GREAT BAY--Kadaster St. Maarten and the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten recently convened a cross-agency technical session aimed at strengthening the coordinated use of drone technology for mapping, data collection, professional training and public-sector planning.
The discussion focused on moving drone technology from occasional use toward a more structured national resource, while maintaining clear responsibilities for the agencies involved.
For Kadaster, the initiative is closely connected to its responsibilities for accurate mapping, land and infrastructure information, and the management of spatial data used for planning and decision-making.
Kadaster operates a fleet of large drones equipped with LiDAR technology and flown by European-certified pilots. Recent applications have included three-dimensional mapping of the St. Maarten hospital complex and volume calculations connected to waste management. Airport mapping and other public-sector assignments are also expected to follow.
BTP contributed to the discussion from the perspective of telecommunications, radio communications, pilot licensing and the coordination of drone registration and certification.
The agencies explored how drone-generated data could support land-use planning, infrastructure development, public works and disaster preparedness.
One area under consideration is the use of aerial imagery before and after hurricanes or other major events. Such documentation could assist with damage assessments, recovery planning and more accurate reporting following an emergency.
The session also addressed the possible development of a professional drone training framework for public agencies that operate drones or use drone-generated information.
The proposed training could cover legal requirements, aviation standards, communications procedures, privacy considerations, operational safety and the responsible use of collected data.
Under the proposed framework, Kadaster would provide guidance on mapping standards, data accuracy and the use of spatial information. BTP would support areas related to licensing, communications and regulatory requirements.
The possibility of future public awareness and training initiatives was also discussed. Participants agreed that any program for recreational drone users would need to clearly explain safety requirements, privacy standards, legal responsibilities and liability concerns.
Kadaster said the collaboration forms part of a broader effort to modernize land, mapping and infrastructure information services. The agency aims to use drone technology and closer inter-agency cooperation to support better planning, safer development and stronger disaster preparedness in St. Maarten.
Consultations will continue with BTP, the Department of Aviation Affairs and other relevant public-sector partners. The discussions will further develop cooperation in professional training, mapping standards, disaster documentation and the responsible use of drone-generated information.
Photo caption:Representatives of Kadaster St. Maarten and the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten met to discuss closer coordination on drone mapping, training and the responsible use of drone-generated data. From left are Kadaster Operations Manager Jonathan Charles, Kadaster Management Assistant Naomi Adriana, Kadaster Managing Director Benjamin Ortega, BTP Managing Director Judianne Labega-Hoeve and BTP Chief Corporate Development Officer Ryan Wijngaarde.
