Kabul Urban Survey - Groupe URD

Previously, the satellite map system was reserved for military use. This type of spatial
representation is now benefiting numerous civil activities, of which the urban sector is one.
Different sources of satellite map are available and can be used for certain types of data,
although using them for urban issues is not so apparent. Given the lack of existing urban
plans with the right scale and that show the correct position of buildings and streets, and
given the time involved in establishing precise cadastral plans, urban planning organisations
often design their own spatial urban background for implementing programmes and projects.
The satellite map is one of these supports. This is the case for the majority of actors such as
urban institutional actors, international organisations or private operators design their own
spatial data. All urban actors, including some institutional urban survey teams have access to
satellite maps and use them as a background such as for regularising land tenure issues, for
urban development, for reorganising existing urban areas, or for implementing rehabilitation
programmes, etc. In this transitional period, with an absence of urban plans, satellite maps
allow urban planners to: identify where to carry out their assessment, decide the limits of
their programmes, design their projects, communicate and coordinate their activities, improve
their decision making. International access to this database is useful to allow international aid
organisations to plan their activities and to ensure that the different urban actors have a
shared understanding of the spatial situation.
This is the case for urban administrations such as the MoUD for the Kabul Urban
Rehabilitation Programme (KURP) or for the Rehabilitation of Kabul Old Town survey
programme. The Central Administration of Water Supply and Sewerage (CAWSS) also
uses this background information for monitoring the water supply networks drawn by
international organisations on satellite maps by the ICRC, Care International or NGOs.
Different urban actors use them.
Land surveys
The map below entitled “Locality” was established by EMG urban officers for identifying
where to implement a pilot programme LTERA and is used as a background document for
research and plans.
Figure 57
Source: EMG/USAID
Urban rehabilitation programmes
Satellite maps are very important for integrating rehabilitation programmes into the existing
urban fabric, i.e. Aga Khan foundation’s programmes with AKTC. All their programmes are
located on satellite map. AKTC is working in the old centre with housing and street
rehabilitation and Babur park (in green below). The satellite map is detailed enough for them
to plan where to carry out their activities.
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