In line with MEPA’s objective of making planning and environmental data increasingly accessible and transparent, the Authority has recently launched an upgraded internet Mapserver, which gives the general public access to this information.

Manager Ms Carol Valentino, said “that the new Geoportal, available on the MEPA website, will replace the previous system which had been in place since 2001. This substantial investment in our MapServer technology has led to totally revamp of this information system to accommodate ongoing demands while integrating all permitting data with Geographic Information data. As well as increasing access and functionality the new system makes a wide variety of planning data accessible to the public, whereas before the data available was rather limited.”

“The target of this reformed system is the general public, and the variety of functions available include checking permits, enforcement notices and links to other information from the MEPA website. The new Mapserver includes information on environmental data, including environment permitting, environment assessments and marine data,” she said.

The revamped technological aspect allows the selection and combination of different data sets showing up on the same map, such as enforcement notices, planning and base data, and environmental data. Prior to this revamp the only information available to the general public was the planning data and the base map.

MEPA said that “the new system now guarantees the public better access to information, greater accessibility and a high level of transparency. The system also permits a flexible user interface, high performance, high quality and flexibility of combining different and specific data sections. Visually, a resizable map is another improvement as map view can now be adjusted to a full screen. There are various new commands such as measurement of areas, which can be very accurate as well as high-quality orthophotos (georectified aerial photos).”

The changes made were implemented based on feedback previously received from stakeholders and improving on existing systems, so as to increase accessibility to information. “All feedback we received so far about the re-launched system has been very positive, and it has been a very smooth launch,” Ms Valentino explains.

The new Mapserver also includes contact information and the possibility of downloading documents containing user guidelines.

“The Authority is also carrying out a number of training sessions on the new system organised for NGOs, Local Councils and architects, as well as for media and the general public,” MEPA concluded.

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