|
GIS as tools for monitoring the urban development in metropolitan region: A case of Llang Valley Region, Peninsular Malaysia 4.0 User Interface and Web-Based GIS Above all the applications and analysis, a user interface and modelling were developed to facilitate an easy and friendly use of the system. A web-based GIS for Klang Valley was also developed to integrate the data set and to encourage data sharing between various agencies involve in shaping the urban environment in Klang Valley region. Web-based GIS for Klang Valley was initiated as an extension to the prior developed Application of Geographic Information System for Klang Valley Region (AGISwlk). While AGISwlk was meant as a planning support system for decision makers in planning and monitoring of the region, the Web-based GIS is more towards inviting public participation apart from providing information in the form of maps and data for public access, and paving the path for data sharing with agencies having the same interest. Various stages of users will be allowed to access the web page via web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or the latest version. The web page allows user to view and use the information displayed for further processing. The GIS web page was developed with the aim to facilitate users, especially BKWPPLK’s client to acquire information in digital form. Nevertheless, the web page acts as a source of reference in making decision and evaluation for planning and development purposes where Klang Valley is concerned. The Web-Based GIS for Klang Valley region developed include tables and map-based information for all the applications developed in the system. The operations offered a means for the users to display maps, submit query as well as display data sources and data structure base on selected maps (Figure 8). This application has several useful visualisation functions that are appropriate for Public Participation through interactive uses such like Zoom In, Zoom Out, Pan, Hyper Link, Full Extension, Identify and Simple Query (Yaakup et al., 2001b). Initially, the programming of Klang Valley Web-Based GIS applications was implemented by integrating four software components including Map Objects, Map Objects Internet Map Server, HTML, and Visual Basic. However, various problems were encountered throughout the application development. Advanced knowledge in HTML and Visual Basic application apart from MapObjects and Internet Map Server is required to develop such application. However, HTML application implies difficulty for programmers to identify programming error when occurs as it is not equipped with a compiler. In addition, there are still weaknesses in preparing icons and toolbars on the web interface produced in the context of customisation processes and interactive system. The ArcIMS is easier to apply with the help of the wizard application and thus speeds up the web page development. Consequently, the customisation activities can be carried out easily using HTML and JavaScript. The GIS application for Klang Valley is still under further improvement to include a more interactive and friendly graphic user interface to provide flexibility in data selection and display, to allow physical planner and decision-maker to view and analyse the planning scenarios interactively before deciding on the final plan. Development of intelligent user interfaces will make GIS systems responsive to user needs, while the user will no longer have to become an expert in the use of GIS in addition to their own field of specialisation. An interactive problem-solving framework will give the user the potential to ask ‘what-if’ question while the formulation of an answerable question is often obtained in an interactive manner by ‘trial and error’. Consequently an information system should facilitate such a heuristic dialogue (de Man, 1988). Using interactive framework, decision-maker should be able to see a cartographic representation of different planning scenarios. In addition to this, evaluation techniques such as those based on cost-benefit analysis can be made more accessible (Yaakup, 1993a).  Figure 7: Alternative Scenarios of Potential Areas for Development in Gombak As in the words of Klosterman (1997; 2001), the ideal planning support system will provide an “intelligent digital toolbox” that helps users select the most appropriate software tools from a range of alternative analysis and forecasting models, applies these tools to data which have been accessed locally or via the Internet, and allows them to quickly view the implications of alternative policy choices in intuitive graphic, map, and interactive video/sound displays. |