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Geographical names authorities Introduction

2011. Geographical names authorities Introduction. Helen Kerfoot. UNGEGN Chair (Natural Resources Canada). ICOS, Barcelona. Why do we need authorities for names?. Standardized names - benefits. Can avoid – Duplication of names Poorly recorded names Confused applications

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Geographical names authorities Introduction

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  1. 2011 Geographical names authoritiesIntroduction Helen Kerfoot UNGEGN Chair (Natural Resources Canada) ICOS, Barcelona

  2. Why do we need authorities for names? • Standardized names - benefits • Can avoid – • Duplication of names • Poorly recorded names • Confused applications • Lack of quick and easy access to data

  3. What sort of authority is appropriate? The choice depends on the nature of the country: size; diversity; type of government; languages; population density and distribution; layers of history Many arrangements are possible, including: (1) Default if no names board (2) Centralized national names board (3) Decentralized to regional names boards (4) A combination of (2) and (3) • Is it a board, a council, a commission, a committee .....?

  4. (1) Standardization – central agency/agencies Municipalities National Mapping Agency National Hydrographic Office Military Mapping

  5. (2) Standardization – namesauthority (centralized) Office National Names Authority (centralized) advisors sub-committees branch offices

  6. (3) Standardization – namesauthority (decentralized) Regional committee office Office National Names Authority (umbrella) Regional committee office Regional committee office Regional committee office

  7. (4) Standardization – names authorityboth centralized and decentralized National Names Authority (national/federal) Office Regional committee Office Regional committee Office Regional committee Office • Two levels of government make decisions • (a) province/regional (b) national/federal

  8. Some considerations to discuss • Mandate • For what types of names is the authority responsible? • Municipalities, less formal settlements, land features, hydrographic features, offshore features, streets, buildings, farms, parks, airports, docks, features outside the country, etc. • Final decisions or advisory? • Legislation in effect • Membership, meetings; policies and principles • Problems faced? Who must use decisions?

  9. Names authorities ... The people are the key! A • Names discussions: • Mongolia • Canada – advisory committee • Australia – NSW board B C

  10. Resources • Fortunate to have UNGEGN experts • will indicate the variety in authorities • provide some best practices • Also have UNGEGN website: • unstats.un.org/unsd/geoinfo/UNGEGN/ • Manual for establishing authorities • Links to national authorities and databases • Documents from UN Conferences and UNGEGN • UNGEGN Information Bulletin

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