Tag: GIS

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Development of Web-Based Application for GIS Data Format Coordinate System Conversion

By Elysonia Alim and Shahabuddin Amerudin (Supervisor)

Unpublished 2018 4th Year Undergraduate Project’s Technical Paper

It is difficult to process GIS vector data when they are not aligned with one another. The need for different coordinate systems rose from the fact that some coordinate systems are better fitted to describe the phenomenon happening in a specific area. The purpose of this study is to develop a web application capable of converting the coordinate system of a GIS data format such as a shapefile for Peninsular Malaysia. The web application named Coordinate Conversion Application (CCA) was developed using Django and Python and is capable of 5 coordinate transformations namely WGS84 to GDM2000 and vice versa, WGS84 to MRSO (old), MRSO (old) to Cassini (old) and vice versa. Results obtained were compared with existing software such as GDTS and ArcGIS, and analysis shows that CCA has achieved satisfactory accuracy.

Download Unpublished Technical Paper

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GIS research topics to explore

spatial computing infrastructure,
spatial cognitive assistance,
volunteering geographic information (VGI),
GPS-denied environment,
statistically significant spatiotemporal pattern mining,
mobile economy,
mobile recommender systems,
spatial network routing,
spatial optimization,
web-based GIS (industry perspective),
location-based recommendation systems,
linear anomaly window detection,
intelligent transportation,
GPU-based spatial computing,
spatiotemporal analysis of climate data,
geospatial weather and climate nexus,
spatial statistics,
concepts in spatial statistics,
data science for GIS applications,
3D modeling and analysis,
geometric nearest-neighbor queries,
modelling of spatial relations,
concepts in statistics for spatial and spatiotemporal data,
high-performance computing in GIS,
road network databases and
constraint databases and data mining.

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Top 10 Benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

1. IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

touchshare
Through the creation of rich maps and hi-tech communication systems, GIS has greatly assisted in improving communication. It has improved communication between different departments, teams, disciplines, professional fields, organizations, and the public.

2. IMPROVED DECISION MAKING

GIS_People_Key_Visual_10_LRGIS has led to a better decision making. It has enhanced our ability to make better decisions about the location of places. Examples include real estate site selection, zoning, planning, conservation, route selection and natural resource extraction. People are starting to realize the significance of GIS in making correct decision about the location of an intended project.

3. EFFICIENCY

Army-Corps-Uses-GIS-to-Improve-Efficiency

GIS has promoted cost savings mechanism and measures resulting in greater efficiency. These are associated either with carrying out the mission like labor savings from automating or improving a workflow. By implementing GIS in logistics operations, there will be dramatic improvements in efficiency. By implementing GIS, customer service efficiency can also be increased by reducing the number of return visits to the same site and scheduled appointments more efficiently.

4. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

GIS
Handling, compiling and distribution of information have been made easy thanks to GIS. Government and many other large corporations use GIS information products to communicate and share data. These products provide a framework for creating a blueprint for action, understanding it and prescribing the action. GIS is fast becoming an enterprise for information systems. Geography is emerging as a new way to organize and manage information. GIS is transforming the way organizations manage their assets, serve their clients, make decisions and communicate. Notable examples are giant oil companies. Their assets and resources are now being managed as an enterprise information system to support day-to-day work management tasks and provide a broader context for assets and resource management.

5. IMPROVED SERVICES

directionsIt has led to the improvement of services. GIS technology has transformed several services that got dented by virtue of failed human logistics. For instance, home delivery of packages has greatly been improved thanks to GIS. Health care services have also received a huge boost. Also, Ambulance drivers can easily determine the quickest and easiest route to the hospital thanks to GIS mapping systems. GIS has led to the development of top-notch navigation system in cars making life easy for cab drivers and delivering quality service.

