Circular No. 17/2011/TT-BTNMT on the technical procedures for establishing environmental maps (air, surface water on land, marine water).

 

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON THE TECHNICAL PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS (ATMOSPHERE, SURFACE WATER ON LAND, MARINE WATER)

MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

On the basis of Law on Environmental Protection dated November 29, 2005;
Decree No. Decree No. 80/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 9, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of The Environmental Protection Law;
Decree No. Decree No. 21/2008/NĐ-CP dated February 28, 2008 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 80/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 9, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of The Environmental Protection Law;
Decree No. Decree No. 25/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 4, 2008 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;
At the proposal of the Director General of the Vietnam Environment Administration, the Head of the Science and Technology Department, the Head of the Legal Department,

c) Enterprises may be granted permission for no more than one block out of the total three dual-frequency blocks (FDD) B

Chapter 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Thông tư này quy định chi tiết khoản 4 Điều 38 Luật Thủy sản số 18/2017/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung tại điểm c khoản 21 Điều 14 Luật số 146/2025/QH15.

The technical procedure for establishing environmental maps sets out mandatory technological steps and basic technical requirements for the establishment of various thematic maps in the field of environment to serve research, production, and management within the scope managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The procedure serves as a legal basis for managing, reviewing, and approving projects, economic and technical feasibility studies, and the development of economic and technical norms for establishing environmental maps.

Thông tư này áp dụng đối với tổ chức, cá nhân có liên quan đến hoạt động kinh doanh đối tượng thủy sản nuôi chủ lực trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam.

The technical procedure applies to central and local state management agencies and organizations and individuals involved in activities related to the construction and establishment of environmental maps.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Environmental map: is a specialized map. The map displays one or more pieces of information about the current state of the environment, sources of environmental pollution, environmental trend forecasts, assessment of the impact of environmental pollution, or a comprehensive representation of all the aforementioned contents that affect human life, production, existence, and development, and natural conditions.

2. Atmospheric, surface water on land, marine water environmental map: is an environmental map displaying one or more pieces of information about the current state of the environment, sources of environmental pollution, environmental trend forecasts, quality assessment, and the impact of environmental pollution, or a comprehensive representation of all information about atmospheric, surface water on land, and marine water environmental components that affect human life, production, existence, and development based on comparing and analyzing multi-year monitoring data or at a specific point in time with national technical standards and Vietnamese environmental standards.

3. Monitoring network map : is a type of environmental map. The map shows the monitoring network regarding the location, name (or number) of monitoring points, frequency of monitoring, and monitored parameters.

4. Current status map: are maps showing the state of the environment according to one or more characteristic parameters of atmospheric, surface water on land, and marine water environments at a specific point in time. The map must indicate environmental quality by component, level of pollution, pollution boundary, pollutant parameter, concentration/scale of pollution, spread level, etc.

5. Impact assessment map: are maps showing the degree of impact or effect of one or more characteristic parameters of atmospheric, surface water on land, and marine water environments on natural conditions, socio-economic conditions, or human activities.

6. Forecast map: are maps showing changes in one or more characteristic parameters of atmospheric, surface water on land, and marine water environments expected to occur at some point in the future. The map must indicate the boundaries of areas at risk of pollution (or improvement) by environmental component, pollutant parameter.

7. Planning map: are maps showing information about one or more characteristic parameters of atmospheric, surface water on land, and marine water environments regarding areas and locations that will be improved or protected environmentally in the future.

8. Comprehensive map: are maps showing one or more contents of the aforementioned types of maps. The map may combine the monitoring network/current status/environmental impact assessment/pollution forecast map with the source of environmental pollution map, etc., of one or more characteristic parameters of atmospheric, surface water on land, and marine water environments to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the environment.

Article 3. Scope of Establishing Environmental Maps

The scope of establishing environmental maps is determined based on the purpose of use or administrative units such as provinces, districts, communes, or cities, or according to areas requiring research and management such as industrial zones, residential areas, conservation areas.

