The feasibility of a land information system for Belize,Central America

Abstract

Limitations of the current land records systems in Belize, Central America, led leaders of the Ministry of Natural Resources to initiate this feasibility study for a computer-aided land information system (LIS). Land records in Belize have been based on the British Torrens land tenure system, which maintains five sets of records along with informative maps. One paper file is maintained for each title application and records are continually circulated between seven locations throughout the country, resulting in up to 3 years to complete the process of title registration. A LIS will permit quick access to land records and eliminate most of the current problems, and will merge with a geographic information system being developed for Belize.     

The use of land and property information systems

Abstract

This paper examines the use of land and property information systems by local authorities in England and Wales. A number of important lessons for the future are discussed. There is much evidence which suggests that the primary use of land and property information systems is to support administrative tasks. This is an important conclusion when it is borne in mind that, in early days of discussions on the design of land and property information systems, it was envisaged that most of the output from such systems would be for management     

The Thailand Land Titling Project First steps in a parcel-based LIS†

Abstract

This paper describes the progress of the Land Titling Project in Thailand, the objectives of which are to issue titles to all eligible landholders, to improve land administration, to remap all urban areas and to establish a land valuation system. The significance of this project in the context of land information systems (LIS) is that its operations are essential preliminary steps in the development of an effective information system and its experience will therefore be of value in the many countries which are contemplating the establishment of such a system. Special features of the project which contribute to its success are outlined. The project will take twenty years and LIS will be a major activity in the second five-year phase (1990-1994), involving a multi-layer LIS in the Bangkok metropolis and parcel databases in provincial Land Offices.     

Modelling the temporal element in land information systems

Abstract

This paper considers the use of a modern programming language (Modula-2) to develop a data model for a lot-based land information system. The emphasis is on the importance of maintaining the history of the lots, and a data model is developed which incorporates the history of each lot.     

进一步完善我国土地登记法律制度的探讨

为使土地登记规范化、程序化、制度化,更好地为确定土地权属、规范土地流转、保护土地权利人的权利服务,为社会经济的发展提供权属清楚、界址分明、面积准确的土地资源,该文基于目前土地登记中存在的问题,构想了一套由土地登记的法律、法规、规章和制度组成的比较完备的土地登记法律制度体系。     

Editorial

Abstract

The analysis of geographical information is compared with other production processes in which a user can only accept an end-product if it meets certain quality requirements. Whereas users are responsible for defining the levels of quality they need to use the results of the analyses of geographical information systems in their work, database managers, experts and modellers could greatly assist users to achieve the quality of results they seek by formalizing information on: (1) data collection, level of resolution and quality; (2) the use of the basic analytical functions of the geographical information system; and (3) the data requirements, sensitivity and error propagation in models. These meta-data could be incorporated in a knowledge base alongside the geographical information system where, together with procedures for on-line error propagation, a user could be advised on the best way to achieve a desired aim. If the analysis showed that the original constellation of data, methods and models could not achieve the aim with the desired quality, the intelligent geographical information system would present a range of alternative strategies—better methods, more data, different data, better models, better model calibration, or better spatial resolution—and their costs by which the user's aims could reasonably be achieved.     

Is GIS appropriate technologyquest;

Abstract

Appropriate technology (AT) has become an integral part of the programmes for decentralized regional development in the Third World. ‘Appropriate’ techniques are usually low in capital costs; they can be maintained without a high level of expertise; and they do not involve patents, expensive copyrights and royalties. By these criteria a commercial geographical information system (GIS) is not an appropriate technology to be used in decentralized development However, the use of local renewable resources involves the adoption of end-use analysis for matching end-uses to specific sources so as to minimize the consumption of material and energy (i.e., minimize entropy). This matching requires much information which leads to what may be called the 'information-entropy trade-off; minimization of entropy requires an inverse increase in information. In this respect computers and GIS have an important contribution to make to decentralized regional planning. Drawing on a case study in Sri Lanka, this paper presents some ideas on how to incorporate GIS into local-level planning information systems.     

Resource use in manual digitization A case study of the Patuxent basin geographical information system database

Abstract

In the face of limited and declining budgets, the estimation of costs involved in implementing a geographical information system (GIS) deserves attention. One of the major procedures inherent in the use of GIS is the task of digitizing existing maps. This step is not only the first but may also occur at various stages of the implementation. There is, however, a lack of information on the cost of digitizing. This paper identifies the costs of an intensive effort at manual digitizing over a period of eleven months using the ARC/INFO GIS on a Prime 9650 mini-computer. General costs for digitizing one layer of information from a U.S. Geological Survey 1:24 000 quadrangle are derived. Although the results are based on factors which are unique to this study, the author believes that the findings provide useful bases for estimating costs of digitizing.     

A GIS method to aid in non-point source critical area analysis

Abstract

The use of remote sensing techniques, image processing, computer mapping and overlays to make inventories of land use and to improve land and water management has increasing potential. Advantages of these techniques include greater geometric resolution and potential time and money savings. The increasing capabilities of personal computers and workstations (hardware and software) and the greater availability of databases have simplified the application of these techniques. In this application, a geographical information system (GIS) was used to facilitate the identification of critical non-point source areas of pollution by sediment-related nutrients. This critical source area information might then be used to aid in the development of non-point source control strategies or for monitoring programme design. This study shows the potential of using GIS in selecting critical source areas for sediment-related water quality problems and land resource protection.     

