# 2. Utilizing G-spatial information to create new values

## (1) Presents state of G-spatial information

### a. What is G-space?

G-spatial information is equal to geospace (or geospatial) information that is defined in the Basic Act on the Advancement of Utilizing Geospatial Information as location information, or “information indicating a specific location or area in the geospace (including information on the time involving the relevant information)” or information consisting of location information and “information related to the location information.”

### b. MIC initiatives

Each government agency implements various measures based on the basic plan on the advancement of utilizing geospatial information. The MIC carries out the operation of quasi-zenith satellite time control equipment, the diffusion and enlightenment of integrated GIS (geographical information system) technologies and the expansion of statistical GIS systems not only in the ICT field but also in local government and statistical fields.

The MIC has continued to operate time control equipment for the first quasi-zenith satellite system, called Michibiki, for which the ministry conducted research and development until FY2011.

As for integrated GIS systems to be developed by local governments, they are required to promote the development of common use space data including basic geographical information to increase the operational efficiency when introducing the GIS systems. The central government is set to provide technical and auxiliary financial support to them. The statistical GIS system developed by the MIC Statistics Bureau takes advantage of the GIS mechanism to visualize statistical data of various surveys on background maps according to individual users' needs.

## (2) Local governments' consciousness of G-spatial utilization

In a questionnaire survey, local governments were questioned about operational areas where GIS systems are used. The most frequently cited area was taxation. Particularly, more than 50% of respondents said that GIS systems are incorporated into routine operations. In addition, more than 50% also chose infrastructure management areas (Figure 1-1-2-1).

Questioned on areas for which local governments hope to expand the utilization of GIS systems, nearly 80% chose the disaster prevention area. Around 50% chose healthcare/nursing care/welfare, tourism, urban infrastructure and crime prevention (Figure 1-1-2-2).

Questioned about the GIS effects that local governments expect, they cited “greater operational efficiency” most frequently. Following this option were “improvement of service quality” and “improvement of various plans and decisions” which were chosen by more than 50% (Figure 1-1-2-3). Questioned about challenges for expanding GIS utilization, about 60% of respondents in the survey said “financial conditions are severe.” Other frequently cited challenges were that “systems for cross-sectional utilization or joint utilization with outsiders have yet to be developed,” that “in-house promotion arrangements are insufficient” and that “staff members’ skills (for operation, analyses, utilization, etc.), and software and tools for utilization are insufficient.” They dominantly pointed to a lack of both in-house hardware and software (Figure 1-1-2-4).

Figure 1-1-2-2 Areas for which local governments hope to expand GIS utilization

(Source) MIC "Survey Research on the Present State of Regional ICT Utilization" (2013)