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Map Malaysia 2009
Page 1 of 1
GIS Development: Penang Experience
Abdul Azhar Ibrahim
Co-ordinator
Penang GIS Centre
Malaysia
abdul@penang.gov.my
Abstract
The foundation of GIS development in Malaysia was laid by the Survey and Mapping Department of
Malaysia (JUPEM) in the middle of 1980s with the development of Digital Cadastre Database and National
Topography Database. Among the first state which has taken the iniciative to utilize this technology
was Penang State government with the establishment of PEGIS (Penang GIS) Center, a statewide GIS
centre for the state and the implementation of PEGIS Pilot Project. The idea of using GIS for the State
Government to manage its land matters was mooted by the former Chief Minister, Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu
at the end of 1989. In July 1992, the State Government with assistance from the Land Surveyors Board of
Peninsular Malaysia initiated the implementation of PEGIS.As a new technology in public sector, at that
time, effort to promote the usage of GIS as a tool in planning and managing resources such as land is not
an easy task. Lack of policies, guidelines and standards are the main issues faced by PEGIS during the
early stages of its implementation. This paper discusses the development and implementation efforts
undertaken, challenges faced and the direction of GIS in Penang. A few samples of applications developed
by various state department and agencies will also be presented.
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