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Singapores Survey and Mapping Infrastructure Strategy 2007-2011

i

Foreword

A surveyor conducting a survey in the field needs to obtain an acceptable misclosure in

the survey which is obvious to most practising surveyors. But to the uninitiated young

surveyors, a sound advice would be that finding a good control point to start a survey is

having half the battle won. Starting a survey with a poor control point is akin to a chef

using inferior ingredients in his recipe.

Knowing the importance of good control points, the Singapore Land Authority has set its

sight with bearings pointing towards establishing a Survey and Mapping Infrastructure

Strategy Map. A small team of staff headed by Victor Khoo was formed to reinforce

SLAs commitment in establishing and maintaining the survey and mapping infrastructure

in Singapore.

The team was given 6 months to map out a strategic plan that covers the Integrated

Survey Network, Singapore Satellite Positioning Reference Network, Singapore Precise

Levelling Benchmark Network and the Geoid Model. It addresses our long-term planning

based on a coordinated framework. To achieve greater clarity, the team has also

identified tasks required to achieve our goals for the next 5 years. This would set the

directions and priorities for both public sector and private sector in their geospatial

initiatives and activities. This is our inaugural plan and we aim to produce and update the

plan every 5 years to keep up with the technological advancements and paradigm shifts.

In line with our belief that end users should be consulted upon for issues with affect them,

SLA has conducted its first ever e-consultation on this strategic plan. The number of

responses received was not overwhelming; however, it provided us with a good idea on

how we can further improve to serve our customers even better. SLA would like to thank

all respondents who have contributed their suggestions and feedback. The team has

deliberated on all feedback which was received before this strategic plan was finalised.


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With this, we hope to provide an array of reliable control network for use in cadastral,

engineering, topographical, aerial mapping and GIS applications. This will also keep the

users abreast of the plans SLA has in the pipeline. Looking ahead, we will continually

communicate and work with the stakeholders to draw their input in achieving the desired

outcomes.

Soh Kheng Peng

Chief Surveyor

Singapore

June 2007


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iii

Executive Summary

This strategic plan focuses on the survey and mapping infrastructure system in

Singapore.

Looking ahead, the main challenges facing the provision of a survey and mapping

infrastructure system in Singapore are: 1) to satisfy the needs of all users without

compromising on the integrity, reliability, accessibility of Singapores survey and mapping

infrastructure system; 2) staying relevant to changes that are affecting the surveying

profession; 3) having the best people to manage such a system; 4) extending the use of

geospatial information in decision-making, and; 5) ensuring an internationally-recognised

survey and mapping infrastructure system.

To deal with these challenges, strategies have been developed. From these strategies,

which act as a framework for task-setting, we aim to reach the 5 goals that are set out in

this report. Then, our vision: To have a world-class survey and mapping infrastructure

system in Singapore, will be realised.


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iv

Content

Foreword.......................................................................................................................... i

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................iii

Content .......................................................................................................................... ivList of Acronyms Used .................................................................................................... v

1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................1

1.1 The Origin of the Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System in Singapore.............. 2

1.2 The Present..............................................................................................................3

2 Singapores Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System .......................................... 4

2.1 Survey Services of the SLA......................................................................................4

2.2 The ISN and SiReNT................................................................................................4

2.3 The Singapore Precise Levelling Benchmark Network and Geoid Model.................. 5

2.4 An Integrated Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System........................................ 6

3 Vision .......................................................................................................................7

4 Goals........................................................................................................................8

5 Strategies and Work Plans .....................................................................................10


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v

List of Acronyms Used

2D: 2-dimensional

3D: 3-dimensional

3G: 3rdgeneration

HDB: Housing Development Board

ISO: International Standards Organization

JTC: Jurong Town Corporation

MSL: Mean Sea Level

GPS: Global Positioning System

GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System

NTU: Nanyang Technological University

RTK: Real-Time Kinematic

SIMRSN: Singapore Integrated Multiple Reference Station Network

SMS: Short Message Service

SLA: Singapore Land Authority

SVY21: The cadastral surveying system in Singapore


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Introduction

1

1 Introduction

Whats next?

