GIS for the Development of a Cebu Geographic Planning Atlas
3.4.2 Socio economics Data Analysis
Through the combination of socio-economics and spatial data, new information could be generated. In the simplest case for instance, the population density ( populated per square kilometer ) for all 53 administrative units of the island.
Some of the socio -economics data were available as a time series ( multi-temporal ). Hence the population change for instance between 1980 and 1995 could be mapped out. This is another advantage of digital GIS, because dynamic mapping becomes possible.
Such information is very ;imp90tant for sustainable planning and can be presented in form of thematic maps. If one knows the age structure and the spatial distribution of particular age classes, forecast about the future needs for educational a institutions cab be made as well as for the optimum location .
The examples for the potential fields of applications of e planning atlas are virtually limited .
At present, the databank of the planning Atlas contains approximately 20 categories with over 50 individual layers , which are continually extended and upgraded.
3.5 Data Presentation
the most important communication and visualization tool of the planner is the map. Each map represents in visual form spatial information. Some spatial patterns or phenomena only become visible, once they are color-coded and plotted on a map. The map output id the final product, which the planner eventually hands over to the decision-makers.
All maps are displayed according to cartographic conventions, including map title, scale, scale bar, geographic coordinates, north arrow and legend . in all maps, the individual data sources or references are listed to gave due recognition and for further reference. In cases that data were interpolated or calculated form secondary data, such calculations were indicated in the legend of e map. Wherever geographic data was available, it has been indicated in the legend, and the respective are in the map has been colored.
4.0 Problem
The problem encountered in the process of making the Atlas, are mainly related to :
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Data availability and validity
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Cooperation with other data suppliers ( mainly government agencies )
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Fluctuation of personal
Data collection was a very tedious process. Agencies who officially kept their data sometimes do not know which is holding eh data or if the data is still relevant. Still other agencies were very hesitant in sharing their data for reasons of their own. Other problems encountered are that data are outdated and not in the right format.
Since the purpose of the project is just a compilation of all primary data on hand, different agencies were approached for their data. It was found out that some agencies, which make the same map, do not use the same classification. Other agencies do not also have the same classification used for a thematic map for different years. So comparison with available .
5.0 future Developments
Since the compilation of secondary data needed for the Atlas depended on the willingness of many agencies and offices to cooperate, this Atlas is further far form being complete. Many other topics could have been n included, if relevant data had been accessible an available.
The current limited Atlas version however is far from being comprehensive, complete and free of errors since Geoplan produced the Atlas based on existing data, which was collected and complied from official sources. However, suggestions and hints for correction are willingly accepted and will be incorporated in the updates that are going on.
The data gaps that were established in the process of developing this Atlas then will serve as an eye opener to the concerned agencies to upgrade their data bank or for other sectors to research in the future.
It is also that with the dissemination of the Atlas to many users, other regencies which were reluctant before to share their data for reasons of their own, will bow willingly share or make their data accessible.
The current Atlas project serves as a catalyst for other provinces to produced their own Atlas . in fact the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has already commissioned GEOPLAN to extend the coverage of the Atlas to e neighboring three provinces of Bohol, and Negros Oriental to eventually cover entire Region 7, considering that the Atlas was done in approximately 1.5 years of intensive work and still produced good results.
The production of an initial hardcopy Atlas will serve as an initial step in developing a full electronic format in CD ROM and/or internet as the technology of DGI ( Distributed Geographic Information ) develop further.
