Local Language in Cadastral Maps
The interface developed for the purpose of preparing the Cadastral Maps also incorporates in it the option to use the native language of the state for which the Cadastral Maps are prepared, while labeling and dimensioning various components of the Cadastral Maps. The user is not even expected to know typing in the local language which he desires to use in the maps as the software developed has an interface known as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) which allows typing to be done interactively.
Creation of LIS
The maps of various categories once prepared as shown above can then be utilised for creating a LIS using MicroStation/J Geographics.
MicroStation/J Geographics allows for easy integration of Non-Spatial data with the Spatial data (Cadastral Maps) and for customised query and report generation. The database can be in any of the popular formats like Oracle, MS Access etc. The existing Non-Spatial information about the parcels in electronic format can also be integrated into the LIS without many hassles.
Analysis and Retrieval
Information retrieval is the most basic functionality for which any GIS application is built. In the case of a LIS, some typical queries that would be put on to a LIS are:
- Query on Ownership information
- Query on Land Use
- Query on Ownership History
- Query on Market Value
- Query on the type of development that has been made by the parcel owner
- Query on Edge Dimensions
- Query on Parcel Acreage etc.
The type of analysis that could be made with LIS is unlimited, as it depends on the data that has been input as well on the user requirements. Some typical analysis that could be carried out using LIS are:
- Assessment for Land Use changes and analysing the causes
- Assessment of Property tax and preparation of thematic maps based on the tax value
- Assessment of Parcels for land use violations, building code violations
- Analyse the sales transactions for a particular parcel or for the whole block/ ward
- Analyse the property for issue of Planning Permission
And similar other issues can be analysed which are of day to day concern to the authorities involved in cadastral management.
Report Generation
The LIS can also be used for generating reports about a particular parcel or a set of parcels. The output can be generated either in the form of a text document, Excel or in the form of an html document which can be put on the web for information to the public. Public can browse through the information through a web browser, without actually having to visit the office and wait patiently in the never ending serpentine queues for their needs to be fulfilled. This is the era of cyberspace, Internet and E-Technologies and there can be no doubt on the advantages these technologies can offer together with LIS.
Moreover the application has been developed after years of groundwork in this field and keeping in mind the local requirements. The developed application can be customised further to any local requirements.
Benefits of LIS
The advantages that would accrue to the department and the general public, when the existing cadastral data in the form of Block Maps, FMB’s etc are converted into digital format are really innumerable. To list a few of the many benefits:
- Outdated maintenance procedures can be phased out and replaced by computerized updating of the land records.
- The department can minimise vexatious boundary disputes and consequently civil litigation can efficiently safeguard the survey framework on ground.
- The State Government can harness computerised database of every feature of land records in terms of Survey Fields and subdivisions (individual land holdings) for macro level and micro level planning activities, including the all important watershed development activity.
- Computerised Land Information System ensures easy and instantaneous availability of correct record to the public and thereby helps in introducing the much warranted transparency of public records in this important domain.
- Since the numeric data of each Survey Field is computerised, the maps generated by the computer are, without exception, far more accurate than the maps available at present and can function as efficient decision making tool.
Acknowledgment
The author is thankful to Mr. P.V.Rai, Managing Director, Pixel Infotek Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, who has been a constant source of encouragement and in providing an opportunity to the author and the GIS team at PIXEL INFOTEK to develop such an application for the benefit of the common man.
The author expresses his deep sense of gratitude to all his colleagues at PIXEL INFOTEK for their encouragement, technical help and moral support, without which the application would not have seen the “Light of the day.”
Last but not the least the author expresses his sincere thanks to all the Survey and Land Records Department of various States with whom PIXEL INFOTEK has been carrying out pilot work or the other, which has helped the GIS team to develop this application.
References
- GLIS, USGS - Global Land Information System www.edc.usgs.gov/webglis
- Kuldip Rai, Computerisation of Land Records in India, www.gisdevelopment.net Potdar, V.B., LIS in the Present Day Context, www.gisdevelopment.net