2026 SAG Award Winners

Czech Geological Survey and Geology and Geography section Faculty of Science Charles University in Prague

Project Goal

The primary objective of this project (2019–2025) was to modernize and harmonize Ethiopia’s geoscientific knowledge base through the creation of a comprehensive national map compendium at scales of 1:1,200,000 and 1:1,000,000. By integrating archival data with new field research, remote sensing, and geophysical modeling, the project aimed to establish a unified geological and hydrogeological map of Ethiopia. Beyond physical maps, the project sought to democratize access to critical data through an interactive ArcGIS-based web application. This digital infrastructure supports evidence-based decision-making in groundwater exploration and sustainable water usage, planning infrastructure and addressing geological hazards as well as fostering international scientific collaboration between Czech and Ethiopian institutions. This open-access initiative provides a scalable framework for environmental protection and sustainable development amidst rising population and climate pressures.
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Business Problem Solved

This project eliminates information silos by centralizing fragmented data into a single, harmonized maps, reducing the "search cost" and technical friction for developers and state agencies. A lack of reliable geological data creates "blind spots" in infrastructure planning. By providing high-resolution modeling (1:1,000,000), the project mitigates financial risk for large-scale engineering, soil protection, and hazard management, preventing costly mid-project failures due to unforeseen ground conditions. With rising population and climate variability, the "business" of water management is critical. The project provides an evidence-based framework for groundwater exploration, allowing for precise site selection and sustainable extraction, which is vital for agricultural and industrial stability.

Technology Implemented

For the implementation and deployment of the Geological and Hydrogeological Map of Ethiopia, the project leverages a robust stack of Esri ArcGIS technology to transform static geological data into a dynamic, interoperable web service.
Core Technology Stack
• ArcGIS Server: Acts as the primary engine for hosting and managing the geodatabase. It enables the publication of complex geological and hydrogeological datasets as high-performance Web Map Services.
• ArcGIS Web APIs/Web AppBuilder: Used to develop the interactive "Geological and Hydrogeological Map of Ethiopia 1:1,000,000." This provides the intuitive UI for zooming, panning, and querying feature attributes.
• Spatial Data Management: Advanced cartographic visualization and harmonization were likely managed via ArcGIS Pro/Desktop, ensuring that standardized symbology for geological units remains consistent across both digital and printed outputs.

Development Team Biography

Key Project Leaders:
Kryštof Verner (Project Lead): A research geologist at CGS and Professor at Charles University. Since 2015, he has directed Czech geoscience operations in Ethiopia, focusing on structural geology, tectonics, and metamorphic evolution.
Jirí Šíma (Lead Hydrogeologist): A renowned expert from SG Geotechnika with over 40 years of experience in Ethiopia. He orchestrated the systematic hydrogeological mapping of the entire Ethiopian territory.
Leta Megerssa: A key Ethiopian partner and hydrogeologist (CGS), essential for local data integration and mapping.
The team comprises over 30 specialists, mainly renewed academic experts such are Karel Martínek (Remote Sensing), Jan Valenta (Geophysics), David Buriánek (Petrology), Štepán Dvorák and Jan Jelínek specializing in geological modeling and GIS and others.

Company Overview

The Czech Geological Survey (CGS), established in 1919, is the national state organization responsible for the systematic geological research of the Czech Republic. Operating under the Ministry of the Environment, it serves as the primary expert body for providing impartial geoscientific information to the state, private sector, and public.
Core Mission and Activities: (a) State Geological Service: Collecting, processing, and archiving data on geological composition, mineral resources, and groundwater; (b) Research Excellence: Leading research in fields such as geohazards, geoenergy (geothermal, CO2 storage), and environmental protection; (c) Data Democratization: Providing open access to vast geodatabases through advanced GIS applications and web services; (d) International Reach: A key member of EuroGeoSurveys, the CGS exports its expertise globally through development aid and scientific collaboration (e.g., Ethiopia, Zambia, Costa Rica, Bosnia).

Return on Investment

The Return on Investment (ROI) of this project lies primarily in massive cost savings and risk mitigation on a national scale. Thanks to unified geoscientific data, there is a radical reduction in failed hydrogeological boreholes and misguided infrastructure investments that previously resulted from insufficient knowledge of the subsurface. Furthermore, the Esri-based digital platform eliminates the need for redundant and costly localized surveys, shortening the planning phase of development projects from months to days. In a broader economic context, the project ensures the stability of agriculture and industry through effective water resource management, which is critical for addressing climate risks. This "digital infrastructure" thus represents a permanent multiplier that protects both public and private finances, streamlines international aid, and supports the sustainable economic growth of Ethiopia.