Article 4. Base Maps in Establishing Environmental Maps

Base maps (geographical background data) in establishing environmental maps must be established from various types of topographic, cadastral maps, or digital aerial photographs, etc., formed according to industry standards issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and must be approved by competent authorities. The scale of geographical background data must not be less than 1.5 times the scale of the map to be established.

Article 5. Technical Design and Budget Estimate

Before establishing environmental maps, technical design and budget estimate must be developed in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. These documents serve as legal basis for implementing and inspecting acceptance of products and finalizing project settlement.

Article 6. Technical Inspection and Acceptance Work

Technical inspection work and product acceptance shall be carried out in accordance with the current regulations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 7. Types of Products

Environmental maps are constructed and published in the following forms:

1. Paper maps.

2. Electronic maps (digital maps) on CD-ROM.

3. Electronic maps (digital maps) on the internet.

Chapter II.
MATHEMATICAL BASIS AND ACCURACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS

Article 8. Mathematical Basis of Environmental Maps

1. Large-scale and medium-scale environmental maps are established in the National Reference System and National Coordinate System VN2000 with characteristics: International UTM Grid, Ellipsoid WGS84; zone 3^°, scale factor k₀ = 0.9999 for scales smaller than 1:10,000 and larger; zone 6⁰, distortion factor k0 = 0.9996 for scales smaller than 1:10,000 to 1:500,000.

2. The central meridian of large-scale and medium-scale environmental maps is determined separately for each province and city in accordance with Circular No. 973/2001/TT-TCĐC dated June 20, 2001 of the General Department of Land Administration (now the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) guiding the application of the national reference system and coordinate system VN-2000. For areas needing maps located between two provinces or cities, the nearest central meridian should be chosen.

3. Environmental maps at generalized scales (from 1:1,000,000 and smaller) are established on a conical equidistant projection with standard parallels 11^° and 21^°, central meridian Lo 108^°, origin parallel 4^°.

4. Map title: The map title consists of three elements: type of map, environmental topic name, and administrative unit name (or area).

5. The scale of environmental maps is determined based on the area, shape, and size of the map establishment region, ensuring that when printed on paper, the area to be established fits within dimensions from 1 to 4 A0 sheets.

6. Map frame, grid of meridians and parallels:

a) Environmental maps at generalized scales (from 1:1,000,000 and smaller) display the system of meridian and parallel grids. Meridian and parallel grids on the map are shown by grids or grid points with a density of approximately 8 to 10 cm apart on paper maps.

b) Environmental maps at medium and small scales (from 1:25,000 - 1:500,000) display both meridian and parallel grids and kilometer grids. Meridian and parallel grids on the map are shown by grid points with a density of approximately 8 to 10 cm apart; kilometer grids have cell sizes of 2 x 2 cm on paper maps;

c) Environmental maps at scales of 1:10,000 and larger display kilometer grids with cell sizes of 5 x 5 cm on the map.

Article 9. Accuracy of Environmental Maps

1. The geodetic control points ensuring the establishment of environmental maps at various scales include national basic survey points from Class 3 upwards, which are directly transferred from topographic or cadastral maps or digital aerial photographs at the same scale.

2. The geographic base elements must be maintained in their original positions as on the topographic or cadastral maps used as the base.

3. For environmental thematic elements whose positions cannot be accurately determined, it is necessary to ensure geographical correlation with the base elements.

4. For environmental thematic elements whose positions can be accurately determined, they may be represented on the map within a tolerance limit equal to or twice as large as the tolerance limit when representing the content elements on the topographic or cadastral maps used as the base.

Chapter III.
CONTENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS

Article 10. Content Elements of Environmental Maps

The content elements of environmental maps consist of three groups:

1. Mathematical basis including: coordinate system, projection grid, central meridian, map frame, and elements outside the frame, coordinate and elevation notes, map scale.

