The GAUL will be proposed as a project in the context of the boundaries activity of the "Core Geo-database Task Group.”

The task group’s main objective is to:

Identify and prepare a global framework for core data layers for the UN systems, along the lines of the International Boundaries and the Second Administrative Level Boundaries project (SALB) databases.

The Second Administrative Level Boundaries (SALB) Dataset aims at improving the availability of information about administrative boundaries down to the second subnational level.

About GAUL

The Global Administrative Unit Layers (GAUL) is an FAO initiative aimed at compiling and disseminating the most reliable spatial information on administrative units for all countries in the world.

The Gaul Project aims at:

	overcoming the fragmentation of the global dataset;
	promoting a unified coding system that reduces maintenance efforts;and
	keeping track of historical changes occurring in the shapes and extent of administrative units.

About the UNGIWG

The UNGIWG (www.ungiwg.org) is a network of professionals in the fields of cartography and geographic information science working together to build the UN Spatial Data Infrastructure necessary for sustainable development.

The UNGIWG was formed in 2000 to address common geospatial issues - maps, boundaries, data exchange, standards - that affect the work of UN Organizations and Member States. It also works directly with non-governmental organizations, research institutions and industries to develop and maintain common geographic databases and geospatial technologies.

The UNGIWG reports periodically to the UN Chief Executive Board (CEB) on progress made and other priority issues.