A study on the unification scheme of surveying policy and geographic information of South and North Korea

Geographic information and surveying products are a momentous national infrastructure since it is an essential basis for land management and environmental preservation. Hence, it is necessary to set up a systematic plan and countermeasure for the upcoming unification of Korea. Otherwise there would be tremendous confusion and it will cause enormous expenses to establish the national surveying and geographical information standard. In order to show the vision of policies preparing for the unification of North and South Korea, we analyzed the case of Germany and the current status of surveying and Geographical Information in South and North Korea by taking the internet investigation, having a seminar, interviewing experts, and visiting related organizations. First of all, we should predict the change of surveying circumstances after the reunification and establish a plan that unifies laws, systems, and surveying standards of North and South Korea. We need to modify the datum point and unify the surveying product of South and North Korea in World Geodetic System. To accomplish these goals, we must make the map of Korean peninsula and neighboring nations, especially urban area of North Korea. It is considered that National Geographic Information Institute should take a major role in the unification of Korea. With these active preparations and plans, we will achieve the goals of establishing the reinforced surveying policy and minimizing the reunification expenses.