A road to proper planning

PANAMA. As the new administration tackles important infrastructure projects like the expansion of the Panama Canal and a possible metro line in Panama City, the need to develop more thorough studies and maps of both the surface and subsurface of Panama arises.

According to Dr. Riaz Ala’i, international expert in the oil and gas industry, such a move would not only help current projects but encourage future investments and infrastructure ventures.

Dr. Ala’i, President and CEO of Petrotarget in the US, says Panama is in urgent need of developing mapping and geophysical research, geodynamics and geo-technology, and the government of president-elect Ricardo Martinelli should further encourage the work of the National Geographic Institute “Tommy Guardia” (IGNTG).

He recently submitted a proposal to Martinelli to give scientific and institutional autonomy to the National Geographic Institute, allowing it to add a new dimension to current projects through the mapping of the country’s subsurface.

IGNTG is currently in charge of producing maps of Panama’s surface. For Dr. Ala’i, both types of maps are essential for the proper management of energy resources throughout the country.

He also recommends creating a "Technology Center for Geospatial Intelligence" as another measure to strengthen the work of IGNTG, to provide coordinated support to all government activities.

These measures will benefit Panama in all future projects, such as the development of tunnels and viaducts, hydroelectric studies, construction of roads and bridges, exploration of oil and gas, identification of archaeological sites, soil quality determination for foundations for construction, infrastructure and safety design of buildings, and more, he says.

The new center, according to Dr. Ala’i would open new channels of knowledge to empower the government towards improving the country’s economy. The proposal submitted to the new government, also includes the creation of a regional training school in geographic matters.

According to Jaime Toral, current director of the IGNTG, adding subsurface studies to the entity’s work will significantly aid the country’s development.

Mr Toral believes detailed surface and subsurface mapping must be performed to clarify unknown aspects of the air space, maritime and land territory, allowing us to learn more about our country and its resources.

Dr. Ala’i concludes: The precise geospatial data collection, storage, administration, and its easy access is a necessary step to improve all strategic planning and development, including major projects like the Panama Canal expansion, construction of buildings and general infrastructure and most importantly, the planning, construction and development of a metro system in Panama.