6. MARKETING

geomarketing

It has promoted marketing. Integrating the power of geography into marketing planning helps the organization responds to both customers and market needs. Trough Geo-Marketing, GIS allows organization segment and profile existing customers to improve acquisition and retention and find new opportunities providing a competitive edge to succeed in today’s volatile economy.

7. EDUCATION

orienteering
GIS has taken education to the next level. It equips the education community with tools to develop a greater understanding of our world through geospatial data analysis. With GIS, students and teachers can integrate and evaluate data from diverse means to develop new theories and knowledge. This grooms the students to cope with the demands of the 21st-century workforce, whether involved in science, government or business. Educative institutions like libraries, museums and universities are now using GIS for resource management, facilities management, and advanced research.

8. MAPPING

Maptitude_Mapping_Software_Screen
GIS has made mapping and charting easier. GIS is a vital tool for topographic, aeronautical and nautical mapping and charting agencies. GIS has the ability to manage and produce the specific data and map products required by these agencies. GIS allows them the opportunity to implement an effective workflow for data gathering management, production, and delivery.

9. IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS DURING A CRISIS

GIS_Crime_Map-MP___Gallery

The biggest benefit of GIS has been improved communication. By improving communication, handling and containing crisis situation has been given a huge boost. Rescue operations no longer have the problem of communication. Mapping technology of GIS has also aided the process. Search and Rescue team now have the advantage of a smooth communication with the base of operation.

10. MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Haiti_3_LULC
It has always been a herculean task for the agency responsible for accounting for the mineral resources of a country to do so. This is because of lack of adequate information about their location and how to manage them. However, with the introduction of GIS with remote sensing, the whole has become easy. GIS helps pinpoint the exact location of the mineral resource and quantity. This information allows for proper planning and management.

Geographic information system is a powerful tool that has been successfully implemented to help address a number of significant issues. As more and more professionals begin to adopt and integrate the program the number of benefits is likely to continue to rise including the connectivity between government, transport system, health sectors and managerial posts professionals with communities they serve which are perhaps the most important connection to be made.

Source:  http://monde-geospatial.com/top-10-benefits-of-geographic-information-systems/

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Google Summer of Code Projects: Open Source Geospatial 4 every student

Are you are university student who has solid programming skills, geospatial knowledge and is continuously aiming to become better at developing open source software? Then you are in for a great summer of coding.

This article is about the opportunity to become a better programmer while working on some really popular open source geospatial software. Does this sound interesting? Keep reading.

What is the Google Summer of Code?

In short, taken from the official website “Google Summer of Code is a global program focused on bringing more student developers into open source software development. Students work with an open source organization on a 3 month programming project during their break from school.”[1]

It might not specifically mention geospatial but there is more. As a student interested in the geospatial realm you should have heard of QGIS, GRASS GIS, gvSIG etc. because those are the people who might be your mentors during the summer.

If you want to learn facts and statistics, then you might as well check out their website. [2]

What do you mean by Open Source Geospatial?
In case you haven’t heard about it before, I’m talking The Open Source Geospatial Foundation, abbreviated as OSGeo, “an organisation whose mission is to foster global adoption of open geospatial technology by being an inclusive software foundation devoted to an open philosophy and participatory community driven development”. [3]

OSGeo, is a veteran organisation and through the Google Summer of Code program it offers the opportunity for students to opportunity to get into real open source software development under the mentorship of experienced software engineers.

This way a wonderful merge of geospatial, programming, and open source resulting into a better programmers, better mentors, and better open source software. While at it you will also receive an stipend from Google. I’ll leave it to you to sort out the details.

Above all, this is the chance to stand on the shoulder of giants and put forward your name as a contributor in the open source realm.

Keep in mind, that you should haven’t planned anything serious in the meantime because the rough estimate is about 30 hours for 12 weeks.

So before you actually commit to GSoC think very, very carefully.

