| Contents Page | Al-Khabar Home Page | CGIS Home Page | Change happens to be one of the many constants in our day-to-day lives, whose frequent recurrence is automatically or gradually taken into stride. Change is inevitable. Many changes have taken place around the world: political, social and economic, environmental as well as in science and technology. Some of these changes are for the better while others create more chaos. Management and administration changes are vital elements to ensure progress and stability in any organization. After all, changing the 'look' of anything makes a difference! It brings new and young blood who in turn bring newer ideas and ultimately, fresh procedures and systems are introduced. After so many thoughts, I realized that change in itself is good and what's more it is as good as a rest! At the end of 1996, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (M.O/M.A.A.A) took steps towards change for the best interests of the citizens, employees and staff in the various departments in the Ministry. The Center for Geographic Information Systems (CGIS), which is under the Ministry was no exception. Changes at the Center commenced at the beginning of the fiscal year, in April 1997. With a broad vision in mind focusing on the Qatarization of staff, societal or social-oriented GIS, new trends of implementation and training associated with real education, the first Qatari national was appointed head of the Center for GIS. This means that it is a new era where GIS will be adopted in every aspect of life, but without too many expectations of what this technology is capable of doing. In order to achieve this goal, tremendous efforts have to be put in. For instance, a number of awareness programmes have to be introduced, different levels of under and post graduate studies on GIS be initiated, etc. On the Al-Khabar side, we intend to make changes on how the message about the benefits of implementation of GIS in the State of Qatar and the world in general should be disseminated. We will also have a new look in the near future as we prepare Al-Khabar for its bilingual (English/Arabic) status. Even with the changes, Al-Khabar will continue in its endeavour to reflect the true capability and the role of the Center as part of national development. |