Given the many changes implemented over the past 2 years for the surveying profession

in Singapore, such as the online submission of cadastral survey jobs and the change to a

new surveying system, this question seems unnecessary to many survey professionals.

However, due to new surveying paradigms and developments in the field of GNSS, we

cannot stay oblivious to technological and institutional changes that are affecting the

world, including ourselves. Rather, we must be able to provide a robust, reliable and

integrated surveying system for the geospatial industry. As we return to the survey

fundamentals, A survey cannot be more accurate than the control, this question can be

answered.

Such is the importance of this control that it can be said no authoritative position can be

obtained in Singapore without a nation-wide control network. This nation-wide control

network is a key component of our survey and mapping infrastructure for geospatial data

acquisition purposes. This report focuses on Singapores survey and mapping

infrastructure system, which consists of all methods, processes and infrastructures

associated with Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure.

A survey and mapping infrastructure system is integral to the geospatial industry in

Singapore. In order to overcome new challenges ahead, there is a need to review

Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system. Ultimately, everyone who has a

stake in positioning in Singapore would be able to reap the benefits of Singapores

survey and mapping infrastructure system for various economic and social activities.

The need to have a survey and mapping infrastructure system is emphasised, but whoshould provide such a survey and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore?

Under section 7(a) of the Boundaries and Survey Maps Act (Chapter 25),

The Chief Surveyor shall be responsible for establishing a co-ordinated cadastre and

may, for that purpose

(a) establish and maintain a network of survey control marks with recorded co-

ordinates for use in surveying, mapping and related practice.


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Introduction

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Although the Chief Surveyor is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a

survey and mapping infrastructure for the direct purpose of cadastral surveying, this

infrastructure is also used for various geospatial applications.

The need and mandate to provide a survey and mapping infrastructure system for

Singapore is stated, which leads to the next logical step of actually providing such a

survey and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore. Or has it been provided already?

To answer this question, let us first understand the historical origin of the survey and

mapping infrastructure in Singapore. Before that, let us distinguish between the vertical

and horizontal (planar) components that shape Singapores survey and mapping

infrastructure.

The vertical and horizontal survey control networks are references from which heights

and 2D positions are obtained so that they are meaningful and consistent. This ensures

that data is seamlessly integrated even though they may be acquired from different

sources and eliminates any ambiguity with regards to the reference which measurements

are obtained.

1.1 The Origin of the Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System in Singapore

If we look back at the history of surveying in Singapore, there was an attempt to establish

a local trigonometrical survey in Singapore as early as 1845 by J.T. Thomson. However,

this survey was not completed. On a larger scale, the Trigonometrical Survey of

Singapore commenced in 1890 and proved to be successful in providing an accurate and

coordinated survey control network in Singapore back then.

More recently in 1992, the Survey Department and JTC jointly engaged NTU as

consultants to investigate the feasibility of using GPS technology to modernise anddensify the survey control network in Singapore. From the feasibility study carried out, a

survey primary triangulation network was established using GPS technology. The survey

triangulation network is known as the Integrated Survey Network (ISN). In 1995,

additional control points were added to the ISN. With the completion of the ISN, a new

system, known as the SVY21 system, was established and launched in August 2004

through a gazette.

The Singapore Precise Levelling Benchmark Network was first established in 1958 by

the Survey Department. This vertical control network consists of points, each known as a


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Introduction

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Benchmark, whose height values are known from a reference surface, known as the

MSL. The MSL is determined from tidal observations taken continuously over long

periods. Since the 1958 Precise Levelling Exercise, there had been extensions and

revisions made to this vertical control network.