You got me, what do I do now?
First, head over to OSGeo Summer of Code Ideas page. [4] Regardless of how good you are, don’t be that student that starts asking admins around for information that already exists. A smart student will check out the recommendations page on how to increase their chances of being selected. This is a great place to find the resources, tips, and channels to get in touch with the communities to discuss your ideas. [5]

It’s not too late sign up for the mailing list to get the latest information. You’ll need it eventually, so the sooner, the better! Another recommendation is to have in mind the deadline for application and so on, therefore make sure you check out the timeline. [6]

Also, remember that from 20th of March until 3rd of April you have to submit your application. Go get in touch with mentors listed about the ideas they are proposed if you haven’t already done that.

If you would like to know what to expect, feel free to read my next article about the experience I had last summer as a GSoC participant under OSGeo umbrella.

Happy coding,

(GSoC ‘16 participant and OSGeo GSoC Admin ‘17)

The power of open source geospatial solutions [Source]

References and useful links:

[1] https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/about/

[2] https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/resources/stats

[3] http://www.osgeo.org/content/foundation/about.html

[4] https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code_2017_Ideas

[5] https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code_Recommendations_for_Students#How_to_increase_your_chances_of_being_selected

[6] https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/how-it-works/#timeline

Source: gogeomatics.ca

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Pelajar Pascasiswazah atau Pembantu Penyelidik di dalam bidang GIS

Mencari seorang pelajar Pascasiswazah (Master atau PhD) atau Pembantu Penyelidik untuk menjalankan penyelidikan berkenaan dengan “APLIKASI AGENT-BASED MODELLING (ABM) DAN GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) UNTUK PENGANALISAAN DAN PERAMALAN CORAK-CORAK JENAYAH”.

Bidang kerja:
– Membangunkan pangkalan data GIS
– Membangunkan model ABM
– Menjalankan analisa dan ramalan corak jenayah
– Menulis laporan dan kertas kerja

Calon yang mempunyai latar-belakang di dalam bidang GIS/geospatial/komputer sains/berkaitan adalah sangat-sangat dialukan.

Calon yang berjaya akan diberikan elaun bulanan dan panduan untuk menjalankan penyelidikan. Sila hubungi: shahabuddin@utm.my bersama dengan resume.

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Future trends in geospatial information management: the five to ten year vision

A new report setting out the five to ten year vision of the rapidly growing geospatial information industry has been published by the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM):

Executive Summary

This 2015 edition of the Future Trends report recognises that the most significant changes in the geospatial industry will come not through a single technology, but rather from linking multiple technologies and policies. The first part of the report, which has been produced through a global consensus process, focuses on the new and emerging trends; these are explored through a series of themes covering one or more topics. The second half of the report incorporates, where relevant, changes that have occurred in the trends identified in the first edition.

Due to increased global urbanisation, it is expected that more focus will be placed on urban environments. The integration of smart technologies and efficient governance models will increase and the mantra of ‘doing more for less’ is more relevant than ever before. The emerging trends of Smart Cities and the Internet of Things, coupled with of smart resource management and interoperable services, will lead to a focus on citizen services, better land management, and the sustainability of resources.

The development of intelligent information‑processing technologies, will provide easier access to a wide range of different services which were previously used for separate applications. These include home and industrial automation, medical aids, mobile healthcare, intelligent energy management, automotive and traffic management, to name only a few.

The next five to ten years will see significant developments in the architecture of the internet. Currently the internet is human‑orientated; the shift towards machine learning and the adoption of the Internet of Things will bring into play devices which are, to all intents and purposes, autonomous and act independently whether or not anyone, or any system, is actively using them.

There is an increasing tendency to bring together data from multiple sources: official statistics, geospatial information, satellite data, big data and crowd‑sourced data among them. For the full potential of these data sources to be realised, it is agreed that data needs to be accessible, interoperable and standardised. This theme is recognised throughout the chapters of this report, and stems from this need for users to be able to integrate different sources and types of information.

