Johannesburg, 26 May 2009
While GIS (geographical information systems) and data representation are relatively new concepts in the context of South Africa, Hannes Snyman, Divisional Manager for GIM at Powertech IST Data, maintains they are already proving invaluable in terms of the visibility they enable. Thanks to advancing technology, both give businesses and government an accurate view of the progress of projects undertaken, enabling decisions to be made faster - and consequently speeding up delivery.
As understanding of GIS and data representation grows, so too does the business case for both government and business use of these products. With delivery dates on most projects - no matter their scope or subject - being reduced and budgets being squeezed, visibility throughout a project's life cycle has become paramount. Not only does this technology ensure accountability, but it also enables challenges to be identified (and subsequently dealt with far sooner), and projects to be completed within, and often before, the requisite deadlines.
Perhaps the best example of where GIS technology is already adding significant value locally is in the utility industry, namely with regards to cabling. By “mapping” all cables underground, both Eskom and Telkom's cabling teams no longer have to go into a municipality's archives when planning projects. Using Powertech IST Data's GIS technology, they now simply access a database that not only registers each cable already laid, but also traces them via a signal. The system additionally tracks voltage travelling through the cables and reports if there is an electrical fault or shutdown in progress. Beyond merely saving time, this increased visibility and access to information has ensured that construction teams no longer damage or cut through existing cables, causing power cuts in the surrounding areas. And, while service providers and construction companies are understandably very interested in the technology, it has also caught the attention of insurance companies - adapting policies to include GIS mapping.
In the context of local government and the provision of key services and utilities then, GIS solutions are enabling information to be both shared and leveraged. This is ensuring far greater collaboration between service providers and government departments, guaranteeing parity of information, avoiding duplication of efforts, and generally improving and integrating productivity.
Data representation is similarly providing business and government with a variety of mapping solutions, including those specifically tailored for forestry, agriculture, and the environment. Allowing users to map damage to crops, fertile land and so forth enables far better planning and use of resources in farming, for example. Mapping endangered species on land and sea is also providing scientists with invaluable information regarding the protection and conservation of specific areas. The possibilities for government in terms of planning are equally significant. In the area of housing alone, this technology would assist in detailing progress and achievements to date, while assisting in identifying suitable areas to build and land at the government's disposal.
In conducting a “show and proof” project with State IT Agency (SITA), Powertech IST Data is working to develop a poverty index, which will enable mapping of all underprivileged citizens using data representation. Once complete, the database will detail information, including ID numbers, address details, community demographics - even income grant amount already earned if applicable. The system will be able to approve or deny grant applications when these are made, and mitigate corrective measures to alleviate the applicant's poverty status.
The technology being used for this project is iSmart, which works on a three-tier approach. After developing a database, information is placed at a central point where it can be accessed by users. This tool then generates reports when prompted to by the user's Web browser. The system differs from others on the market in that only the data required gets transferred over the network (thereby conserving bandwidth), with large data being accessed directly from the site. Being open standard-based, any authorised user is able to update or edit information in the database - anytime, anywhere.
While South Africa and most parts of the world are only just starting to understand the significance of GIS and data representation, the projects already under way in this space bode well for future uptake. As more projects continue to prove the value of visibility - and the savings and productivity it enables - we are sure to see mapping technology become a prerequisite in far more industries, enabling one to work smarter and, as a result, harder to achieve one's objectives.
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