Applications oe geographical information systems in physical planning

Abstract

Physical planning is defined as the art and science of ordering the use of land and the sitting of the buildings and communication routes so as to secure the maximum degree of economy, convenience, and beauty to formulate the principles which should guide in creating a civilized physical environment for human life. Activities on land vary from economy, commercial, industry, government offices, transportation and utility companies; these are subject to many regulations that exist to safeguard the interest of public. Information is essential for physical planning and public utilities in corporate with the economy. Formation of data model using GIS techniques is vital, to follow changes in land to provide land-related data to different institutions in concern. The central area of Khartoum City is chosen to be the case study. Geographical data for spatial features which vary from buildings, roads, spaces have to be compiled from line maps, photographs, satellite images, ground survey records. Non-spatial data would also be collected to form the attributes of the spatial features. Control points of the real world may be used for registration and referencing. GIS Software and other supporting programs would be used to transform all the data into digital. Different themes have to be created and each feature is linked to its associate data. Queries would be built up to support decision making process. After completion of the project, a computerized data model is then established which help the Ministry of Physical Planning and Public Utilities to draw up plans and to provide services to different sectors and show how land could be utilized for different activities. This data model would be used to monitor changes in land-use and to put plans and strategies for future development. The data model may be expanded by adding more data to cover the whole city of Khartoum and may be an ideal to be implemented in other places.