KATHMANDU, NEPAL – The Nepalese Survey Department has officially completed a historic project titled ‘One Lanka,’ which involves creating a three-dimensional map of Nepal’s Himalayan region. This groundbreaking endeavor has required meticulous planning and technological expertise, resulting in an accurate digital representation of the country’s topography.
According to sources, this extensive project covers almost 60% of Nepal’s Himalayan terrain, creating an interactive, 3D map that can be accessed by the public and policymakers alike. One of the primary objectives of ‘One Lanka’ is to serve as a comprehensive disaster management tool. This will enable authorities to assess the risks associated with natural disasters such as landslides and floods in the regions they intend to build upon.
Developed in collaboration with global partners, the technology employed to create this map utilizes advanced satellite imaging and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) techniques. As a result, it offers unprecedented levels of detail and accuracy, even pinpointing the locations of small-scale geological features.
Dr. Puskar Raj Paudel, a senior official at the Nepalese Survey Department, explained the project’s significance: “The comprehensive data obtained through this project is vital for ensuring Nepal’s continued development in a sustainable manner. We hope to share ‘One Lanka’s’ findings with the scientific community to promote intercontinental research and foster collaboration.”
While the project’s primary target audience encompasses disaster management and environmental assessments, stakeholders emphasize its broad potential applications. Nepal aims to capitalize on its unique geospatial data to promote cross-border economic development opportunities and support regional policy-making initiatives.
In conjunction with the project’s completion, the Nepalese government has also initiated steps to integrate the 3D map data into various sectors, such as urban planning and public health infrastructure. The authorities assert that this project serves as a testament to the nation’s growing capabilities in the realm of geospatial technologies.
By providing access to a wealth of data on the Himalayan terrain, Nepal has set a precedent for regional collaboration and innovative problem-solving in its pursuit of sustainable development. “One Lanka” paves the way for a new wave of initiatives geared towards fostering Nepal’s unique potential in the fields of geography, environmental science, and disaster risk management.
