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An Interactive Digital Guide Map of Dhaka City
Meher Nigar Neema
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
BUET,Dhaka
Farhana Ahmed
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
BUET,Dhaka
Farzana Akhter
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
BUET,Dhaka
K. M. Maniruzzaman
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
BUET,Dhaka
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a GIS-based interactive map. Preparation of a GIS-based IMDC (Interactive Map of Dhaka City) incorporated with two new functions - one to search a specific named feature with automated map extent updates to maximize the display of target feature and the other to activate hotlinks to graphics and text descriptions of features - is presented. At first a digital map was prepared from a paper base map. Then the map was integrated with a graphical user-friendly interface consisting of different buttons, tools and documents. The developed functions were associated with new button and tool. PC ARC/INFO and ArcView were used as the basic GIS software because of their wide availability and use. By applying the first function the user can easily locate any feature on the interactive map. The second function will help the user view images and information associated with a specific feature. The interactive map promises wide range of use in diverse applications and provides numerous options to produce productive results.
Introduction
A map is a graphic representation of all or part of the earth surface on which cultural and natural features are depicted by symbols, drawn on a two-dimensional plane. Maps are an effective way of presenting a great deal of information about objects and the spatial relationship of objects (Star and Estes, 1990, p. 175). Maps are used for a wide variety of applications. Sometimes it acts as a decision making tool, sometimes a communication tool, sometimes an analytical tool and so on. By thinking and working geographically, professionals in every field have discovered the advantage of using maps for decision support (Pictographics, no date). They have always sought tools to enhance their analytical, problem solving and decision making capability. One of the most common and basic items in the spatial workers’ toolbox has been maps. Many professionals including geographers, architects, and planners, have been using maps from for many purposes. Whether siting a business, finding a location of a community service or figuring out the best route through traffic, maps are pioneers in applying techniques to cultural resource management.
Maps are also used by non-professionals in everyday life. Traditionally, maps have been drawn on paper or similar media. In paper maps, the data storage and data display functions are combined. Paper maps store and display information in the same map sheet (Anonymous, no date). Paper maps, however, have certain limitations that do not apply to digital maps, the use of which is flourishing due to the proliferation of computers.
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has given us the capability to use digital maps in a variety of ways. We can get more than just maps – all kinds of information about the local area, from points of interest to the availability of goods and services, can be part of the mapped information. In a sense, a map can be a live extension into the immediate environment, feeding us information that’s organized spatially and searchable by whatever we want to know (Pfister et al., 2001, p. 43).
Computing technologies are becoming more portable, easier to use, better connected and less expensive, all of which contribute to the growing expansion of GIS into consumer markets (Pfister et al., 2001, p. 43). Digital maps, created by GIS software can now be served through websites, giving users complex, interactive maps. Internet mapping is a powerful communication tool. With easy-to-use Web browsers, digital maps on the internet provide a much more dynamic tool than a static map display. Web-enabled GIS-based map lets one deliver interactive query capabilities such as (Pictographics, no date):
- Searching for specific site locations
- Displaying and viewing multiple data sets
- Conducting queries for specialized analysis
- Performing data commerce
- Retrieving specialized data services
This mapping technology even allows one to click on selected points and retrieve additional information. Users can zoom in and out at will, can pan in any direction, and can select which map layers they wish to view. GIS-based map empowers individuals and organizations to integrate information, visualize scenarios, present powerful ideas, and develop effective solutions (Pictographics, no date). It’s a natural path of development that GIS users can expect to see much more of in the near future (Pfister et al., 2001, p. 43).
To accomplish the goal of providing user-friendly public access to the geodetic control network databases, descriptions and photos, an interactive map using GIS data and ESRI’s ArcInfo and ArcView software has been developed. In this study, an IMDC (Interactive Map of Dhaka City) was prepared showing a variety of features. With an interactive map, the user can specify the kind of display of the map he prefers or the kind of analysis or query he would like to perform with the stored data through the use of a Graphic User Interface (GUI). The display of the map would change and the results of analysis would be shown on the fly. The exercise provided insights and skills that would be required if the study is carried out further to include more powerful planning routines.
The project developed is a preliminary instance of such work in the field of GIS. It is hoped that this study will provide a base for more detailed and comprehensive research in future and act as a useful guide to create other such applications.
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