2. Geographic base basis including:

a) Geodetic control;

b) Topography;

c) Hydrography;

d) Transportation;

e) Population;

f) Technical infrastructure;

g) Surface cover;

h) Boundaries;

i) Borders, administrative boundaries.

Detailed content elements of the geographic base must comply with the provisions of the Geographic Information Standards issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. To ensure the readability of environmental thematic content elements, geographic base elements are reduced by 15 to 25% according to the principle of map generalization.

3. Thematic elements: Thematic elements are based on the purpose and requirements for establishing environmental maps.

a) Content of thematic air environment maps

Parameters used to establish air environment maps are determined according to National Technical Regulations on the Environment and current Vietnamese Environmental Standards.

On the map, the following content elements or combinations thereof may be displayed:

- Air monitoring point network: showing the location of air monitoring points, monitoring parameters, frequency of monitoring, time of monitoring, monitoring unit, managing agency/primary responsible party, etc.

- Economic and social objects directly related to air environment issues: industrial zones, key economic zones, major urban areas, important traffic routes.

- Sources of air pollution: showing the location of air pollution sources, type of pollution, scale, degree, total emission volume of the pollution source, and level of treatment.

- Degree of air pollution: showing boundaries of clean areas (non-polluted), polluted areas, pollutants, concentration of pollution, spread level, scale.

- Noise pollution, thermal pollution, lead pollution, radioactive pollution: showing boundaries of polluted areas, pollution sources, degree of pollution.

+ For noise pollution maps, traffic flow on roads and spread levels should be shown.

+ For thermal pollution maps, greenhouse gas emissions and areas at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels should be shown.

- Acid rain: showing acid content in rainfall in affected areas, location of production facilities emitting sulfur dioxide or related chemicals.

- Risk of air environment pollution: showing boundaries of areas at risk of pollution, type of pollution, degree of pollution, and potential time of occurrence.

- Impact level of air pollution on the health of residents near pollution sources and other economic and social activities.

b) Content of thematic continental surface water environment maps

Parameters serving the establishment of continental surface water environment maps are determined according to National Technical Regulations on the Environment and current Vietnamese Environmental Standards.

On the map, the following content elements or combinations thereof may be displayed:

- Water quality monitoring point network: showing the location of monitoring points, monitoring parameters, frequency of monitoring, time of monitoring, monitoring unit, managing agency/primary responsible party;

- Natural boundaries of river basins;

- Saltwater intrusion boundaries;

- Economic and social objects directly related to water environment issues: industrial zones, key economic zones, craft villages, urban areas distributed near water sources; serious pollution discharge points, etc.

- Showing environmentally sensitive areas, wetlands as follows:

+ Areas frequently experiencing floods, flash floods, landslides caused by floods;

+ Saltwater wetlands;

* At river mouths: River mouth waters; sandbars, mudflats; grassy, reed, sedge, rush beaches; mangrove forests, water hyacinth beaches; salt marshes;

* In lagoons, brackish water lakes: Brackish water lagoons, brackish water lakes;

+ Freshwater wetlands:

* In rivers and streams: Rivers and streams with permanent water, waterfalls; river deltas; seasonal rivers and streams; seasonally flooded plains;

* In ponds and lakes: Ponds and lakes with permanent water; seasonal ponds and lakes; seasonally flooded lowland areas around ponds and lakes;

* In marshes: Permanently flooded marshes; seasonally flooded marshes; peatlands; freshwater springs and seasonally flooded lowlands on mountains; marshes with flood-tolerant tree species (mangroves); marshes with shrub vegetation;

+ Artificial wetlands:

* Aquaculture land: Aquaculture land in river delta and coastal areas; aquaculture land in mangrove forests; aquaculture land in paddy fields; aquaculture land on sandy soils; aquaculture in ponds, dead-end rivers, pits, excavations;

* Agricultural land: Irrigated rice fields; rice fields in low-lying areas;

* Salt production land.

