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PROJECT
1: Establishment of the African Reference Frame (AFREF)
| ITEM |
DETALIED DESCRIPTION |
|
Introduction |
After independence
inherited very many heterogeneous datum, depending on
which colonial power ruled each country. Currently there
are more than 20 geodetic datum in use. Geodetic datum
are the basis on which maps, necessary for project planning
and implementation. The various datums mean different
maps for each country and this is not very useful especially
for the implementation of regional and cross boundary
development projects. To rectify this anomaly, the African
governments under ECA and OAU resolved that a uniform
datum be established for Africa. This started with the
ADOS project, which did not succeed and now the AFREF
Project. |
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Objectives |
The main objective
of the AFREF project is to establish a unified Datum the using the Global Positioning System (GPS) method.
It is proposed to implement the project in sub-regional
modules, which are: SAFREF, EAFREF, NAFREF, WAFREF and
CAFREF. These represent; South, East , North , West and
Central Africa sub- regions. In each sub-region, of GPS
observations will be carried out on selected existing
Geodetic control points. Also there will be a number of
permanent observing stations in each country, which will
be tied to the IGS permanent stations. Subsequently during
the computations, these points and the rest will be processed
with relationship to the IGS stations, which are on WGS84
Datum. This means that the sub-regional network will be
now in WGS84 Datum. Following the completion of the sub-regional
networks, an analysis will be carried out to establish
a Continental Geodetic Datum, tied to WGS84. Transformation
parameters will then be computed for use in the transformation
of the national geodetic control networks and other geo-spatial
databases. |
| Justification |
A uniform and continuous
mapping control is essential for the mapping of natural
phenomena, which do not respect artificial/ political
boundaries. These include the monitoring and management
of the environmental issues, such as desertification,
pests, flooding , famine, drought, etc. In addition to
this uniform maps are a prerequisite for the planning
and exploitation of natural resources, such as oil and
other minerals. Further on, the implementation, of cross
boarder projects, such as roads, oil pipelines, etc, also
require accurate and uniform maps. The basis of all such
maps is a unified Geodetic Datum, and this why we need
the African Reference Frame (AFREF). No single country
can carry out this project by itself, so a unified between
all the AU countries is necessary. The Regional centres
together with international geodetic organizations will
coordinate the Project. The Centre will play the overall
execution role for this important project. |
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Target beneficiaries |
The target beneficiaries
of this proposed project is the AU and its member states,
which, will have uniform maps for sustainable development
planning. The international organizations will have a
useful tool for the planning of continental sustainable
development projects. The uniform maps will also be use
for the continental monitoring and management of the environment.
Other bodies like the ICAO, WMO, etc will also benefit
by having uniform maps for the whole continent. |
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Inputs |
The inputs for
this project are : Geodetic Surveyors for planning , field
observations and processing, existing geodetic data, GPS
receivers, computing capacity and funds. |
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Outputs |
The out puts
will include monumented network points, coordinates, unified
datum, experience geodetic surveyors, uniform maps and
up dated geo-spatial data bases. |
|
Evaluation |
Monumented Geodetic
Control points, single unified geodetic Datum, Uniform
mapping data, transformation parameters and up to date
geo-spatial databases. |
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Budget |
A budget will
be prepared for fieldwork in each country, a budget for
sub-regional work, a budget for the Regional Centres and
a Budget for the combine Continental Datum activities.
Donor support is expected from stakeholders, such as NIMA,
UK and Germany. For the Centre the input will be about
US$ 50 000. |
contact address
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