New Method of Data Automation Introduced by Water GIS Unit |
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The Water GIS unit in Qatar's Ministry of Electricity & Water (MEW) has introduced Water-DAT (Water Data Automation Tools), a user-friendly, data automation tool for the conversion of its water network inventories.
MEW was faced with the monumental task of converting a large number of paper maps, stored at various drawing offices throughout the country, to a digital format for use with its GIS. Adding to the challenge was a lack of standard formats for the existing maps and a shortage of qualified staff to complete the data automation process according to the established national GIS standards. In addition, since the maps varied so greatly in size and format, it was decided that using traditional scanner or digitizing techniques for input would not produce accurate enough results.
It was decided to develop a product that could be used by the existing drawing office staff working at their regional offices. While the staff is generally not computer literate, they have extensive knowledge on the preparation of paper drawings & survey records, which greatly facilitates drawing conversion.
Water-DAT is used in conjunction with GISnet, the fiber optic network connecting all government agencies using GIS. It provides a means of remote data conversion, while maintaining the country's stringent GIS quality standards. Water-DAT's capabilities include quality checks, check plots, data-tables for checking and extensive on-line help. Since the data automation is done at the regional office level, it greatly reduces the time needed for the verification and correction of digitized coverages and data collection.
Final quality checks and the posting of these coverages for use on GISnet by other agencies is done by the Water GIS unit.
Comments Rajendra Inani, GIS Coordinator for Water, "This tool has given a big boost to the GIS implementation programs in our ministry, since the participation level now extends to our end users."