- Industrial land: Mining and excavation areas; wastewater treatment sites;

- Reservoirs and water conveyance systems;

- Points, lines, and areas of continental surface water pollution and attributes of each polluted object, degree of pollution. Parameters according to National Technical Regulations on the Environment and current Vietnamese Environmental Standards.

c) Content of thematic marine water environment maps

The parameters for establishing marine environmental maps are determined according to the current National Technical Regulations on the environment and Vietnamese Environmental Standards.

On the map, the following content elements or combinations thereof may be displayed:

- Objects related to marine water environments such as factories (industrial wastewater sources), seaports, seabed topographical factors (beaches, sediment, coral...), currents;

- Seabed sediment: indicating the content of heavy metals and oil in coastal sediments such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), etc.: unit of measurement ppm;

- Oil spills: list of oil spills in various sea areas with parameters such as time, amount of spilled oil, remaining oil, collected oil, oil slick area. Boundaries and locations of affected areas, losses calculated in monetary terms;

- Economic bases affecting the coastal marine environment: tourism hotels and restaurants, transportation ports, fishing ports, industrial zones, urban areas encroaching on the sea, household waste, oily wastewater. Coastal mineral extraction points, industrial aquaculture. Tourism activities, transportation, construction material extraction such as coal, mud, sand, gravel, aquaculture and fishing operations exert significant pressure on the coastal environment;

- Protection of nature and marine environment:

+ Degree of pollution and causes of pollution in river and sea areas: evaluated at three levels (low, medium, high). Causes of marine pollution are indicated in four groups (industrial waste, domestic waste, oil and gas exploitation, other causes);

+ Measures for exploitation and protection of marine areas: indicating natural reserve areas, prohibited forests (1- Natural Reserve; 2- Cultural and Historical Areas and 3- National Parks).

d) Content of specialized topics of other types of environmental maps:

Parameters for establishing environmental maps are determined based on the current National Technical Regulations on the environment and Vietnamese Environmental Standards.

The content displayed on the map is based on the specialized topic of the map to be established. On the map, it allows the display of elements or combinations of the following elements:

- Network of monitoring points;

- Socio-economic objects directly related to environmental issues: industrial zones, key economic zones, urban areas, important traffic routes;

- Pollution sources: indicating the location of pollution points, type of pollution, scale, degree, emission capacity of pollution sources and treatment level;

- Level of pollution: indicating the degree of pollution, pollutants, concentration, extent, spread;

- Risk of environmental pollution: indicating boundaries of areas at risk of pollution, type of pollution, degree of pollution, and potential time of occurrence;

- Impact level of pollution on the health of residents near pollution sources and other socio-economic activities.

e) On environmental maps, the degree of environmental pollution is represented in four levels. Specifically:

- Level 1: non-polluted environment (parameters within the permissible limits of environmental quality standards);

- Level 2: polluted environment (one or more pollutants exceed environmental quality standards);

- Level 3: severely polluted environment (concentration of one or more chemicals, heavy metals exceeds environmental quality standards by three times or more, or concentration of one or more pollutants exceeds environmental quality standards by five times or more);

- Level 4: extremely severely polluted environment (concentration of one or more chemicals, heavy metals exceeds environmental quality standards by five times or more, or concentration of one or more pollutants exceeds environmental quality standards by ten times or more).

Chapter IV.
TECHNOLOGICAL PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS

Article 11. Methods for Establishing Environmental Maps

Environmental maps are established according to the following methods:

1. Method using base geographic map combined with satellite image interpretation.

2. Method using base thematic map combined with field surveying and monitoring.

3. Method using larger scale environmental maps.

Article 12. Technical Process for Establishing Environmental Maps

The general technical process in establishing environmental maps includes the following steps:

1. Scientific editing.

2. Preparation work.

3. Collection of specialized environmental data.

4. Synthesis, analysis, and enrichment of data.

5. Map compilation.

6. Creation of metadata for the map.

7. Inspection and acceptance.

Article 13. Technical Process for Establishing Environmental Maps Using Base Geographic Maps Combined with Satellite Image Interpretation

1. Scientific Editing:

a) Determine the area for map establishment;

b) Determine the theme, purpose of the map, and name the map;

c) Determine the type of product map;

d) Determine the size, scale, and layout for printed paper maps. Determine the levels of detail for electronic maps;

e) Determine the source of digital base map data;

f) Determine the source of digital image data used to interpret environmental thematic elements;

g) Determine the source and time period of statistical data needed.

