MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: New Straits Times

The process of mapping the country electronically began in July 2001, and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) has just released e-maps of Kuala Lumpur/Putrajaya and Kelantan.

Preparing the digital atlas of the country is part of the National Atlas Information System project undertaken by Jupem under the Seventh Malaysia Plan.

It will see these e-maps being packaged in CD-ROMs with virtual reality functions, 360-degree rotational views, zoom capabilities, specific scale selection, bearing identification and graphic user interfaces.

Notwithstanding the digital technology, land mapping remains an arduous task of data collection and verification.

"It is by no means easy. Land mapping involves aerial photography, land surveying, compilation and plotting of the data and verifying the proof maps," said Jupem's chief cartographer Ismail Mohd Yusof.

One thing that this technology had succeeded in doing is make previously restricted maps widely available.

"Previously, topographic maps were restricted items under the Official Secrets Act. However, with the computerised system, the department is able to filter out sensitive information and create a separate series of maps suitable for public use," Ismail explained.

Aside from the e-maps of Kuala Lumpur/Putrajaya and Kelantan, Jupem will be expanding its catalogue to include e-maps of Selangor, Malacca and Perlis, which will be released soon.

Ismail said subsequent releases would be more advanced than the earlier ones because of constant improvements being made to the interface.

For instance, Jupem included the kiblat direction and Muslim prayer times in the revised version 1.0 for the Kelantan e-map.

Version 2.0 of the e-map of Malacca, scheduled for release in September, will see the inclusion of additional features, such as an option to run it in Malay or English. Users will also be able to customise their maps by inserting symbols and text.

Advancements in functions and capabilities of the e-maps rest with Jupem's research and development team, which forms part of the 60-strong staff at Jupem's Cartographic Department.

The e-maps are available to the public at RM5 each at Jupem's map sales office in Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur, and also at its State offices.