Institutions | Training | Online Education | Papers / Articles
Conversion Era in Geo-Spatial Science Surveyors have traditionally been involved in spatial data acquisition [Micky 1996]. Since 1980s, Geo-spatial professions have employed cartographic conversion techniques to build computerised spatial models of features on or near the earth’s surface. The graphical map or Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD) simply had to be converted to digital by a cartographic process such as digitising, scanning, or warping (figure 1). Pre-existing useable maps and hard copy images that have any shred of geographic truth are digitised/scanned.  Fig 2: The Role of Legal Framework in Spatial Data Acquisition in Zimbabwe Utility schematics are in overlays over parcel layers. Other thematic maps (soil, geology, tourism etc) are also in overlay files. In this new decade, the GIS community is running out of pre-existing maps to convert. Instead, Digital Terrain Modelling (DTM) creation or surface rendering is developing rapidly, and 3D virtual reality models are beginning to surface. Geo-spatial discipline today Technological advancements have constantly changed the geo-spatial scientific work. Increased automation results in high speeds, efficiency and productivity in both field and office. GPS and remote sensing have revolutionised the spatial data acquisition sector, while GIS and 3D computer graphics have changed the face of data management and display techniques respectively (Fosburgh 2001). The topological structure in Geographic Information Systems5 (GIS) has considerable advantage over conventional CAD or line map data since its interrelates areas that share a common boundary, hence such data can be interrogated. However, in an increasingly information-based, service-orientated society, the professional roles tend to loose some special distinction, privileges are shared and prestige or status is diminished. GIS development saw many professions feeling they would play a leading role in an information age. Among them were lawyers, planners, engineers and surveyors6 who were keen on understanding the complexity of the graphics, communications and file handling systems necessary for effective GIS functionality. However, computer programmers and information systems experts have become primarily responsible for systems development [Micky 1996]. Further, the initial investment required to develop and implement a modern spatial information system was substantial. Systems were limited to well-established firms, but today, most organisations are integrating Information Technology (IT) as part of their business operations. The result has been a changing role of most professions to fit in a changing environment due to these rapid changes. Being a professional, and in commerce, save for the ‘taboos’ in the former of advertising, price cutting and limited liability, the tools are the same. Most methods, techniques and equipment have been automated and made available to all users. The subsequent impact of the Internet (as communication media) on GIS professionals’ vis-à-vis operational procedures, costs, functional resources and benefits has ensured professionals are kept up-to-date with modern trends. The result is a time dilation effect of Internet on technology. The Legal Framework and GIS Scientific data gathering has a long history, but mechanisms for data distribution and exchange in digital form are new millennium challenges. Laws are available to regulate ethical flow of information from source to user. The legal framework in spatial data is broadly divided into the following groups:
|