2. Preparation Work:

a) Establish the base map:

- Collect digital topographic map data at the same or higher scale than the map to be established;

- Adjust coordinates (if necessary);

- Merge and cut data according to the map establishment area.

b) Check and evaluate image quality;

c) Align images with the base map and create original digital copies for image interpretation;

d) Develop guidelines and technical regulations for image interpretation for each thematic map.

3. Collection of Specialized Environmental Data:

a) Create image interpretation models for map content objects;

b) Conduct internal image interpretation according to technical guidance;

c) Supplement external interpretation: conduct surveys, cross-checks, and adjust interpretation results on-site.

4. Synthesis, Analysis, and Data Enrichment Work:

a) Design and establish a Database (DB) from image interpretation results:

- The DB must be designed according to the "Environmental Geographic Information System Database Structure" issued by the General Department of Environment. The specific content of the DB must meet research purposes and requirements for data analysis to generate indirect indicators for map compilation, while also serving other environmental management tasks;

- The DB must be established from image interpretation results and must follow design specifications regarding format, definition of objects, topological types, and relationships between them, definitions, types, attribute length.

b) Select interpolation models and interpolate values of environmental parameters;

c) Classify environmental parameters for research purposes and display on maps.

5. Map Compilation:

a) Develop detailed compilation plans specifying technical requirements including:

- Content of the map, including mathematical bases, geographic base, and thematic elements for each environmental sector;

- Compilation guidelines: representation criteria and completeness requirements for content elements, presentation methods, classification rules for content elements, types, colors, symbol sizes;

- Methods for establishing mathematical bases and accuracy requirements;

- Creating computer symbol libraries and developing author templates, color templates, symbol templates, legend templates in software used for author map compilation;

- Technology for establishing electronic maps on CDs and online.

b) Implement digital author map compilation. Tasks include:

- Compiling geographic base elements: removing some elements from source data to ensure scientific relevance according to the map's thematic focus;

- Compiling thematic content elements: integrating thematic elements on the base map to ensure geographic correlation between environmental elements and base elements; representing thematic elements using the designed symbols in the compilation plan.

c) For printed paper maps: implement paper map compilation (according to the product type determined in the design-technical specifications, budget estimate): map compilation work for printing must comply with general principles for compiling specialized printed maps;

d) For electronic maps on CD-ROM and online: perform the following tasks:

- Interface design;

- Identify and program interactive tools on the map;

- Program display of compiled digital author maps and link map components;

- Package CD-ROM or publish maps on the Internet.

6. Metadata Creation for the Map: according to contents decided in Article 16, Chapter V of this Circular.

7. Inspection, Acceptance, and Product Submission: according to provisions set out in Articles 17, 18, 19 of Chapters VI, VII of this Circular.

Article 14. The technological process for creating environmental maps using base geographic maps combined with surveying and field monitoring

1. Scientific Editing:

a) Determine the area for map establishment;

b) Determine the theme, purpose of the map, and name the map;

c) Determine the type of product map;

d) Determine the size, scale, and layout for printed paper maps. Determine the levels of detail for electronic maps;

d) Determine the source of digital map data to be used as the base;

e) Determine the equipment and methods for monitoring.

