GIS Implementation in the Ministry of Water Resources in Omanby Hussain Jama Ismail Bait-Ishaaq, Ministry of Water Resources, Sultanate of Oman.
|
| |
|
|
Hussain Jama Ismail Bait-Ishaq |
|
Abstract : |
Like many organizations around the world, the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) has recognized that effective management of the information it collects leads to better analysis and decision making. As much of the data the Ministry collects has spatial reference i.e. relates to some feature that can be mapped, it was seen as being important to have a technology that could aid in the effective management of the Ministry's data. Thus, the Geographic Information System (GIS) Section was established in July 1991 with the primary aim; to provide a powerful tool that assists in the effective assessment, planning and management of Oman's water resources.
The MWR GIS design consisted of the logical and physical design of the GIS and involved the identification of user needs, functional requirements, software and hardware to meet these requirements, and the personnel and data resources necessary to implement the design, maintain and operate the system. In addition, several areas for GIS application were identified within MWR. Noteworthy GIS applications which have been / are being developed in MWR to-date include: National Well Inventory Project data in a GIS format, Wadi Dayqah - Dam Site Mapping, Flood Risk Mapping - GIS Mask Preparation and Wadi Al-Batha Project GIS Pilot.
In spite of constraints faced while implementing GIS in MWR, such as the availability of digital map data, a well structured corporate attribute database and Arabization, implementation of GIS in MWR has been considered successful. It allowed visualization of complex data in an easy-to-view graphical manner. At the base level, it showed automation map creation , updating and distribution. Furthermore, GIS has played a big role in helping to eliminate redundant data (spatial) entry, manual error tracking and reporting and reducing paper handling and storage.
This paper outines 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 benefit of GIS within the MWR, the GIS implementation strategy in MWR, GIS applications identified within MWR and constraints in GIS implementation.
Hussain Jama Ismail Bait-Ishaq - Profile :
Qualifications:
1994-1995 - MSc. in Geographic Information for
Development (GID), Durham University, UK
1987-1991 - Bachelor of Science in Soil and water, Sultan
Qaboos University, Oman.
1986-1987 - Secondary School (Science Division) Certificate
Examination
Experience:
July 1996 - Present : Head of GIS Section, Ministry of
Water Resources - Oman
Sept. 1995 - July 1996 : Senior GIS Analysis: Project
Manager, Ministry of Water Resources, Oman.
July 1992 - Sept. 1994 : GIS - Analysis, Ministry of Water
Resources, Oman.
Nov.1991-July 1992 : Cad Technician, Ministry of Water
Resources, Oman.
|
|
|
| |