The role of National Spatial Data Infrastructures is more important than ever before. They can provide the means to organise and deliver core geographies for many national and global challenges including sustainable development. The paradigm of data availability is changing; there is a huge increase in the tracking and availability of real‑time data. It is no longer just for mapping and delivery, but for integration, analytics, modelling and aggregation.

Work continues at a global level with international standards. The widespread and effective application of standards in many digital information fields is crucial not only for the continued effective use of internet‑based products and services, but also for collaborations between different data organisations.

Although views on policies for the use of authoritative data are fairly consistent around the world, culture has a big influence. Governments are moving towards being commissioners of information rather than creating it themselves. They are working increasingly closely with private sector organisations and are able to add a stamp of authority to data and services provided through public-private partnerships.

New data sources and new data collection technologies must be carefully applied to avoid a bias that favours countries that are wealthier and with established data infrastructures. The use of innovative tools might also favour those who have greater means to access technology, thus widening the gap between the ‘data poor’ and the ‘data rich’.

Governments remain in a unique position to consider the requirements for geospatial information for society as a whole and will continue to play a key role in providing a reliable, trusted and maintained geospatial information base. The exact role a government chooses to take in geospatial information management, the challenges faced, and the changes made will vary from country to country.

Governments retain a key role in ensuring that comprehensive and robust frameworks are put in place with related policies, resources and structures to ensure that geospatial information is easily accessible to decision makers in a coordinated way.

Source: http://ggim.un.org/docs/UN-GGIM-Future-trends_Second%20edition.pdf

 

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Diperlukan Pelajar Pascasiswazah atau Pembantu Penyelidik

Mencari seorang pelajar pascasiswazah atau pembantu penyelidik untuk menjalankan penyelidikan berkenaan dengan “APLIKASI AGENT-BASED MODELLING (ABM) DAN GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) UNTUK PENGANALISAAN DAN PERAMALAN CORAK-CORAK JENAYAH”.

Calon yang berjaya akan diberikan elaun atau gaji bulanan. Sila hubungi: shahabuddin@utm.my bersama dengan resume.

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Postgraduate or Research Assistant Needed!

Looking for a postgraduate or research assistant for conducting a research on “USING AGENT-BASED MODELLING (ABM) AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) FOR ANALYSING AND PREDICTING CRIME PATTERNS”.

Successful candidate will be supported with a monthly allowance or salary. Please contact: shahabuddin@utm.my with your resume.

 

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Malaysia Coordinate Transformation Program

Malaysia Coordinate Transformation Program

By Shahabuddin Amerudin

Geographic Information System (GIS) software has significantly advanced the way we approach mapping and spatial analysis, providing essential tools for converting between various coordinate systems. One of the key innovations in this field is the Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program, developed in 1998 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This program remains a crucial tool for professionals working with geospatial data in Malaysia. This article offers an in-depth exploration of the coordinate transformation process from the global WGS84 system to the local Malaysian systems, such as the Malayan Revised Triangulation (MRT), Rectified Skew Orthomorphic (RSO), and Cassini-Soldner systems.

Understanding Coordinate Systems and Datums

To appreciate the Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program, it is essential to understand the coordinate systems and datums involved. The World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) is a global coordinate reference system used by the Global Positioning System (GPS). Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, WGS84 is based on the GRS80 ellipsoid, which approximates the Earth’s shape (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, 2014). This system serves as the foundation for most GPS-based navigation and mapping activities worldwide.

In contrast, the Malayan Revised Triangulation (MRT) system is a local geodetic system used specifically in Peninsular Malaysia. Established in the mid-20th century, MRT is based on the Modified Everest ellipsoid, chosen for its suitability to the region’s topography (Ibrahim & Rashid, 1998). MRT was the standard for topographical and cadastral mapping in Malaysia before the widespread adoption of global systems like WGS84.

