined with previous ones and the maps completed on the basis of notes taken in the field. Everything is performed in 3D. The digital map is subsequently divided into situation details at and above terrain level and local road and path centers. The maps are then supplied with signs and text. Then construction and editing are completed, the base map is checked from field plan to final map, after which the base map is ready for release and can be communicated to the end users, for instance in AutoCad or MapInfo format.
 
Base map updating is led by Subject Coordinator Bo Naamansen
 
Seasonal Field Plan