2. Preparation Work:

a) Establish the base map:

- Collect digital topographic map data at the same or higher scale than the map to be established;

- Adjust coordinates (if necessary);

- Merge and cut data according to the scope of the map creation;

- Print the base map on paper.

b) Collect and compile monitoring data;

c) Develop a monitoring plan (if not yet available or if monitoring data is incomplete);

d) Prepare technical guidelines for field monitoring, laboratory analysis, data processing, and reporting monitoring results;

d) Prepare monitoring equipment and tools.

3. Field collection of specialized environmental data:

a) Identify monitoring points on the base map;

b) Conduct monitoring in accordance with current regulations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for each specialized sector and following the established technical monitoring guidelines;

c) Analyze monitoring samples.

4. Data synthesis, analysis, and enrichment of geographic data:

a) Design and establish a database;

b) Process and unify data series;

c) Select calculation functions and calculate relative values and composite indicators characteristic of each environmental parameter;

d) Select interpolation models and interpolate environmental parameter values within the surveyed spatial domain;

d) Classify environmental parameters.

5. Editing the map: in accordance with the contents stipulated in Clause 5, Article 13, Chapter IV of this Circular.

6. Creating metadata for the map: in accordance with the contents stipulated in Clause 6, Article 13, Chapter IV of this Circular.

7. Inspection, acceptance, and submission of products: in accordance with the provisions set out in Clauses 7, Article 13, Chapter IV of this Circular.

Article 15. The technological process for creating environmental maps using larger scale environmental maps

1. Scientific Editing:

a) Determine the area for map establishment;

b) Determine the theme, purpose of the map, and name the map;

c) Determine the type of product map;

d) Determine the size, scale, and layout for printed paper maps. Determine the levels of detail for electronic maps;

d) Determine the source of digital map data to be used as the base;

e) Determine the source of environmental map data (in paper or digital form) at a larger scale than the map to be created.

2. Preparation Work:

a) Establish the base map:

- Collect digital topographic map data at the same or higher scale than the map to be established;

- Align and convert coordinates (if necessary);

- Merge and cut data according to the map establishment area.

3. Field collection of specialized environmental data:

a) Collect environmental maps covering the area where the map is to be created from related topics;

b) Create an original composite map:

- For source environmental maps in paper form: scan, align the environmental map according to the base map;

- For source environmental maps in digital form: align (or convert coordinates) according to the base map and overlay onto the base map.

c) Print the original composite map on paper and perform generalization, selection, and removal of environmental content elements, and develop the original map.

4. Data synthesis, analysis, and enrichment of geographic data:

a) Scan, align, digitize the original map;

b) Design the database;

c) Convert digital map data into a database according to the designed structure;

d) Select interpolation models and interpolate environmental parameter values within the surveyed spatial domain;

d) Classify environmental parameters.

5. Editing the map: in accordance with the contents stipulated in Clause 5, Article 13, Chapter IV of this Circular.

6. Creating metadata for the map: in accordance with the contents stipulated in Clause 6, Article 13, Chapter IV of this Circular.

7. Inspection, acceptance, and submission of products: in accordance with the provisions set out in Clauses 7, Article 13, Chapter IV of this Circular.

Chapter 5.
CREATING METADATA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS

Article 16. Creating metadata for environmental maps

1. Each map must have a metadata file attached.

2. The metadata file must include the following information:

a) Name of the agency or individual creating the map;

b) Date of creation;

c) Method of map creation;

d) Scope of map creation;

d) Mathematical basis of the map: coordinate system, projection grid, central meridian, map scale;

e) Source data used to create the map;

f) Database structure and software used to store the database, synthesize, and analyze data;

g) Data analysis model;

h) Software used for editing and printing (publishing) the map;

i) Technical issues arising during map creation and solutions implemented;

j) Agency inspecting and accepting the map.

3. The metadata file is saved in *.doc or *.txt format.

Chapter VI.
INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF PRODUCTS

Article 17. Inspection and Acceptance of Products

1. The work of inspecting and accepting environmental maps shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 02/2007/TT-BTNMT dated February 12, 2007 of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on guiding inspection, review, and acceptance of surveying and mapping works and products. It shall be applied as for thematic maps.

