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Atoll Wide High Precision Survey Initiative: 13 Islands to be Mapped for informed, data driven development

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Noonu Atoll Council
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Noonu Atoll Council, in partnership with Maafaru Council and the Island Sports Academy of Maafaru, proudly announces the successful completion of its GNSS & CORS-based Surveying System Training and a comprehensive survey of Maafaru Island. This initiative represents a significant leap forward in the application of advanced geospatial technologies for regional development and environmental stewardship.

The intensive training program, held on August 15, 2025, equipped 20 professionals from key local institutions, including MTCC, Fenaka Corporation, Maafaru Health Centre, Maafaru School, Island Council, Police Service, and Maldivian Airways, with practical expertise in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). Participants gained hands-on experience in high-precision surveying, GIS workflows, and data integration techniques essential for modern infrastructure planning and land management.

Surveying Milestone Achieved

Between August 12 and 18, 2025, we have successfully completed a block-level survey of Maafaru, covering 130.5 hectares with ±2 cm horizontal and ±3 cm vertical accuracy using RTK GNSS technology.

Deliverables include:

  • A comprehensive plot map with precise boundaries

  • Detailed infrastructure layouts for roads and public facilities

  • A coastal monitoring baseline to support erosion and climate resilience studies

Additionally, three uninhabited islands—Inguraidhoo, Dheefram, and Kaalhugemendhoo—were surveyed on August 19–20, 2025, marking the first step toward a complete atoll-wide geospatial database.

Next Phase: 11 Islands RTK Plot Survey Program

Building on this achievement, the next phase of the RTK Plot Survey Program runs from August 24 to October 16, 2025, covering 11 islands (excluding Henbandhoo, Kendhikolhudhoo, and Kudafari).

Key upcoming surveys include:

  • Manadhoo (107.3 ha) – Aug 24–29, 2025

  • Landhoo (86.54 ha) – Aug 30–Sep 4, 2025

  • Maalhendhoo (48.4 ha) – Sep 6–11, 2025

  • Lhohi (41.45 ha) – Sep 13–18, 2025

  • Miladhoo (22.62 ha) – Sep 20–24, 2025

  • Magoodhoo (37.56 ha) – Sep 25–28, 2025

  • Holhudhoo & Hulhumeedhoo (20.44 ha & 28.44 ha) – Oct 1–6, 2025

  • Foddhoo (26.21 ha) – Oct 7–9, 2025

  • Velidhoo (60.63 ha) – Oct 12–16, 2025

Project Highlights

  • Total islands: 11

  • Total surveyed area (planned): 620.15 hectares

  • Expected completion: October 16, 2025