About the the UCSC GIS Lab

The UCSC GIS Lab is a research and development entity, currently in its formative stages.
This is its story.

For a while- a little over two years- a small group of individuals at the UCSC (University of Colombo School of Computing) have been working on several GIS (Geographical Information Systems) related research and development projects. Some of the work had been published and a publicly accessible GIS Server had been set-up.
As of now, the status of the lab is as a 'Research Group' within the UCSC. However, with the recent flurry of activity at different fronts, such as the emerging long term collaboration between the lab and one of the leading corporate GIS service providers and with the Ministry of Land and Land Development, the need to streamline the activities of the lab is being seriously considered.
One possibility being evaluated is the formal recognition of the lab as a 'Center' within the UCSC. It is felt that for the time being, at least for another few months, the lab operates as a de facto Center with all the operational arrangements but without the official recognition. The idea is that the lab can prove itself worthy of being officially sanctioned as a Center over this self-imposed probationary period.

A vision that is the UCSC GIS Lab
The GIS Lab is for R&D in GIS and related services.

• Work in closely related areas such as web technologies, e-government, information and database systems is also pursued as needed.
• The criterion for a particular research or development project is that it directly or indirectly benefits our country.

The GIS Lab collaborates with external institutions and individuals.

• All our work is commissioned by governmental and non-governmental organizations and private companies with whom working partnerships are established.
• All our work is exclusively driven in the service of the nation.
• Long term funding for the operation of the lab is expected to be derived through these industry collaboration arrangements.

The GIS Lab helps develop the human resources for sustaining the local GIS industry.

• UCSC students are inducted for conducting their final year project with the GIS Lab and as trainees during the industrial placement period.
• Training programs are held in the use of GIS technology for industry practitioners and new entrants to the local GIS industry.

The GIS Lab as an organization is democratic and transparent.

• All rules and important decisions are publicly documented, along with the reasons for the rules.
• Any rule or decision can be challenged by any member of the lab with clear and adequate explanation of the member’s reasoning.
• All activities, financial transactions, and material assets are publicly documented.

Please add your ideas and suggestions so that they can be used in further improving the professionalism and the quality of work at the UCSC GIS Lab.