Mapping and spatial data infrastructures underpin some of the most essential economic activities of nations and entire regions. However most of the world does not enjoy access to the mapping and data structures which the west takes for granted. While huge amounts of money are lavished on development projects, RICS Geomatics Faculty and the RICS Foundation were concerned that the basic mapping infrastructures of developing countries were being ignored.

This new and refreshing research project outlines the issues facing developing countries and geomatics professionals within the arena of development projects and a degraded mapping infrastructure. The research also sets out recommendations for a future oriented strategy for the RICS.