New web service of maps of South America launched

(Caracas, October 21, 2008).- The Andean Development Corporation today published on the internet an interactive service of maps of South America as part of its GeoSUR program. With this service, CAF is contributing to a better knowledge of the region and supporting development planning activities which require the use of geographical information.

"Geographical information is the key for development planning - explained Antonio Juan Sosa, CAF infrastructure vice president - and can significantly improve decision-making processes on investments in the region. GeoSUR develops user-friendly tools, based on state of-the-art technology, which put important geographical information in the hands of professionals and decision-makers in South America."

The free access map service does not require software or special knowledge for use and can be consulted through the internet at (http://geosur.caf.com).. The service also offers access to a wide range of spatial information, such as regional maps of roads, relief, population centers, hydrography, protected areas and ecosystems; and satellite images and information on the projects of the South American Regional Infrastructure Integration Initiative (IIRSA). The service will be regularly updated to incorporate new maps and functions.

The GeoSUR service also facilitates access to digital maps generated by government institutions in the region. In this respect, the Program helps some 20 institutions to develop their own national map services. Over the next few months, GeoSUR will publish on the internet the first geographical portal for South America which will offer simultaneous access to these services. The information network which GeoSUR is promoting is decentralized and each participating institution operates its map service with full independence.

In the near future, with the support of initiatives such as GeoSUR, a decision-maker will be able to sit at a computer and have to hand integrated, reliable, standardized, multi-thematic and continuous maps of South America.

The GeoSUR program works in concert with Condor (a CAF initiative which offers web access to environmental and spatial data on the Andean region) to offer a common platform for access to spatial information on South America.

The participants in the GeoSUR program, developed under the sponsorship of the multilateral financial organization, are the Pan-American Institute of Geography and History (IPGH), the Inter-American Information Network on Biodiversity (IABIN), the Agustín Codazzi Geographical Institute (IGAC), the Chilean Military Geographical Institute, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and over 20 institutions in South America which produce geographical information. For more information on this program visit geosur@caf.com.