1.2 The Present

From the above, a survey and mapping infrastructure system exists in Singapore already,

with the survey and mapping infrastructure consisting of the ISN and the Singapore

Precise Levelling Benchmark Network. However, 2 other infrastructures will be

considered in this report: 1) a model which converts GPS heights into heights referenced

from the MSL, known as the Geoid Model, and; 2) a GPS facility, known as Singapore

Satellite Positioning Reference Network (SiReNT). These infrastructures, whether

physical or non-physical, will be the basis of Singapores survey and mapping

infrastructure system, consisting of: 1) ISN; 2) SiReNT; 3) Singapore Precise Levelling

Benchmark Network, and; 4) Geoid Model.

Thus, a survey and mapping infrastructure system exists in Singapore already. However,

we need to ensure that it will not be obliterated or left in oblivion. To do this, there is a

need to re-think methods and processes associated with Singapores survey and

mapping infrastructure system, so that the relevancy, adequacy and need for such a

survey and mapping infrastructure system can be known and dealt with adequately.

Singapores Survey and Mapping Infrastructure Strategy 2007-2011 is formulated to

address these issues.


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Singapores Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System

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2 Singapores Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System

2.1 Survey Services of the SLA

The Survey Department of Singapore commenced operation in 1826. In 2001, the

Survey Department, together with the Land Office, Singapore Land Registry and Land

Systems Support Unit, merged to form SLA. In 2004, the Survey Department was

renamed: Survey Services.

Survey Services, SLA is primarily responsible for:

1) a reliable survey and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore;

2) maintaining an optimum standard of cadastral surveys in Singapore, and;

3) providing superior service to our customers in the private and public sectors.

Thus, Survey Services is responsible for the ISN, SiReNT, Singapore Precise Levelling

Benchmark Network and Geoid Model in Singapore.

2.2 The ISN and SiReNT

SiReNT, which was launched in September 2006, evolved from a project which involvedthe use of reference stations to improve the accuracy of positions acquired using GPS

technology. SiReNT is physically represented by 5 reference stations strategically

located throughout the island and provides many new opportunities to users for various

geospatial applications.

The ISN consists of approximately 70 primary control points, mostly on top of HDB flats,

and about 5000 secondary control points, all on ground, with coordinates in the SVY21

system. The ISN makes it possible for surveys to be connected to Singapores nationalsurvey and mapping infrastructure so all positions can be represented in a single

consistent system.


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2.3 The SingaporePrecise Levelling Benchmark Network and Geoid Model

The Geoid Model is required for converting heights obtained using GPS into the local

height reference frame. Presently, Survey Services is coming up with the Geoid Model

for Singapore. This involves the use of benchmarks in the Singapore Precise Levelling

Benchmark Network and new Benchmarks being established, known as Fundamental

Benchmarks, to create the Geoid Model. Presently, there are about 500 Benchmarks and

slightly over 10 Fundamental Benchmarks in Singapore.

Fig 2.1: Photos of Secondary Control Markers

New Fundamental Benchmark Old Benchmark

Fig 2.2: Photos of Benchmarks


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2.4 An Integrated Survey and Mapping Infrastructure System

Although it has been said that Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure consists of

the horizontal and vertical component, both are very much integrated, not least due to

the implementation of SVY21. With SVY21 and the Geoid Model, it is possible to convert

a GPS position into a format which the user needs: 1) coordinates under the SVY21

system, and 2) height in the local height reference frame.

The term GPS appears so many times that one might ask: Can we do without GPS in

our survey and mapping infrastructure system?

The answer is Yes

While the ISN is the physical realisation of the SVY21 system, the Singapore Precise

Levelling Benchmark Network is the physical realisation of the Geoid Model. This means

that 2D positions and heights can be obtained from these physical infrastructures without

using GPS. Although this is not the envisaged scenario, these plans are in place for a

robust and reliable survey and mapping infrastructure system that is able to deal with

changing practical circumstances, including different methods of ascertaining a position.