The Rectified Skew Orthomorphic (RSO) projection is a specialized map projection used primarily for topographical mapping in Malaysia. Developed based on Hotine’s theory in 1947, the RSO projection is an oblique Mercator projection that maintains conformality while minimizing distortion along a selected central line (Hotine, 1947). This projection is tailored for the Malaysian peninsula and is still used in many national mapping projects.

The Cassini-Soldner projection, on the other hand, is a cylindrical and transverse map projection historically used for cadastral mapping in Malaysia. Each state in Peninsular Malaysia traditionally had its own Cassini-Soldner system, with unique origins to minimize distortion within the state (Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia [DSMM], 1974). Although its use has declined with the introduction of modern systems, it remains significant in historical cadastral records.

Coordinate Transformation Process

The process of transforming coordinates from WGS84 to the Cassini-Soldner system involves several stages. This transformation ensures the accurate integration of GPS data with local surveying systems (DSMM, 1999).

First, the transformation from WGS84 to the local Malayan Revised Triangulation (MRT) system involves the use of the Bursa-Wolf mathematical model. This model accounts for differences in translation, rotation, and scale between datums. The transformation formula can be expressed as:

XMRT=XWGS84+Tx+(1+S)⋅(Rz⋅(YWGS84−Ty)−Ry⋅(ZWGS84−Tz))
YMRT​=YWGS84​+Ty​+(1+S)⋅(Rz​⋅(ZWGS84​−Tz​)−Rx​⋅(XWGS84​−Tx​))

where Tx,Ty,Tz are translation parameters, S is the scale factor, and Rx,Ry,Rz are rotation matrices (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, 2014). The MRT system uses the Modified Everest ellipsoid, with specific parameters for semi-major axis and flattening (Ibrahim & Rashid, 1998). Standard algorithms based on the Bursa-Wolf model are applied to carry out this transformation.

Next, the transformation from MRT to the Rectified Skew Orthomorphic (RSO) projection involves applying formulas from the Projection Tables for Malaya. This projection uses the same Modified Everest ellipsoid, ensuring consistency with MRT. The RSO projection system is anchored to specific geographical coordinates in Kertau, Malaysia. Parameters such as central meridian, scale factor, and false easting/northing from the Projection Tables are used to perform this transformation (Hotine, 1947).

Finally, transforming coordinates from RSO to the Cassini-Soldner system involves using the Cassini projection formulas. The Cassini-Soldner projection is cylindrical and transverse, with each state in Peninsular Malaysia having its own specific origins to minimize distortion. The transformation parameters include scale factors, translations, and origin adjustments specific to each state (DSMM, 1974).

The Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program

Developed in 1998 using Microsoft Visual Basic 6, the Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program addresses the need for converting coordinates between different systems. Although the program was created on the Windows XP platform, it remains a valuable tool for professionals working with older datasets recorded in these local systems. The program provides a one-way transformation capability, allowing users to convert coordinates from WGS84 to MRT, RSO, and Cassini-Soldner. It also supports state-specific Cassini-Soldner coordinate retrieval, making it highly relevant for land surveying, GIS mapping, and navigation.

Despite its age, the Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program remains remarkably user-friendly, efficient, and effective. It stands as a testament to the lasting influence of early GIS technologies on contemporary geospatial practices in Malaysia. During the late 1990s, many GIS software solutions available at that time struggled with accurate coordinate transformations due to their lack of specific Malaysian transformation parameters, often relying instead on universal formulas that were inadequate for local requirements. The Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program, developed with an understanding of these local nuances, provided a vital solution where others fell short.

The Malaysian Coordinate Transformation Program remains an essential tool for GIS professionals, offering reliable solutions for coordinate conversion in Malaysia. Its ability to bridge the gap between global and local geodetic systems ensures its continued relevance in integrating historical and modern geospatial data.

For further information or inquiries about this program, interested individuals can contact shahabuddin@utm.my.

Important Notice

This program is not compatible with newer datums, such as GDM2000, and is specifically tailored for earlier geodetic systems utilized in Malaysia. As the program was developed in 1998 using Microsoft Visual Basic 6 and Windows XP, users may encounter compatibility issues when running it on the latest versions of Windows.

