GIS Implementation in the Ministry of Water Resources in Oman

Hussain Jama Ismail Bait-Ishaq
and
Philip Burden

GIS Section, Technical Services Department
Directorate of Water Resources Assessment
Ministry of Water Resources
P.O.Box 2575 Ruwi, Postal Code 112
Sultanate of Oman

| Abstract Of The Paper & The Profile of The Speaker | Speaker Index | Paper Title Index |

1. Introduction:

The importance of water as a source of life is indisputable. Water has become more important in this century due to the great technological advancements which have brought about comprehensive development in the various aspects of life. The Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) has implemented different kinds of information technology in order to assist in the effective management and monitoring of the Sultanate of Oman's water resources. One of the information technologies implemented in MWR is Geographic Information System (GIS). To guide its implementation, an implementation plan has been written which sets out the resources and tasks required to realize the objectives of establishing an operational GIS for priority applications at 1:100,000 scale, and other scales,with Ministry wide access for an effective trained GIS user community.

This paper outlines experience learned from Implementing GIS in the Ministry of Water Resources in Oman and the impact that had on helping MWR to better manage water resources in Oman. This will be presented by discussing the benefits of GIS within the MWR' the GIS implementation strategy in MWR, GIS applications identified within MWR and constraints in GIS implementation.

2. Benefits of GIS within the Ministry of Water Resources:

The Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) Geographic Information Systems Section became operational in July 1991 with the primary aim of:

establishing and maintaining a computerized geographic information system (GIS) to assist in the effective assessment, planning and management of Oman's water resources.

In order to carry out it's duties the GIS Section has been divided into two Units, the CAD and GIS Unit.

CAD Unit:

The CAD Unit is primarily concerned with the capturing of thematic map data for various Ministry reports and publications. It also provides digital graphic map data to the GIS Unit.

GIS Unit:

The GIS Unit collects, stores, integrates geographically related (both graphic and textual) information. It also provides results of various requested analysis and thematic map products for inclusion in Ministry reports and publications.

In implementing GIS technology within MWR there were certain benefits to be gained. However, it is well documented in the proceedings of many a GIS conference, that the benefits of introducing GIS technology to an organization will not be immediately realized. It is only after several years of slow and painstaking implementation that the benefits will begin to be realized (Burden and Parker, 1994).

Given this, GIS implementation within MWR is seen as providing both tangible and intangible benefits, including:

  • increased productivity with more efficient map updating and the ability to compile and report information more rapidly;
  • more up-to-date, accurate and reliable information resulting from standardization and integration of data used throughout the Ministry;
  • reduced duplication of effort as more readily accessible data will avoid duplication of data collection and analysis;
  • all map data will be integrated into a single shared, distributed database;
  • improved coordination between departments and Ministries facilitating the storing of data and maps;
  • new geoprocessing techniques will be available for problem solving;
  • better service to Government users will result from more efficient information processing;
  • higher quality products will be produced from more reliable, more accurate data in a more timely, efficient and cost effective manner;
  • better use of Government resources by reducing duplication of effort in manpower and computing resources.

Apart from these significant benefits, Omani Nationals are being training in the use of this highly complex technology. Although initially heavily dependent upon expatriate staff training has been of maj or importance within the GIS Section. Training has taken the form of in-house courses, vender training in hardware and software, on-the-job training, and formal training such as University Degrees. Recently, four Omani staff finished training courses abroad:- three MSc and one HND. This training is theoretically based and supplements the practical in-house training that staff receive. With job hand-over now occurring, expatriates are beginning to be released (Hussain and Burden, 1996).

3. GIS Implementation Strategy and Planning in MWR:

It is a well documented fact that GIS in any organization, takes anything from 3 to 10 years to implement. The actual time taken largely depends upon the degree of GIS functionality required in the implementation, the availability of skilled personnel in GIS matters, availability of digital data, the ease of access to an organization's data, its accuracy, and management's long term support for the introduction of a complex technology.

In order to meet the objectives set out for MWR's GIS Section and realize the benefits identified, the implementation of GIS required a structured system design and implementation approach. The Ministry's GIS Implementation Plan was thus written. This plan documents:

  • the system design approach for identification of user needs, GIS functional requirements, software and hardware specifications to meet these requirements and the personnel and data resources necessary to implement the design, maintain and operate the system.
  • the system implementation, outlining the tasks required to implement GIS in MWR. These tasks are grouped into four tracks:
    • Organization and Staff Development,
    • Software and Hardware Development,
    • Database Development, and
    • Applications Development.

These tasks assisted MWR in ensuring that:

  • the right hardware I software solution was selected to address the needs of the Ministry's GIS;
  • data required for the GIS was identified, including its source, current digital I accuracy status, and the effort required to convert data into a functional GIS format;
  • suitable personnel were recruited to GIS, and that adequate training programs were in place;
  • potential applications were identified, for both short term and long term development;
  • the long term implementation was kept on track via annual business plan reviews.

