Article 1In view of the fact that promoting the advancement of utilization of geospatial information is essential in realizing the economic and social vision that people can live enriched lives with peace of mind both at present and in the future, the purpose of this Act is to promote policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information in a comprehensive and well-planned manner by establishing basic principles and clarifying the responsibilities of the national government and local governments for policies on the advancement of utilizing geospatial information as well as defining the basic elements of policies on the advancement of utilizing geospatial information.

Article 2(1)The term "geospatial information" as used in this Act means information referred to in item (i) or information consisting of both items (i) and (ii):

(2)The term "geographic information system" as used in this Act means an information system that comprehensively processes geospatial information, recorded in electronic or magnetic form, on a digital map (a map recorded on an electronic or magnetic medium, the same applies hereinafter) with computers to enable geographic understanding and analyses of geospatial information.

(3)The term "Fundamental Geospatial Data" as used in this Act means positional information, recorded in electronic or magnetic form which is one type of geospatial information that provides positional reference to geospatial information on a digital map, including geodetic control points, coastlines, boundaries of public facilities, administrative boundaries etc. as provided by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (limited to that which meets the criteria provided by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).

(4)The term "satellite positioning, navigation and timing" as used in this Act means the determination of positions calculated using signals transmitted from satellites and the acquisition of time corresponding to the position, and acquisition of track information associated with the position and time.

Article 3(1)In view of the fact that geospatial information such as Fundamental Geospatial Data, statistical information, and geo-imagery provides essential infrastructure for the improvement of lives of the citizenry and the sound development of the national economy, the utilization of geospatial information must be advanced based on the comprehensive and systematic implementation of measures including preparation and provision of accurate and proper geospatial information in electronic or magnetic form, promotion of the utilization of technologies of geographic information system, satellite positioning, navigation and timing system, etc., development of human resources, enhancement of coordination among relevant institutions such as the national government and local governments, and other measures.

(2)In view of the fact that geographic information systems and satellite positioning, navigation and timing systems benefit from each other in that geographic information systems provide satellite positioning navigation and timing with fundamental maps for the utilization of geospatial information acquired by satellite positioning, navigation and timing while satellite positioning, navigation and timing makes geospatial information constantly available for geographic information systems, policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information must be implemented to develop an environment that enables advanced use of geospatial information by enhancing the synergy among policies on geographic information systems, satellite positioning, navigation and timing, and others.

(3)In view of the current situation in that satellite positioning, navigation and timing systems have become the infrastructure for the improvement of lives of the citizenry and the sound development of the national economy by providing information such as accurate positioning, timing and tracking, policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information must be implemented to ensure an environment that will consistently provide highly reliable satellite positioning, navigation and timing services.

(4)Policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information must contribute to the promotion of effective use, development and conservation of the national land, and to the protection of the lives of the people, their bodies and their property by enhancing the effective and efficient management of public facilities, the promotion of measures against disasters, etc. through active engagement of the national government and local governments in accomplishing their administrative work and projects.

(5)Policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information must contribute to the improvement of the administrative efficiency of governments as well as to their functional enhancement through the prevention of unnecessary duplication of mapping, the improvement of integration, flexibility and transparency of policies, etc. by sharing geospatial information that is essential for each section of government administration.

(6)Policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information must contribute to the enhancement of the people's convenience through the provision of a variety of services that make full use of geospatial information.

(7)Policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information must contribute to the vitalization and sustainable development of the economy and society through the creation and sound development of a variety of businesses utilizing geospatial information, as well as the enhancement of efficiency and quality, the harmony with the environment, etc. of those business activities.

(8)In implementing policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information, consideration must be given to the appropriate employment of potential capabilities of private entities by making full use of their proposals and creativity and ingenuity regarding technologies for utilizing geospatial information, and by other measures.

(9)In implementing policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information, consideration must be given not to harm the rights and interests of individuals, national security, etc. in the process of expanding the dissemination of geospatial information.

Article 4National government is responsible for formulating and implementing policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information in a comprehensive manner based on the basic principles referred to in the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as "basic principles").

Article 5The local governments are responsible for formulating and implementing policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information in accordance with the circumstances of their respective regions based on the basic principles and appropriate division of responsibilities with the national government.

Article 6Businesses that conduct surveying, mapping, and/or provide services utilizing geographic information systems and/or satellite positioning, navigation and timing systems, and other related businesses are to endeavor in their business activities to provide high quality geospatial information based on the basic principles, and to cooperate with the national government and/or local governments in their policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information.

Article 7In view of the fact that advancement of utilizing geospatial information is effectively implemented when mutual liaison and cooperation are facilitated among the national government, local governments, related businesses, and research institutions such as universities, the national government are to take necessary measures that are vital in enhancing coordination among these organizations.

Article 8Government must take measures including legal, financial, or any other measures that are required to implement the policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information.

Article 9(1)In order to accomplish policies for the advancement of utilizing geospatial information in a comprehensive and well-planned manner, government must formulate a Basic Plan for the Advancement of Utilizing Geospatial Information (hereinafter referred to as "Basic Plan for AUGI").

(2)The Basic Plan for AUGI is to provide the following:

(3)As a general rule, the specific goals and period of time that is required to achieve each policy set forth in the Basic Plan for AUGI, is to be provided.

(4)When the Basic Plan for AUGI is formulated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article, government must publicize the Basic Plan for AUGI without delay through the Internet and other appropriate media.

(5)Government must review the achievements of the goals provided pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Article at appropriate occasions, and must publicize the results through the Internet and other appropriate media.

(6)The provisions of paragraph (4) of this Article apply mutatis mutandis to amendments of the Basic Plan for AUGI.

Article 10The government is to develop the cooperation system among relevant administrative organs and take other necessary measures concerning the formulation of the Basic Plan for AUGI and the implementation of policies based on the Basic Plan for AUGI.