Use of digital terrain modeles for the infrastructure development in sri lanka.
DTM Applications To Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is an important user of terrain modelling. The range of projects where the DTMs are used is almost endless, covering roads, railways, dams, reservoirs, canals, landscaping, land reclamation and mining, etc. The range of facilities included in the terrain modelling permits the survey and design of projects mentioned above. Apart from that, the suitable software (e.g. MOSS) can be used to produce sections, areas, volumes, setting-out information, triangulation of surfaces and contouring.
Land Settlement Programmes
Alienation of lands to the landless people is a common practice of any Government of Sri Lanka. The programme may be a small scale or a large settlement programme such as Mahaweli Development Scheme.
Settlements are done with the help of prepared plans known as Blocking Out Diagrams (BOD). (Figure 5) Traditionally these BODs are prepared by surveyors using ground survey methods considering only the topographical features available in the site.
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| Figure 5 Blocking Out Diagram |
Figure 6 DTM showing the
projection of design data
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Due to the lack of communication with other organizations such as Electricity Board, Water Board, Telecommunication Department, Road Authorities and non availability of proper data sets, it can be seen that is a delay in providing infrastructure facilities for many years.
After preparation of the DTM of the proposed area the design (BOD) can be incorporated in to the model using Surface Modelling Programs. (eg. HASP)
The resultant model (Figure 6) can be used as a data source and a tool for the Civil Engineering, Environmental and other organizations to solve their problems, as already discussed, to develop the area.
Conclusion
Terrain modelling is applied as a solution to a wide range of problems in the fields of surveying and mapping, and civil engineering. For the future, the use of terrain modelling methods will continue to develop and expand into other areas of activity. Hence, introducing the technique in Sri Lanka has vital importance, because it can be used as a tool in the process of development.
References
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Burrough, P.A., 1990, Principles of Geographical Information Systems For Land Resources Assesment. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
- Maguire, D.J.and Goodohild, M.F., 1992, Geographical Information Systems. Volume 1, Bath Press, Avon.
- Petrie, G.and Kennie, T.J.M., 1990, Terrain Modelling in Surveying and Civil Engineering. Whittles Publishing, London, p4, p26.
