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Groundwater
Information Index System |
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Welcome to the GIIS Web-site
GIIS is an acronym for the Groundwater Information Index System which was developed by
Geomeasure Services and Eyethu Engineers with funding provided by DANIDA (Danish
International Development Agency). This system is complimentary to the Groundwater
Planning Manual which has been developed for the Directorate Water Services of the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
The GIIS is essentially a database which contains basic information on the sources of
groundwater related subject matter and provides Planners and Consultants a useful tool
with which to source existing geohydrological reports and other relevant data, which until
now have been gathering dust in filing cabinets and archives of both Consultants and
Government Institutions, through the Internet.
This is a "live" data base which will also allow Institutions, Consultants and
Contractors to add "new" information to the system via the Internet.
If the GIIS system is used as intended, it will become not only a very useful source of
information, but will also serve as an vehicle through which Planners and Developers can
identify Consultants with relevant project experience to assist in the planning and
implementation of groundwater projects.
Why the need for a Groundwater Information Index System (GIIS)?
We have all experienced the frustration of trying to locate this type information during
the planning or "desk study" phases of groundwater development projects when
time and funds are limited. The decision on whether or not to consider groundwater as a
source of bulk water, for community or other water supply projects, is often based on
insufficient or inaccurate data and as a result, the potential of this valuable water
resource is viewed with scepticism by Funding Agents and Engineers.
This GIIS is aimed at providing a domain where Consultants and Institutions can list their
available groundwater data in a searchable index system through which interested parties
can establish potential sources of relevant data for planning or implementation of
groundwater development projects.
| Although a large
portion of available data can be classed as "public domain" information, it is
important to remember that the GIIS will only contain basic project information and
interested parties will be forced to contact the custodian of the data to gain access to
the reports or other data required. The Custodian will therefore retain control of the
information and can decide, whether or not to supply the information requested and if
appropriate, negotiate the costs associated with information transfer directly with the
interested party . |
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