The Implementation Plan recognizes three development phases;

  • Phase I: Startup - hardware and software installation, recruitment, initial training and database development, pilot project initiation.
  • Phase II: Completion of pilot projects, advanced training, database design, data capture, integration of GIS with MWR databases and remote sensing library.
  • Phase III: Further database development, systems operation and maintenance, training and equipping an expanding GIS user community with MWR and on-line linkage nationally.

The Ministry is currently between completing phase II and starting phase III.

It is recognized that GIS changes the way an organization collects, stores and manipulates its data. It is extremely important therefore, that if this is to be achieved successfully with minimal impact on the way an organization operates, GIS must have a champion who is fully supportive of GIS and is high enough in the organization to be a part of the decision making processes. GIS should also work closely with the other information technology sectors:- Computer Section, Database Section.

4. GIS Applications Identified within MWR:

After initial user surveys, several areas for GIS application were identified within MWR. Noteworthy GIS applications which have been / are being developed in MWR to-date, include:

Application 1: National Well Inventory Project (NWIP):

The NWIP was carried out in MWR to assist in identifying the distribution and quality of groundwater resources, evaluate their present use and demand, and to ensure all wells are registered. All data from the NWI Field Forms has been entered into PARADOX tables. This information will provide a basis for future water supply planning and management for municipal, agricultural and industrial uses.

The NWI and other users of NWI data need to integrate this data with other layers of information for a variety of assessment, planning and management purposes throughout the Ministry. A mechanism for integrating the NWI data with spatial data for rapid display of database queries was required.

As part of a pilot project, GIS has been used to integrate NWI well and property data for several catchments with other data layers such as land use, salinity contours, ground water levels, soils, solid geology, drainage patterns, catchment boundaries, and satellite imagery, etc. This GIS pilot was able to:

  • derive composite map layers which will, for example, delineate areas where salinity is high and ground water levels low;
  • graphically display the results of database queries;
  • contour salinity and ground water levels or water demand; and
  • display scanned documents and photographs associated with wells, to assist with registration inquiries.

ArcView was used as the tool to provide query and display access to this NWIP data in a user-friendly Windows environment. ArcView was able to allow users with no GIS experience to use the NWI GIS database, retrieve, display, map and report the results of any queries that they may generate.

The NWI GIS pilot project has now been completed and well received by Ministry personnel. A schedule for making other NWIP catchment data available in a GIS format has now been commenced (Parker, etc, 1995).

Application 2: Wadi Day qah - Dam Site Planning:

In the absence of suitable large scale mapping, GIS functionality has been used to derive large scale digital terrain models (DTM) from coordinate and elevation information. GIS functionality was then used to automatically calculate area and storage volume for given evaluations and to generate cross sections between any points of interest for the investigation teams. The digital terrain provided the base for detailed geological maps which were also produced using GIS. The DTM also provides a means of visualizing various dam site possibilities with other map features overlain on the model for planning and environmental impact assessment purposes. Using GIS functionality, geology and the DTM could be combined to derive areas of unstable slopes, faults, and potential flooded areas for example.

Once the Wadi Dayqah DTM had been generated it could be used in a number of ways using GIS functionality. One application is to use the grid cell modeling functions of GIS or DTM data to provide and delineate watershed boundaries and stream orders within the watershed. This was undertaken for the small area delineated by Wadi Dayqah.

Application 3: Flood Risk Mapping Project:

Before GIS was available within the Ministry, Flood Risk Atlases were published using primitive manual techniques for the preparation of the printer's color masks. The masks were often prepared by the contracted printing firm, who employed staff to trace flood risk zone boundaries onto several opaque films before hand painting the zones in solid black. This, thus formed the required masks for the printing process. Quite often the tracing was not accurately performed, nor the painting of the zones uniform. The result was a sub-standard printed flood atlas, of low cartographic quality.

With the introduction of GIS however, the preparation of printer's masks could be undertaken digitally and more accurately. In the preparation of masks for a recent flood risk atlas, the manipulation of digital data proved invaluable as the area of concern covered two map datums / spheroids. Some 375 1:2,000 map sheets had to be transformed to one common map datum / spheroid, before masks were produced at a scale of 1:10,000. Such manipulation of a large amount of data such as this could not have been attempted manually.

In all, twelve flood risk assessment areas have completed and are in various stages at final printing.

As a by-product of having the flood risk zonal information in a GIS format, GIS Flood Risk Atlases with an ArcView modified user interface are in the process of being developed. Such atlases when developed, will enable queries to be made through the Windows ArcView 2 interface. Queries such as, My property is identified by property number P292342X I wish to build on this property. What is the flood risk assessment of this property? The results of such a query could either be shown to the customer on-screen, or a hard copy map could be provided. If also linked to property valuation data, the digital flood atlases could prove valuable in helping to determine the value of insurance premiums on properties against flood damage.

After the successful completion of the above applications, we are currently working to develop further applications such as Using GIS in Well Permitting, Aflaj Inventory GIS Development and Using GIS in Groundwater Application Development.

