About the Unit

The Database and Information Unit (DBIU) serves as a resource and information center on the Badia. The unit was established at the HFDJB to retrieve and store comprehensive data and information on the Jordan Badia.  The data will be stored on an ArcGIS Server platform, and will be available for involved institutions, researchers and viewers through the internet.

 Justifications for the Establishment of the DBIU

1. Lack of sound database of information on the Badia.
2. Scattered and incoherent data among different institutions.
3. Poor coordination among institutions.
4. Lack of quantitative information on rangeland degradation.
5. Need for baseline data for future monitoring of the Badia ecosystems.
6. Need to establish the Desertification Information System (DIS).

 Objectives 

1. Establish standard formats and protocols for data collection.
2. Conduct relevant training and capacity building activities on the database.
3. Organize and analyze data and information.
4. Improve overall efficiency and data quality with regard to Badia research.
5. Produce of base maps and informative GIS layers.
6. Establish a rangeland and livestock monitoring system. 

 Available Data

Currently, the DBIU is able to supply the following data and information:

Digital maps

• Geographic extent of the Badia with Governorates and sub-governorate.
• Locations of water harvesting projects (dams, ponds, cistern, hafeer)
• Groundwater wells
• Digital Elevation Models (1km, 90m, 30m)
• Surface and groundwater basins
• Locations of villages.
• Roads.
• Topographic maps (1:50,000)
• Soils (1:250,000)
• Vegetation zones.
• Land use/cover maps.

 Satellite Images

• Landsat Historical images (1983, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003).
• SPOT 1986
• SPOT 1990
• ASTER 2005
• ASTER 2009
• MODIS 2000-2009
• AVHRR 1997, 1998

 Studies and Research

• Reports and studies of different institutions on the Badia
• Summary on the different studies and research carried on the Badia (In the process of cataloging)

For more information, please contact us at: info@badiafund.gov.jo