MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: New Straits Times

These user-friendly maps are developed on vector files, enabling users to manipulate the maps to suit their individual needs, said Ho.

It was developed through Ho's property information firm, Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd.

"These are not the first digital maps around, but unlike others which have their contents locked and leave little or no space for manipulation, mine allow users to edit their contents," he said.

Since the contents are developed in layers, users can choose to customise their maps according to their needs.

In all, there are about 40 layers which can be overlaid onto Ho's base map, such as built-up areas, condominiums/apartments, hotels, industrial units, shophouses, offices, shopping malls and petrol stations.

"At the same time, they can plot their own landmarks and create their own layers," Ho said.

Through these maps, the users, from developers to real estate agents and valuers, will be able to identify existing and proposed development projects and landmarks, as well as details on land use and major ownerships.

To date, Ho has managed to secure, by personal contact, 50 subscribers to his digital maps, which have been produced for the five major areas in the Klang Valley, Wilayah Persekutuan, Petaling, Gombak, Klang and Kuala Selangor.

The company is currently working on digitizing maps for Penang and Johor. These are scheduled for completion within the next two years.

Ho said the company was in the process of developing the programme further to enable it to provide links with relational databases offering information such as the selling price of a project, land use as well number of units.

However, Ho added that this would only be included in the updated version to be produced by 2002.

"My maps are currently very basic as they help businesses identify areas of growth," he said.

Produced on CD-ROMs - one for each area - these maps cost between RM1,200 and RM2,000 per copy. They are best run on a computer with a Pentium III (450 mhz) processor, 128 MB RAM and either CorelDraw 9.0 or AutoCAD application.

To print the maps, one just needs an ink or laser printer.

Ho said 95 percent of his customers (who make up 90 percent of the property-based companies in Malaysia) were expected to go digital.

Ho gave the assurance that the company would produce updates from time to time.