References

Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (DSMM). (1974). Cassini-Soldner projections for cadastral surveying in Malaysia. Technical Report No. 74-3, Kuala Lumpur.

Hotine, M. (1947). The Rectified Skew Orthomorphic projection of the sphere. The Geographical Journal, 109(2), 97-107.

Ibrahim, M. F., & Rashid, K. A. (1998). Mapping Malaysia: The evolution of geodetic datums and projections. Malaysian Surveyor, 33(4), 22-35.

Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (DSMM). (1999). GPS cadastral survey guidelines Semenanjung Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.jupem.gov.my/jupem18a/assets/uploads/files/pekeliling/a9684-sg-699.pdf

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. (2014). World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) Implementation Manual. Retrieved from https://www.nga.mil

Announcement

We are pleased to announce that the program, now over 25 years old, has benefited numerous users since its initial release. Many users have reached out to me directly via email for assistance, and I have been glad to support them. To make things more convenient, I am now offering this program to the public for free. Those interested can download it from the following link: http://bit.ly/2F6O1ZS. However, please review the following important information before using the program:

Geodetic Datum Support

This program was developed in 1998, based on the geodetic datums available at that time. Therefore, it may not support newer geodetic datums, such as GDM2000, or other recent updates in geospatial reference systems. If your work requires the use of modern datum systems, you may need to use alternative software that accommodates the latest requirements.

Windows Compatibility Issues

The program was created using Microsoft Visual Basic 6 for use on Windows XP, and as such, it may encounter compatibility issues when running on more recent versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you encounter difficulties, here are a couple of solutions:

  1. Install missing libraries: Some required system components, such as the mscomctl.ocx library, may not be included in newer versions of Windows. To resolve this, you can follow the instructions provided here: https://www.windows10free.com/repair-how-to-install-mscomctl-ocx-missing-windows-10/.
  2. Manually download the mscomctl.ocx file: If the issue persists, you can manually download the mscomctl.ocx file from https://thegeekpage.com/mscomctl-ocx/ and follow the provided steps to register it on your system.

Legal Disclaimer

While this program is now freely available to the public, we do not provide any official support or updates. The program is distributed on an “as-is” basis, with no warranties of any kind. By using the program, you acknowledge that we are not liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or damages that may result, particularly given the program’s age and the potential for compatibility issues with modern operating systems.

We hope the program proves useful to you. Please use it responsibly and at your own discretion.

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024

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Mapping of Social Media

Software companies are integrating geographic information systems (GIS) technology and social media to map people’s tweets and other social media platforms with geospatial data. This pairing has been helpful in disaster response and crisis management. In the wake of the January 12th, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, a free phone number was established to allow people to text their requests for medical care, food, water, security, and shelter. According to the Mission 4636 report, “Tireless workers and volunteers translated, geolocated and categorized the messages via online crowdsourcing platforms which sorted the information by need and priority, and distributed it to various emergency responders and aid organizations. Initially, the focus was on search and rescue, but the service scaled up about one week after the earthquake to include a wide range of responses, including serious injuries, requests for fresh drinking water, security, unaccompanied children and clusters of requests for food, and even childbirths”. In May 2012, researcher Laura Morris wrote in Haiti Wired Blog, “ Not only is the ubiquity of mobile telephony globally coupled with the Internet and GIS enabling the victims of crisis to become more active in their own recovery, making the delivery of aid a truly participatory process, semantic web tools such as Ushahidi are empowering the globally connected ‘crowd’ to engage in crisis response and support. Everywhere technology is being used in many different ways to help with disaster & confl ict early-warning, management & resolution and for peacebuilding in the aftermath of crisis”.

Source: Newton Lee (ed), (2014). Facebook Nation Total Information Awareness, 2nd Ed, Springer.