5. Constraints in GIS Implementation:

Any organization implementing a new and complex technology such as GIS, will face difficulties. MWR was no exception to this. Key points any organization wishing to implement GIS in the Middle East should consider, include:

5.1 Adequate funding is available

Always ensure that there is sufficient funding for implementing GIS within an organization. Funds are required for:

  • the procurement and on-going maintenance of hardware and software,
  • consultants to undertake GIS development activities where appropriate,
  • purchase of digital data,
  • short and long term training programs, and
  • attendance at international GIS conferences.

It should be recognized that the first years of GIS implementation are quite cost intensive. However, the pay back will be made in reducing the overall cost in the storage and access to Ministry information as compared with the continued use of conventional means. Also, more up-to-date, accurate and reliable information as a result of the use of automated up-dating procedures and the standardization of data used by Ministries will also see a return on investment for which it is hard to place a monetary value.

5.2 Availability of digital map data

Without a complementary and efficient program of digital map production and conversion, GIS will not operate. In Oman's case, the National Survey Authority is responsible for the preparation and GIS conversion of all base map data, whilst other Ministries are responsible for the conversion of their own data into a GIS format. The Nation's base data is still in the process of being converted into a GIS format.

Also, in order to take full advantage of GIS functionality, it is necessary to ensure that the positional accuracy of map features is adequate for the nature of the spatial analytical tasks being carried out. This is because, quite often not enough attention is paid to the positional accuracy of data when it is being gathered.

5.3 Corporate attribute databases are well structured

Within MWR there has been a rapid development of attribute databases created on standalone PC's. To take advantage of the networking technology that has been introduced into the Ministry, there is now a need to integrate these databases. For this reason, a Ministry-wide database review of all its current digital and paper records has been undertaken. Successful corporate-wide GIS implementation in MWR will be dependent upon the recommendations of this database review being undertaken. Without it, GIS data will not reflect changes made to the corporate databases as and when they occur. A well structured corporate database will also eliminate duplication and erroneous data.

5.4 Adequate training

Within the Ministry three types of GIS users are recognized;

1. Those who will use GIS through a Windows type interface and will not need to know GIS to use much of its functionality;

2. Those who will use GIS through ARC/INFO directly either at the command line or through an interface,

3. Those whose main application software may need to interface with the GIS.

In order to cater for these different levels of users, training has to be pitched at the correct level so as not to confuse the user. Adopting a phased approach, staff of the GIS Section have first received comprehensive training, both in-house and via overseas tertiary studies. With this complete, and as the GIS databases are being developed, training is now being given by GIS staff to the users of GIS data.

Sufficient time should be allowed to enable training to be effective. If the time allowed for training is too short or is not pitched at the correct level to suit the user, adequate comprehension of this complex technology will not be attained.

5.5 Arabization

MWR has implemented a policy that all of its databases and application programs must be bilingual (Arabic / English). Yet problems abound as there is currently no one Arabic computer standard which is used on all the computer platforms. There is clearly a need for this issue to be resolved. For data to be transferred between applications these standards must be in place. For this reason, GIS implementation within MWR has primarily been in English, with only printed maps having Arabic text.

Organizations need to carefully consider their existing databases, the language and standards used, and this will impact the transfer / utilization of database data to GIS applications.

6. Conclusion:

Has MWR been successful in implementing its GIS? With the actual delivery of GIS hardware and software in mid 1992, GIS has helped to bring to the attention of senior management the need for better control and management of the data the Ministry collects. In-spite of several GIS applications having been successfully developed, overall implementation of GIS within the Ministry has fallen behind schedule and needs to be further accelerated. There are several reasons for this, including:

  • being a service provider at the same time as trying to implement GIS. This has directly impacted upon and resulted in the slow capture / conversion of graphic data;
  • not spending enough time on producing quick GIS applications which could be useful to selected Ministry personnel, rather than giving a great deal of attention to the overall corporate GIS / data issues;
  • spending too much time on training, and not enough on fast application development;
  • the slow speed of addressing the corporate data issues raised by GIS in the early stages of its implementation.

Faced with these difficulties, the situation is slowly changing for the better. Given the slower than expected implementation, MWR is still considered to be the lead agency in implementing GIS in the Sultanate and is often called upon to provide advise to other organizations to assist them in implementing their GIS systems. In this regard, GIS in MWR has been successful, for it has helped to make personnel, both within MWR, and external to the organization, more aware of the powerful tool GIS is in managing and querying an organization's spatial / attribute data.

7. References:

Alston, R (1992), A Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis of Geographic Information Systems.

Burden, P.J and Parker, C.J., (1994), The Ministry of Water Resources Geographical Information System. Volume 1 - Main Report. Unpublished internal report.

Hussain, J .I and Burden, P .J (1996), The Role of GIS in Managing Water Resources. A Paper Presented on the IIR Conference, Dubai 2-4 April 1996.

Parker, C.J, Burden, P.J and Al-Busaidi. H, (1995), The development of Water Resources GIS Applications: Concerns and Issues. A Paper Presented on the Middle East GIS User Group Meeting in Cairo, Egypt 19-22 January 1995.

| Abstract Of The Paper & The Profile of The Speaker | Speaker Index | Paper Title Index |

CGIS HOME PAGE

CONTENTS