GPS SiReNT

2D position withheight

ISN

SingaporePrecise

LevellingBenchmark

Network

SVY 21parameters

+GeoidModel

3D position

For establishing Geoid Model

+

+

For establishing ISN markers

Fig 2.3: Integrating Singapores Survey and Mapping InfrastructureSystemwith GPS positioning


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Vision

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3 Vision

As a world-class survey and mapping infrastructure system is paramount to fulfilling the

land information needs of a world-class land authority, our vision for Singapores survey

and mapping infrastructure system is aligned with SLAs vision: To be a world-class land

authority. Thus, there is mutual support and recognition between the envisaged position

of SLA and the need for a world-class survey and mapping infrastructure system.

For the survey and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore to reach world-class

standards, it must be reliable, accessible and consistent with international best-practices.

As the survey and mapping infrastructure system in Singapore exists to support

Singapores economy, security and development, it must be best-suited to the needs of

the geospatial industry in Singapore.

To have a world-class survey and mapping

infrastructuresystem in Singapore


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Goals

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4 Goals

To realise our vision of having a world-class survey and mapping infrastructure system in

Singapore, the following 5 goals are set.

4.1 Data

Goal 1

The first principle of providing geospatial data at a national level is: The user is able to

obtain the geospatial data he needs easily and uses it for his purpose with confidence.

Confidence comes from a reliable, accurate, updated and authoritative survey and

mapping infrastructure system with known strengths and limitations. We aim to create a

self-sustainable survey and mapping infrastructure system from the sale of geospatial

data. However, the cost of acquiring geospatial data must not act as a deterrent towards

the usage of geospatial information for the greater good of Singapores economy,

security and development.

4.2 Technology

Goal 2

We aim to make use of relevant leading-edge technologies in the field of GNSS and

wireless communication to create the most effective solution for the management of

Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system so as to meet and exceed users

expectations.

To provide a reliable, accurate, updated, authoritative and easilyaccessible survey and mapping infrastructure system with

instantaneous 3D positioning capabilities at an affordable cost to theuser and provider

To harness leading-edge technologies in geospatial data acquisition,management, analysis and visualisation for a relevant survey and

mapping infrastructure system


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Goals

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4.3 People

Goal 3

We aim to increase the capacity of SLAs Survey Services through a more varied work

scope. Therefore, officers maintaining Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure

system must be competent and skilled enough to deal with the changing needs of all

stakeholders.

4.4 Usage

Goal 4

We aim to extend the usage of Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system to

include the maximum number of users. However, a pre-requisite for the above to be met

is the recognition of using geospatial information to achieve the users objective.

Therefore, there has to be an increase in awareness of geospatial information usage in

Singapore followed by educating the user on his specific needs. Thus, our policies shall

focus on geospatial information demanded by both public and private sectors.

4.5 Connectivity

Goal 5

The use of global systems for geospatial data acquisition, such as GPS, and data usage

on a global scale does not allow Singapore to be isolated from the world. Rather,

international best-practices, such as ISO standards, for geospatial information handling

shall be used as the guide for Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system so

as to allow geospatial information across different platforms to be integrated seamlessly.

To continue to have capable human resources managing

Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system

The public/private domain is aware of Singapores survey andmapping infrastructure system and will be using such geospatial

information for their various needs

Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system is connected to theworld and consistent with international standards


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Strategies and Work Plans

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5 Strategies and Work Plans

Strategies were formulated to provide an overall framework for setting work plans to

reach the goals that were stated earlier. Through these strategies, the best responses to

the changing needs of the geospatial industry will be provided.

