One Map is a platform that consolidates geographic data from various sources in Thailand, emphasizing the creation of quality data for use in various fields. It originated from a Cabinet resolution on September 22, 2018, which mandated that various organisations collaborate to create a digital map system at a scale of 1:4000, displaying the correct boundaries of government land, forest reserves, or national parks as a single boundary (One Map) to reduce disputes between the government and the private sector regarding encroachment on government land, and to serve as the most complete, comprehensive, and up-to-date geographic data source for the country.
What is One Map?
One Map is a government project to develop and integrate geographic data in Thailand, with the aim of being a central digital data source as a standard, covering all areas, and easily accessible through the One Map website and application.
Problems with Previous Land Boundary Verification
Land data was scattered among government organisations. For example, the Royal Forest Department, Department of Lands, Land Development Department, Department of National Parks, Agricultural Land Reform Office, etc. which made it difficult to verify and analyze.
Further, relevant government organisations lacked coordination, had redundant work progress, no single standard for data collection, and struggled with updating the information in the registry and maps.
An example of forest data (Kamala mountain) obtained from three different government organisations is shown below.
Example of Land Development Department classification map Example of map at the end of the ministerial regulation
Example of verification through the Royal Forest Department website
Source: Government sources
The black boundary line is the original boundary in 1981. The red boundary line is the survey line in 2000, which the Cabinet agreed to designate as the One Map boundary line.
Example of boundary data for Thap Lan National Park
between the original boundary and the boundary to be
announced on the One Map
Source: Government sources
Importance of One Map in Thailand
- Application in urban planning: Facilitates coordination between organisations to achieve systematic urban development goals.
- Support for operational efficiency: Reduces data redundancy and enhances data connectivity between organisations by creating a shared platform to integrate geographic data from multiple sources and accessibility to data. The use of the one data standard between organisations that support and is prepared for systematic data.
- Being a reliable data source: The collection of geographic data in One Map ensures that the data is clear and accurate for use in all aspects.
One Map strengthens cooperation and data connectivity between various organisations in Thailand and is an important tool in supporting urban development and increasing efficiency in various operations, both in the government and private sectors. Therefore, Thailand will have a standard for land boundaries and scale. There are 13 principles for rectification of boundaries. For instance, revising national forest reserve boundaries that overlap with permanent forest boundaries, revising national forest reserve boundaries that overlap with national park/mangrove forest/wildlife sanctuary boundaries, etc.
What data is available in One Map?
One Map contains various types of geographic data, covering the following:
- physical data - area boundaries, provincial boundaries, road locations, rivers, mountains;
- infrastructure data - roads, bridges, ports, airports, buildings;
- location data - schools, hospitals, shopping malls;
- other relevant data - electoral district data, tourist attractions, and archaeological sites.
The implementation of One Map does not affect the land title deeds of legal landowners, and it is not a revocation of title deeds or possession rights. If a dispute arises, land owners can enter the process of proving land rights.
The development progress of One Map
The One Map project is under continuous development, with the collection and integration of geographic data from various organisations in Thailand. The public can follow the progress and use One Map through the website and One Map mobile application.