Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)

 The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) seeks to promote sustainable development in the member States through generation, application and dissemination of geo-information and allied ICT technologies, products and services.

Established in 1975 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the then Organization of African Unity (OAU), it was previously known as the Regional Centre for Services in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing (RCSSMRS).

RCMRD seeks to:

• To develop and constantly update harmonized and standardized land resources and urban development digital data and information infrastructure for the region, based on demand;
• develop a regional early warning system for food security, environmental monitoring and disaster management using mainly satellite technology;
• In collaboration with member States, national institutions, undertake projects for creation of spatial information system suitable for development planning at national, regional and community levels;
• Coordinate the harmonization of the fragmented regional and African datum using accurate geodetic GPS techniques and research into the field of data processing methodologies;
• Develop capability and capacity in the maintenance of surveying and mapping equipment and offer advisory and maintenance services to the member States; and,

In collaboration with national and international institutions, undertake research and training in the application of geo-information in land resources and urban development mapping and assessment for sustainable development.