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GPS & GIS in Land Information System

Dr. Sharma V.N.
InfoTech Enterprises Ltd.,
Plot 11, Madhapur, Hyderabad - 500033
Tel: +91-040-3100855
E-mail: Sharma_vempaty@infotech.stph.net




Abstract
Conventional Land Information system is presently getting outdated. State of the art technologies like GPS and GIS have given rise to revolutionary change in the conventional LIS system. The implementation of GPS and GIS in LIS has numerous advantages like speedy and accurate collection of data, more economical and easy to implement. Apart from this it has a societal impact on reducing the family feuds that arise because of land disputes. This paper describes the advantages of using GPS and GIS in LIS and caveats in implementing the same in Indian Scenario.

Introduction
The conventional Land Information System (LIS) in India essentially comprises the land records of each area, which are created by an aggregation of the graphical sketches of individual landholdings and the descriptive details of the land parcels such as title and extent. One of the major problems posed by the present scenario is the land dispute often taking into violent turns.

In order to get rid of such deficiencies and to fully cater to the present as well as future requirements of the landholders on the one side and government departments and other organizations involved in land matters on the other, the substitution of the existing records with a modern and dynamic system is very much essential.

This paper describes the latest tools and software like GPS and GIS respectively which can be used for the accuracy and automation process of LIS, the advantages in implementation and the caveats in the Indian Scenario.

What is LIS?
Land Information System (LIS) can be an alternative, which can provide us a better and more efficient system for Land Management. A LIS is a digital system having spatial (graphical) and non-spatial data for each land holding. Since the two are maintained in digital form it is possible to edit, maintain, rectify and keep the record up-to-date with least efforts.

It is useful for both the landowners as well as the institutions of Government, which require information for planning and implementation. Whereas people will have access to the information regarding their own holdings, institutions will be able to extract information for the entire area of their interest. It will be able to maintain and track changes, detect errors, carry out on-line corrections, and make Land Management an automated process. In order to have the accurate positional data and track the errors GPS plays a pivotal role in LIS.

Why GPS in LIS?
Global Positioning System (GPS) as the name stands can give position of a point anywhere on the globe with high accuracy. However GPS cannot be used in an area with lot of trees, high-rise buildings etc because of satellite signal interference. Conventional surveying methods for collection of Land based information, which is an input to LIS gives horizontal and vertical measurements along with relative positional value. The relative positional value from the conventional method is given with respect to local frame of reference. In order to obtain an accurate positional value at a global reference GPS technology can be the best alternative. GPS gives the precise positional coordinates where as Total Stations is used to derive the vertical and horizontal measurements. Combination of these two gives rise to the most precise and accurate Land surveys. The different utilities of using GPS and Total Stations are as mentioned below
  • Finding a location. Ex. In which survey am I?
  • Differential GPS for control point establishment to establish unknown coordinates
  • Real Time GPS for Cadastral mapping with limited obstructions like trees, buildings etc.
  • More Speed (outperforms conventional approaches)
  • Lesser Cost
  • Realistic accuracy
  • Simple field operation (data collection is simpler over conventional methods).
GPS & GIS in LIS
GPS and GIS Software together can play a pivotal role in Land Information System. GPS gives the precise locations whereas the GIS will comprise spatial and attribute information of parcels for information and analysis.
  • Creation of map using coordinates read from GPS
  • Plot Area computations using Total Station
  • Using Total Stations and Mapping Software the maps can be created automatically
  • Updating of Old Records
  • Integration of GPS and GIS form a full fledge application for query and analysis, editing and updating of data along with complete attribute information Application Scenario
    The application scenario describes the required hardware, software and the process of implementation in the field. The field person needs to have the following hardware and software to validate the land records in the field.

    Hardware
    • GPS
    • Mobile Device or Pocket PC
    • Centralized Map & Attribute Data Server
    Software
    • Utility to take positional data from GPS into GIS application
    • GIS software loaded in the Hand held devices
    Implementation
    • Try to locate yourself in the field through the GPS
    • Send a request to the server to retrieve the map data of interested field area
    • Get the map data and attribute information from the Server
    • Validate and edit data
    • Update the data in the centralized database
    The diagram indicates the process flow for the implementation of the GPS in LIS in the field using Pocket PC (See Fig. 1 & 2)


    Figure 1. The diagram showing process flow of field mapping


    Figure 2. Picture showing the data transfer between field device and server

    The Advantages of GPS & Pocket PC
    Once the map is retrieved on the pocket PC the Land records validations can be carried out with the available GIS software.
    • Display of selected portion of map as requested by GPS readings
    • Query
    • Zoom and Pan
    • Locate
    • Edit the Map data and attribute data
    • Validating the spatial and attribute information accuracy of Land Records
    Caveats in Indian Scenario
    Major factors responsible for delay in implementation of present day advanced applications are
    • Delay in transfer of funds by the governments
    • Lack of proper infrastructure
    • Non-availability of appropriate softwares
    • Lack of proper training to government officials
    • Lack of appropriate Awareness about the advantages of latest applications
    Conclusion
    The conventional Land Information System (LIS) can be replaced by using the present day advanced tools and softwares like GPS and GIS. There are multifaceted advantages in automating the LIS, to name a few, decrease in land related family feuds, Proper planning of assets by the government, Swift and easy updating of spatial and attribute data in case of any changes in the plot or its attribute information, automating the land revenues by the government and so many.

    Acknowledgements
    I thank Mr. B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Managing Director, InfoTech Enterprises Limited who has been a constant source of inspiration. I acknowledge the encouragement of Mr. Rajeev Lal, COO. I am thankful to Mr. Srinivas Uppuluri and Mr. Srinivas Manda for their valuable inputs during the preparation of this paper.

    References
    • Alfred Leick, 1995, GPS Satellite Surveying, John Wiley & Sons Inc.
    • Barnes, G., M. and B. Chaplin (1996). "A Medium Accuracy GPS Methodology for Cadastral Surveying and Mapping." Surveying and Land Information Systems Journal, 56 (1), pp. 3-12
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