Dear Editor,
Thanks for the opportunity to respond to the letter written by Mr Ragnauth captioned “Updated maps of Georgetown are not available” (07.11.20).
The updating of maps is a constantly ongoing process which is constrained by available human and financial resources. Nevertheless, a number of maps have been updated and are available digitally; and we are working on others as priorities dictate.
The Georgetown map in particular was not simply updated; a new digital map was produced using computerized geographic information systems. This has been available for sale at the Commission map sales counter for some time now.
A new digital one million scale map of Guyana has also been completed; as are four 500,000 scale maps of the four quarters of the country. We have also begun to digitize the regional maps, some of which are completed, some are in train and others are scheduled for the next few years. The 319 topographical sheets that cover the country are also available on CD in jpeg format.
Regarding the Gazetteer, it must be understood that there is a certain level of information that is not captured by design, usually street names and local names. The practice has been that such names have been assigned by the local population, the Ministry of Housing, the NDC or other body to features within a locality. Thus the names in the Gazetteer reflect mapped localities, rather than mailing addresses.
However, there is no rule that prevents the exclusion of local names from the Gazetteer, once their use has been established. We have compiled a number of corrections and inclusions which will be reflected in the second edition of the Gazetteer, which is slated for 2009.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite not only Mr Ragnauth, but also all Guyanese, to call my office to arrange a first-hand examination of the cartographic work we are doing, and the new digital maps that we have already completed.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Bishop
Commissioner Lands
& Surveys
