The recent R100 000 purchase of a geographical information systems (GIS) software licence is saving the University of Natal hundreds of thousands of rands, and probably millions of rands in the long term, for scientific research, resource management, and development planning.

A computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating and displaying geographically referenced information, GIS software can, for example, allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution. For the university, the GIS software will provide solutions for problems relating to environmental assessment and planning, land use planning, demographic research, risk/hazard management, utilities management, law enforcement, transportation, health care, and agriculture, among others.

The University of Natal, which is the third university in southern Africa to join the US-based Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) University License Program, will reap wide-ranging benefits through this purchase.

They include:

* Training throughout the university, and also for school teachers and government departments.

* Accessibility for all current and potential academic and research users.

* Improved staff and postgraduate research projects.

* Partnership in skills development.

* Aiding in the university becoming an internationally recognised ESRI Centre of Excellence.

* Cost saving and better use of resources through a single university-wide licence.

* Provision of highly qualified graduates who are competent and conversant with the latest GIS technology.

* Providing the university with a sharp competitive edge in attracting students and providing graduates.

Described as a major event in the history of the university, Dr Fethi Ahmed from the UNP School of Applied Environmental Sciences says the teaching of and research into GIS/remote sensing (RS) technologies will receive a tremendous boost as this cutting-edge technology is made available to the whole university community. Graduates will be equipped with advanced skills that are sought after by employers in the private and public sectors. The new GIS licence is applicable to the entire university.

For more information contact Fethi Ahmed, School of Applied Environmental Sciences, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 033 260 5779, Ahmed@nu.ac.za