Bahrain announces 3D mapping project

Manama, May 10 (BNA): Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau today announced plans for a proof of concept for a new generation of advanced, live-updated, high-resolution 3D maps of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The new project, aimed at preparing for future innovations in the field of autonomous vehicles and driving, was announced at the Gateway Gulf Forum which is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB) between 8 - 10 May at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay. Speaking on the announcement, Eng. Naji Sabt, Director General, Survey and Land Registration Bureau, said: "This map is an important step that will provide the government with a constantly updated 3D view of all roads and surrounding infrastructure. This will play a key role in supporting public and private agencies in areas such as road maintenance, security, urban planning, postal service and public transport. It will also lay the groundwork for innovations in transportation including autonomous driving, which will help improve efficiency across Bahrain’s roads, building on the Kingdom’s strong track record in test-bedding new technologies and innovative solutions." The new project reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to harness the potential of new technologies to foster entrepreneurship, drive innovation and accelerate economic diversification. The Survey and Land Registration Bureau added that the next stage of the project will focus on facilitating commercial partnerships with international organisations. Gateway Gulf brings together over five hundred global investors and business leaders to explore ways of unlocking the opportunities being created by the economic transformation in the GCC. The event provides a direct route into accessing the GCC market by showcasing major investment-ready projects worth USD $18billion, with projects in the planning phase driving up the value of the project pipeline to USD $26 billion. The event also offers an opportunity to match funding with large-scale infrastructure projects in Bahrain.