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GIS based Road Information and Management System: A decision support tool for Public Works Department, Government of Maharashtra
4.1 Issues
The volume of the spatial and non-spatial database was a hard task to manage. In the process, redesign of the system's structure was inevitable. Arc View GIS's inability to handle too many database joins effectively in a single project file was one of the major problems encountered. Later on, the problem was solved with converting some of the views with the database join to ODB (Object Database) files and invoking them as and when required into the parent project file. Attribute database creation was a mammoth task as far as the data volume is concerned. The co-ordination of data entry operations in all PWD division offices across the state necessitated in-depth reviews, awareness sessions, training and re-training to the PWD officials time and again.  PWD Wide Area Network  Fig. 4 : Project Data Flow Architecture Results and Benefits Customized view interface facilitates unique visualization and querying of the roads with respect to different levels of administration units, i.e., state level, district level, and taluka level. Customized menu based queries enable easy access and retrieval of information by a user having practically no GIS expertise. The query structure prompts the user to enter a value or select a value from the combo box/or a pop-up dialog box. The rest of the query syntax is pre-designed so that whenever the user enters or selects a value, the query is performed and the result is displayed on the modified map. For any selected road, information like surface condition, surface type, base type, crust thickness etc. can be obtained. Queries showing the list of important structures along the side of a road, village connectivity status, unconnected villages etc. have significantly streamlined the work of the PWD officials. Preparation and printing of thematic maps of any desired scale is possible in the set up. The comprehensive spatial database of roads wherein an exhaustive list of attributes is attached to each kilometre segment of the road makes the system a significant asset management tool. Customized query executions, with report generation capabilities of the system also equip it with decision support capabilities. Conclusion As envisioned, the application serves the purpose of a decision support tool at all levels of PWD's organizational hierarchy. The present version of the application can further be enhanced to incorporate several new features and additions based on future requirements. Web enabling of the application can bring forth an online accessibility and visualization of GIS data, which would definitely be a further enhancement as far as the organization's decision-making activities are concerned. The requisite processes are underway in this regard. The entire system and the framework on which it has been developed for the state of Maharashtra in India can serve as an effective workable model for governing bodies of other organizations and can go a long way in not only enabling our policy makers but also solving the problems of spatial data. Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank sincerely all the officials and experts from C-DAC, PWD and MRSAC whose involvement has been instrumental in the successful implementation of this massive project. Special thanks are due to Mr. Pradeep Khekare, Member Technical Staff, C-DAC for providing us with neat illustrations for this manuscript. References
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