## Realization of a society the utilizes advanced geospatial information

Pursuant to the Basic Act on the Advancement of Utilizing Geospatial Information with the aim of realizing an economic society utilizing advanced geospatial information, the Basic Plan on the Advancement of Utilizing Geospatial Information was approved at a Cabinet meeting in April 2008. The ministry is promoting the development of Denshi Kokudo, a digital map of Japan to be developed by computer, while establishing a framework related to geospatial information, including fundamental geospatial data.

## Realization of electronic government

The application of ICT is being promoted in order to realize one-stop-service in motor vehicle ownership procedures (including car safety inspection, vehicle registration, certification of parking spaces and payment of motor vehicle tax) as well as to tender and contract formalities for public works.

## ○ Development of fiber-optic network for maintenance of public facilities and its accommodation pipeline open to public use

The ministry is promoting the improvement and development of the network, for the purpose of streamlining the management of public facilities and providing and sharing large volumes of data in a stable manner.

Fiber-optic networks for managing state-controlled rivers and roads have been made available to the public and private business operators, to the extent that facility management is not disturbed.

## (2) Promotion of Technical Research and Development

While improving the framework for the partnership among industry, government and academia at all levels of ministry, including bureaus at the headquarters, affiliated research institutions and regional development bureaus, MLIT is promoting cross-sectoral and integrated research and the development of technologies, and is actively reflecting findings from research and development in the construction and transport industries as well as in related public works projects. MLIT is promoting technology R&D to realize the society that the ministry as a whole should try to establish according to its MLIT Technology Basic Plan (period: 2008-2012).

It also promotes the use and dissemination of new technologies in public works projects.

## (3) Improving construction management techniques

MLIT is making efforts to improve its cost estimation techniques in public works projects, including an attempt to shift from the traditional Capital Cost Estimate method to the Unit Price-Type Estimation method. The ministry is promoting the application of ISO management systems to public works projects.

## (4) Research and development on construction machinery and equipment

MLIT is working to develop and improve construction machinery in order to realize more efficient, effective and safer construction projects, to rationalize the maintenance of machinery and equipment and to improve their reliability. The ministry also introduces already-developed techniques in construction works.

For example, during reconstruction activities following the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake in June 2008, unmanned tele-operated backhoes (mining machines) were used in at-risk areas, as a specific precaution measure.