The strategies that are recommended target a specific goal and are grouped as follows:

Strategies Goal targeted

1 to 7 1

8 to 10 2

11 to 12 3

13 to 16 4

17 to 18 5


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Strategy 1

Ensuring the reliability of Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system

Proposed work plan

1 To conduct a feasibility study on the use of a gravity survey for Singapore

2 To review existing procedures on the maintenance of Singapores survey andmapping infrastructure

3 To re-adjust the Singapore Precise Levelling Benchmark Network

Strategy 2

Continuing to integrate cadastral surveys with Singapores survey and mapping

infrastructure system

Proposed work plan

4 To conduct a feasibility study on the use of RTK for cadastral surveying

Strategy 3

Regular review of policies regarding Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure

system

Proposed work plan

5 To establish an understanding with stakeholders who are involved in theprotection and maintenance of Singapores survey and mappinginfrastructure

6 To raise public awareness on Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure

7 To review existing policies on the establishment of ISN markers

Goal 1:To provide a reliable, accurate, updated, authoritative andeasily accessible survey and mapping infrastructure system withinstantaneous 3-D positioning capabilities at an affordable cost to

the user and provider


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Strategy 4

Enhancing users accessibility to data

Proposed work plan

8 To review existing data policies for Singapores survey and mappinginfrastructure system

Strategy 5

Legalising Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system as the official source of

information for all survey and mapping activities

Proposed work plan

9 To review the Boundary and Survey Maps Act (Chapter 25) and relatedRules

Strategy 6

Pegging prices to customer needs

Proposed work plan10 To create a price list of products from Singapores survey and mapping

infrastructure

Strategy 7

Providing online processing capabilities in Singapores survey and mapping


Proposed work plan

11 To carry out a market-demand study

12 To carry out a feasibility study


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Strategy 8

Utilising leading-edge technologies for GPS reference stations

Proposed work plan

13 To move from SIMRSN to SiReNT

Strategy 9Carrying out pilot projects using new technology

Proposed work plan

14 To use SMS technology for the dissemination of information on ISN markers

15 To use 3G wireless technology for the collection and dissemination ofinformation on Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure

Strategy 10

Initiating research projects with the academia for testing and development

Proposed work plan

16 To establish an understanding with educational institutes on researchinitiatives

Goal 2: To harness leading-edge technologies ingeospatial data acquisition, management, analysisand visualisation for a relevant survey and mapping



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Strategy 11

Providing training and retraining for officers managing Singapores survey and mapping


Proposed work plan

17 To organise education courses with educational institutes

18 To organise internationally-recognised survey conferences in Singapore

Strategy 12

Sending our officers to seminars for networking and knowledge sharing

Proposed work plan

19. To send officers for courses conducted by the private sector

20 To identify seminars and conferences for officers to attend

Goal 3: To continue to have capable humanresources managing Singapores survey and



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Strategy 13

Providing guidelines on the use of Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure system

for surveyors and non-surveyors

Proposed work plan

21 To review existing and create new guidelines on the use of Singaporessurvey and mapping infrastructure system for surveyors

22 To provide information on the use of SiReNT for non-surveyors and

surveyors in the SiReNT website

23 To provide guidelines on the use of the Geoid Model

Strategy 14

Educating the public and promoting Singapores survey and mapping infrastructure

system

Proposed work plan

24 To provide a list of terms on Singapores survey and mapping infrastructuresystem

25 To publish a quarterly newsletter with the latest news on Singapores surveyand mapping infrastructure system

26 To disseminate information on the development of Singapores survey andmapping infrastructure system in the SLA website

Strategy 15

Understanding the needs of our customers

Proposed work plan

27 To review information contained in the ISN datasheets

28 To conduct customer surveys regularly

Goal 4: The public/private domain is aware of Singaporessurvey and mapping infrastructure system and will be using

such geospatial information for their various needs


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Strategy 16

Actively engaging users to realise advantages provided by Singapores survey and


Proposed work plan

29 To collaborate with the private sector in creating more applications forSingapores survey and mapping infrastructure system

30 To increase the extent through which Singapores survey and mappinginfrastructure system can be used by various industries


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Strategy 17

Adopting an internationally-recognised survey and mapping control framework

Proposed work plan

31 To constantly monitor SiReNT reference stations

Strategy 18Adopting internationally-recognised data standards

Proposed work plan

32 To create the metadata for Singapores survey and mapping infrastructuresystem

Goal 5: Singapores survey and mappinginfrastructure system is connected to the world

and consistent with international standards

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