2. The basis for inspection is the technical design - budget estimate for establishing environmental maps that have been approved by the competent authority, national technical standards, and Vietnamese standards related to the thematic field of the map, and other documents serving as the basis for establishing environmental maps.

3. Content of inspection:

On environmental maps, the following contents must be inspected:

a) The accuracy and completeness of mathematical base elements, geographic base elements, and specialized elements according to the technical design - budget estimate, and the correctness of the geographic relationship between environmental thematic elements and geographic base elements;

b) The completeness and correctness of attribute information of geographic elements and thematic elements in the database;

c) The correctness of the legend;

d) The consistency and synchronization between the legend, statistical tables, and the content within the map;

đ) The correctness of classification and layering of objects which are content elements of the map on map files;

e) The correctness in representing map content elements using the designed symbol system;

f) The rationality of the layout of the map.

4. The level of inspection for each content mentioned above at the construction unit and the project sponsor's agency shall be specified in Appendix 1 issued together with this Circular.

5. Paper maps shall be inspected on printed copies combined with checking map files on computers. Errors in map content shall be marked directly on the printout along with repair requirements or requests for clarification.

6. Database, maps on CD-ROM, and online maps must be checked on computers. Online maps must be tested directly in the internet environment to verify links and transmission speed.

7. A product map is considered to meet the standard for acceptance if it does not leave serious errors and has few minor errors, and is approved by the competent specialized authority and the project sponsor's agency.

Chapter VII.
HANDOVER AND STORAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS

Article 18. Handover of Products

1. Handover products are those that have been technically inspected and accepted at various levels as prescribed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

2. Environmental map products shall be managed, exploited, and used in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 102/2008/NĐ-CP dated September 15, 2008 of the Government on the collection, management, exploitation, and use of natural resource and environmental data, and Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BTNMT dated July 10, 2009 of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment detailing certain provisions of Decree No. 102/2008/NĐ-CP dated September 15, 2008 of the Government on the collection, management, exploitation, and use of natural resource and environmental data.

3. The form and quantity of handover products shall be specifically stipulated in the technical design - budget estimate or actual requirements at the time of product handover.

Article 19. Storage of Products

1. The products to be stored include:

a) Databases used for map creation;

b) For printed maps on paper, the original author's digital version must be stored along with accompanying symbol libraries;

c) For CD-ROM maps and internet maps, all author's digital versions of the maps, image files, articles, additional information, and source code of the interface and product packaging must be stored;

d) Metadata files of the maps;

đ) Inspection and acceptance records of the products.

2. Products submitted for storage must be recorded on CD-ROMs with a minimum of three copies. The CD-ROMs must be labeled with the following information:

a) Map creation area;

b) Environmental topic;

c) Map scale;

d) Creating agency;

đ) Creation date.

3. Environmental map products must be stored in at least three locations:

a) The agency that created the map;

b) The Information Technology Center under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in the province or centrally-administered city managing the map creation area;

c) The Environmental Information and Documentation Archive Center under the General Department of Environment.

4. CD-ROMs must be preserved under technical conditions similar to film storage.

5. CD-ROMs must be checked annually. If necessary, they should be backed up onto new discs and old discs destroyed. The disc surface should clearly indicate the backup number and the date of backup.

Chapter VIII.
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 20. Implementation

1. The Minister, Heads of Ministries equivalent to Ministries, Heads of Government Agencies, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, Directors of the General Department of Environment, Heads of units directly under the Ministry, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. The General Department of Environment is responsible for guiding and supervising the implementation of this Circular.

Article 21. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from August 1, 2011.

During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the General Department of Environment) for consideration and resolution./.

 

 

ANNEX 1

LEVEL OF INSPECTION FOR CONTENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MAPS
(Annexed to Circular No. 17/2011/TT-BTNMT dated June 8, 2011 issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment)