By Shahabuddin Amerudin
Abstract
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable tools for government agencies engaged in environmental conservation and natural resource management. This paper delves into three critical aspects of GIS software development that play a pivotal role in these contexts. Firstly, it discusses the significance of the “Build Once, Deploy Anywhere” approach, emphasizing its relevance to government agencies striving for efficient GIS software development. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive comparison between server-based GIS solutions and mobile GIS applications, highlighting their suitability for specific tasks related to environmental conservation and natural resource management. Lastly, it explores the design of GIS solutions with a three-tier architecture and cloud-based GIS, elucidating their advantages in enabling efficient data sharing, scalability, security, seamless integration, and mobile GIS capabilities for field data collection and analysis.
1. Introduction
Government agencies responsible for environmental conservation and natural resource management rely heavily on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather, analyze, and disseminate critical spatial data. The development and deployment of GIS software in such contexts must address unique challenges and requirements. This paper examines three pivotal aspects of GIS software development that have a profound impact on the effectiveness of environmental conservation and natural resource management initiatives.
2. Significance of “Build Once, Deploy Anywhere” in GIS Software Development
The concept of “Build Once, Deploy Anywhere” holds immense significance for government agencies involved in environmental conservation and natural resource management. It emphasizes the development of GIS software that can be efficiently deployed across various platforms and devices while maintaining consistent functionality and data integrity. This approach offers several advantages:
- Cost Efficiency: By developing a single GIS software solution that can be deployed on multiple platforms, government agencies can significantly reduce development and maintenance costs (ESRI, 2021).
- Data Consistency: Ensuring data consistency across different platforms is crucial for decision-making in environmental conservation and natural resource management (Wang et al., 2015).
- Enhanced Mobility: “Build Once, Deploy Anywhere” enables field personnel to access GIS data and tools on a range of devices, enhancing their mobility and effectiveness (Blower, 2011).
3. Comparison of Server-based GIS Solutions and Mobile GIS Applications
When deciding between server-based GIS solutions and mobile GIS applications, government agencies need to consider the suitability of each option for specific tasks related to environmental conservation and natural resource management.
3.1 Server-based GIS Solutions
Server-based GIS solutions excel in data management, scalability, and security. They are well-suited for:
- Centralized Data Management: Storing spatial data on servers ensures data consistency and accessibility for multiple users (Longley et al., 2015).
- Scalability: Server-based systems can accommodate growing datasets and user bases (Nyerges & Jankowski, 2017).
- Security: Robust security measures can be implemented to protect sensitive environmental and resource data (Goodchild & Janelle, 2004).
3.2 Mobile GIS Applications
Mobile GIS applications are designed for field data collection, offering advantages such as:
- Field Data Collection Capabilities: Mobile GIS applications enable real-time data gathering and analysis in the field, which is essential for environmental monitoring and resource management (Yuan & Zhang, 2011).
- Data Sharing: Field data can be collected and shared instantly, facilitating collaboration among field teams and decision-makers (O’Sullivan & Unwin, 2010).
- Scalability: Mobile GIS applications are highly scalable, making them suitable for projects with varying fieldwork requirements (O’Sullivan & Unwin, 2010).
- Security: Security measures must be implemented to protect sensitive data when using mobile GIS applications (Goodchild & Janelle, 2004).
4. Designing a Solution with Three-Tier Architecture and Cloud-based GIS
Designing GIS solutions with a three-tier architecture and leveraging cloud-based GIS offers government agencies several advantages in environmental conservation and natural resource management activities.
4.1 Three-Tier Architecture
- Efficient Data Sharing: The three-tier architecture separates data management, application logic, and user interfaces, enabling efficient data sharing and reducing bottlenecks (Nyerges & Jankowski, 2017).
- Scalability: The modular design of the three-tier architecture allows agencies to scale specific components as needed, ensuring optimal performance (Longley et al., 2015).
- Security: Enhanced security measures can be implemented at each tier to protect sensitive environmental and resource data (Goodchild & Janelle, 2004).
4.2 Cloud-based GIS
- Seamless Integration: Cloud-based GIS solutions facilitate the seamless integration of data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of environmental and resource data (Goodchild & Janelle, 2004).
- Mobile GIS Capabilities: Cloud-based GIS can be accessed from a range of devices, enabling field personnel to collect and analyze data in real-time (Yuan & Zhang, 2011).
- Field Data Collection and Analysis: The cloud infrastructure supports the collection and analysis of field data, streamlining environmental conservation and natural resource management activities (O’Sullivan & Unwin, 2010).
5. Conclusion
Efficient GIS software development is crucial for government agencies involved in environmental conservation and natural resource management. The “Build Once, Deploy Anywhere” approach ensures cost-effective and mobile GIS solutions that maintain data consistency. Choosing between server-based GIS solutions and mobile GIS applications should be based on the specific requirements of each project. Lastly, leveraging a three-tier architecture and cloud-based GIS enhances data sharing, scalability, security, and mobile GIS capabilities, ultimately contributing to the success of environmental conservation and natural resource management initiatives.
In conclusion, government agencies must carefully consider these aspects of GIS software development to maximize the impact of their environmental conservation and natural resource management efforts. The appropriate choice of technology and development approach can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of GIS applications in these critical domains.
References
- Blower, J. D. (2011). Challenges in creating a single software environment for climate change research. Environmental Modelling & Software, 26(7), 822-827.
- ESRI. (2021). Building Cross-Platform Apps with ArcGIS Runtime SDKs. Retrieved from https://developers.arcgis.com/documentation/guide/build-cross-platform-apps/
- Goodchild, M. F., & Janelle, D. G. (Eds.). (2004). Spatially Integrated Social Science. Oxford University Press.
- Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (2015). Geographic Information Systems and Science. John Wiley & Sons.
- Nyerges, T. L., & Jankowski, P. (2017). Geographic Information Systems for Group Decision Making: Towards a Participatory, Geographic Information Science. CRC Press.
- O’Sullivan, D., & Unwin, D. (2010). Geographic Information Analysis. John Wiley & Sons.
- Wang, S., Yang, X., Tan, J., & Tang, X. (2015). A cross-platform GIS service for location-based social applications. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 54, 251-261.
- Yuan, M., & Zhang, X. (2011). Advances in Geographic Information Systems. Springer.
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). Advancing GIS Software for Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6873 (Accessed: 2 September 2023).
