The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) organized a specialized workshop on The Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Operations of Local Government Units (LGUs). In addition to LGU GIS staff, the workshop was attended by 46 members of the Creativity and Innovation Hub. It aimed to empower technical staff to use the latest GIS applications and improve the quality of municipal services provided to citizens. This workshop is part of the Municipal Technical Exchange Hubs project, which brings together LGU staff in focused workshops to share practical experiences and expertise, enhance cooperation, contribute to improving performance, and advance the quality of public service delivery.
Engineer Adel Liddawi, GIS Head of Section at the Beit Jala Municipality, made a presentation on “Linking Different Software with GIS Applications.” He reviewed the Beit Jala Municipality’s pioneering experience in implementing an integrated system for land and property management, mechanisms for connecting geographic data to cadastral records, and methods to address challenges to implementation.
In his presentation on “Managing Advanced Geographic Databases and Planning Roads and Traffic Using GIS,” Engineer Husam al-Jada’, Chair of the GIS Department at the Ramallah Municipality, provided a detailed case study on the Ramallah Municipality’s experience in improving the road network and managing traffic through geographic technologies. The presentation included practical examples of infrastructure management and successful models for the distribution of municipal services.
Engineer Mohammed al-Shobaki, National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Director at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, presented on “Processing Satellite Images and Correcting Topographical Errors.” In addition to practical examples from successful collaborative projects with LGUs, Al-Shobaki reviewed the latest technical methods in processing aerial and satellite imagery and upgrading base maps. He also elaborated on the “Geoportal Palestine,” a national infrastructure project that consolidates multiple data layers to ensure accurate and unified access to information for all LGUs.
This workshop is part of the Municipal Technical Exchange Hubs project, implemented with the support of the GIZ Local Governance Reform Program. The initiative incorporates seven key hubs: Engineering and Planning, Social Inclusion and Integration, Financial Management, Public Relations, Creativity and Innovation, SDGs, and Village Councils.