Development and test of an error model for categorical data

Abstract

An error model for spatial databases is defined here as a stochastic process capable of generating a population of distorted versions of the same pattern of geographical variation. The differences between members of the population represent the uncertainties present in raw or interpreted data, or introduced during processing. Defined in this way, an error model can provide estimates of the uncertainty associated with the products of processing in geographical information systems. A new error model is defined in this paper for categorical data. Its application to soil and land cover maps is discussed in two examples: the measurement of area and the measurement of overlay. Specific details of implementation and use are reviewed. The model provides a powerful basis for visualizing error in area class maps, and for measuring the effects of its propagation through processes of geographical information systems.     

JAMGIS,the first Jamaican Government comprehensive multi-data geographical information system Achievements and problems

Abstract

JAMGIS, the first comprehensive multi-data geographical information system (GIS) in Jamaica, has been developed by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with USAID and two universities in the U.S.A. The system and its database are described and a number of problems encountered in its development and practical application are discussed. The most valuable products to date have been the delineation of areas of crop suitability, two series of twelve land use/cover maps at 1:50000 scale and statistical analyses of soil and land resources.     

Current and potential uses of geographical information systems The North American experience

Abstract

Abstract This paper provides an overview of developments and applications of geographical information systems (GIS) in North America over the past 20 years, together with some indications of lessons learned and prospects for the future. Most developments in this field have been confined to a small number of sectors, including forestry, land registry, transport and facility planning, civil engineering, agriculture and environment, although progress has been variable. The wider use of GIS has been (and will probably continue to be) inhibited by a number of factors, such as lack of digital base mapping, limited digital data, unawareness among potential users and resistance to new technology, coverage of data, assessment of costs and benefits, technological developments affecting GIS and sources of funds for research to political structures, availability of skilled staff, lack of proper advice, the unwisdom of ‘going it alone’ and management problems (which are as important as technical problems, if not more so). A successful programme of GIS depends on a coordination of effort relating to applications, trained personnel, governmental involvement in R. &D. and development of a source of independent advice.     

A GIS evaluation of land use dynamics and forest soil fertility in a watershed in Nepal

Abstract

A geographical information system (GIS) based study was carried out in a densely-populated watershed in Nepal. An evaluation of land use change between 1972 and 1990 indicated that there has been an increase in forest and agricultural land area and a decrease in shrubland and grassland area. GIS techniques were used to produce single and composite fertility index maps, which can be used for problem identification and planning. These maps indicate that forest soil fertility is generally poor in the watershed. GIS was found to be very beneficial in addressing critical resource issues in small watersheds in developing countries.     

Land Classification Maps of Areas Basic to Agricultural Production

Abstract

Einevoll, O. 1968. Land Classification Maps of Areas Basic to Agricultural Production. Norsk geogr. Tidsskr. 22, 264–270.

In Norway, a detailed land survey, based on photogrammetry, is now proceeding for land classification maps of the scale 1:5,000 (for certain minor areas 1:10,000) covering agricultural areas and including forest land. The areas to be mapped are classified according to land capability and general conditions of management. Containing a great deal of additional information as well, these maps will serve as a valuable aid in land use planning. The survey is designed to be completed in 12–15 year's time.

More roughly designed maps for the entire country on the scale 1:100,000 and 1:250,000, printed in colour, will be produced within two years' time. Intermediate maps of 1:20,000, containing an extended number of land types, will be undertaken gradually, after the appearance of the large scale map series. Property boundaries recorded in connexion with the surveying for the large scale maps will serve as the basis for a complete land register containing exact information about size and land properties of individual holdings.     

Predictive land value modelling in Guatemala City using a geostatistical approach and Space Syntax

ABSTRACT

Spatial information of land values is fundamental for planners and policy makers. Individual appraisals are costly, explaining the need for predictive modelling. Recent work has investigated using Space Syntax to analyse urban access and explain land values. However, the spatial dependence of urban land markets has not been addressed in such studies. Further, the selection of meaningful variables is commonly conducted under non-spatialized modelling conditions. The objective of this paper is to construct a land value map using a geostatistical approach using Space Syntax and a spatialized variable selection. The methodology is applied in Guatemala City. We used an existing dataset of residential land value appraisals and accessibility metrics. Regression-kriging was used to conduct variable selection and derive a model for spatial prediction. The prediction accuracy is compared with a multivariate regression. The results show that a spatialized variable selection yields a more parsimonious model with higher prediction accuracy. New insights were found on how Space Syntax explains land value variability when also modelling the spatial dependence. Space Syntax can contribute with relevant spatialized information for predictive land value modelling purposes. Finally, the spatial modelling framework facilitates the production of spatial information of land values that is relevant for planning practice.     

SELLERS AND NONSELLERS OF LAND FOR NEW RURAL HOUSING∗

Landowners can choose either to sell or to hold their land in areas with active rural land markets. Sellers and nonsellers are both important because their decisions shape patterns of land use. Analysis of mail survey data from 286 landowners in the Rochester, MN SMSA isolates four characteristics that distinguish sellers from nonsellers: occupation, size of landholding, recent acquisition of land, and interest in selling land. Nonsellers are often farmers with a large landholding and no interest in selling. More information is needed about their non-economic motives for holding land.     

Environmental decision support system project: an exploration of alternative architectures for geographical information systems

Abstract

Recent changes in information technology offer the opportunity to explore alternative architectures for geographical information systems (GIS) which might better support advanced applications. This paper describes the architecture and implementation of the environmental decision support system (EDSS), a prototype GIS tool kit. The architecture is based on a simple yet powerful systems model using only data collections, views and operations as the basic entity types. The design of the user interface, data management and data analysis within the model are outlined, with particular emphasis on the advanced facilities for which implementation is simplified by the architecture. A prototype applications system, BANKSIA, is also described.