Introduction
This chapter presents the conclusions of the research and proposes some recommendations based on the objectives pursued in Chapter 1. First the conclusions are presented and then recommendations are tabled. The concluding paragraph of this chapter outlines the relationship between the suggested improvement tools and the objectives of this research.
It is through this paragraph that scopes for further research on other mapping series components are indirectly articulated.
Conclusions
Using the three approaches of system analysis, user satisfaction survey and SWOT, the Orthophoto Mapping system (OMS) of the Chief Directorate of Surveys and Mapping in South Africa was analyzed. Systems analysis was used to analyze the OMS in terms of its data flows, data stores and processes. The data flow diagramming technique and SDW case tool were used to decompose the OMS into 3 system diagrams; a Context, top level and lower level. 8 terminators (organizations that supply or receive data) from the OMS were identified together with their data flows (see context diagram figure 5.1). The top-level diagram was created by decomposing the context into 2 key processes; unprocessed data extraction (process 1) and cartographic enhancement (process 2). All data flows appearing on the context were accordingly connected to the relevant process at the top level. A subsequent decomposition of process 1 was then carried out, resulting in a lower level system diagram (figure 5.3) were two key data stores; TIS and the shared drive, were shown. Through the systems analysis, the OMS’s processes, data flows and data stores, and their links have been shown. Based on the system diagrams, a client satisfaction survey was then carried out on TIS, in the second objective. The TIS was chosen after taking into consideration the numerous data flows that flow into and out of it (figure 5.3).
A questionnaire was developed and a survey was carried out to assess the level of satisfaction of users of TIS with the accuracy, completeness, correctness and accessibility of TIS data. Out of a possible 30 users, 25 participated in the questionnaire-administered interview. The results (figure 5.4) showed that all users (except orthophoto mapping) were generally satisfied with the 4 variables assessed. Following the user satisfaction survey, a
SWOT analysis (objective 3) of the OMS was done to determine the internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats. 6 strengths, 8 weaknesses, (table 5.1) and 8 opportunities and 9 threats (table 5.2) were recorded. These strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were then used to develop a SWOT matrix were several strategies for OMS improvement were suggested (table 5.3)
The research has demonstrated the use of 3 separate key concepts in analyzing an OMS.
These approaches when combined give a holistic and broader analysis of the production system side of OMS (through system analysis’ data stores, data flows and process), the user’s view (through user satisfaction analysis with TIS data store) and the challenges that the OMS experiences from its internal and external operational environment (SWOT analysis).
Recommendations
Based on the objectives pursued, the case study and results obtained for each objective, the following recommendations can be drawn:-
A complex system such as Orthophoto Mapping System can face numerous operational challenges which may need to be analyzed in a structured manner. In this research, 3 approaches have been used, dictated by the challenges at hand (fragmentation, lack of goal sharing, lack of understanding of common and individual needs). However, these approaches are not the only possible combinations. It is recommended that OMS facing similar challenges could use some or all of the approaches as a start for analyzing their specific cases.
A number of strategies have been developed based on the SWOT (see the SWOT matrix on table 5.3). Implementation of some of these strategies can be considered taking into consideration the resources and priorities of the CDSM.
The user satisfaction and SWOT have shown that the Orthophoto mapping‘s accuracy requirements are not met in the current system. It is recommended that such needs be reviewed with the relevant data custodians in an attempt to improve the requirements.
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APPENDIX 1
Interview: 12th August 2008
Mrs Judith Velemani and Mr Yalezo Rasonti (Chief Industrial Technicians: CDSM)
1. What are the core data sets of Orthophoto mapping?
Answer: Contours, Spot heights, names, Trig beacons, Power lines, and Boundaries.
2. Where are these datasets stored and in what format?
Answer: They are stored in a shapefile format and Rectified images are stored in a TIFF format. All shapefiles are stored in Oracle database.
3. How are they accessed?
Answer: All shapefiles in Oracle Database are accessed through FME Workbench and the imagery on the AMASS is accessed via CuteFTP™.
4. What are the common daily problems that come with the datasets?
Answer: i) Getting incorrect data from the contractors.
ii) Data with topology problem especially when the job has got heavy contours.
iii) Names dataset is sometimes not updated which needs mapmakers to rely on hard copies for annotation which could cause problems because even the hard copies are 20–25 years old meaning there could be a lot missing, i.e. new development in that old copy.
iv) Another problem would be the time the managers take to replace people who leave the organization.
APPENDIX 2
Interview: 23rd July 2008 Mrs Mariana French
(Deputy Director: Cartography)
1. What is the correct criterion that is supposed to be the driving factor behind choice of orthophoto map coverage?
Answer: Available budget, NIMAC inputs, government priorities and vintage of the current orthophoto maps.
2. Is it always possible to follow this criteria and if not what are the other alternatives?
Answer: No, sometimes we are driven by the availability of the supplementary datasets like DEMS, relief data and rectified imagery in order to push for targets.
3. Do the alternate methods always work in favour of the planned mapping program?
Answer: Not always, sometimes they force diversion from the planned program as they can be in contrary with response to question 1 above.
APPENDIX 3
Interview: 21st September 2008 Mr Steve Jansen
(Chief Industrial Technician: Ancillary Data & Imagery Acquisition) 1. What is the role of your division in the datasets housed in the TIS?
Answer: Updating the feature class called names/text with emphasis on non-descriptive attributes.
2. How are these features stored in the database?
Answer: Oracle uses tables that store such information’s geometry, attributes and indexes.
3. Who do you rely on regarding the verification of the names and do you have a conducive working relationship with that body or institution?
Answer: It is supposed to be the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) and we are not getting any support from this council as they do not respond to our request on verification of these names, especially place names.
4. Who are the other institutions that helps/supply you with relevant data to pursue this task?
Answer: National Departments of Health, Education, Water Affairs, City Councils, South African Police Services, STATSSA etc.
5. Are there any problems related to such donors or data received from them and please explain?
Answer: Yes, accuracy and format of the data received is problematic and can be tied to the fact that people in these institutions have little knowledge of the technicalities of dealing with spatial information because they are from different backgrounds.
6. What are the driving factors behind your planning of areas to be mapped or flown?
Answer: Age of the current map and the rate of development are the core drivers.
APPENDIX 4
Electronic mail interview: 2nd October 2008 Mr Marc Machlaglan
(Control Industrial Technician: Map Compilation)
1. Who is responsible for the integrity of the data in the TIS?
Answer: The Map Data Processing Division (MDP) is responsible for the administration and therefore the integrity of the TIS database. Other divisions supplying data are also guided by these rules, as listed below. This ensures quality standards are meet within there divisions. MDP is mealy the administration of the data.
2. What are the measures of ensuring this integrity?
Answer: The following standards/measures are employed to ensure the Topological and Attribute integrity are of the spatial data housed in the CDSM Oracle Database Topographical Information System (TIS).
Topological Integrity of Spatial Data Introductions
Symbology to be used in illustrations Terminal vertices
Normal vertices between terminal vertices Line Features (Geometry) defined:
All linear features are described as either line or polyline. A linear feature consists of terminal vertices, commonly referred to as nodes, and normal vertices in between the terminal nodes. A line feature consists of two terminal vertices only and a polyline feature consists of two terminal vertices and other vertices in between:
Line Geometry Polyline Geometry
Connectivity, Line geometry:
Invalid connectivity (missing node at intersection) Valid connectivity (node at intersection)
3. Who are your clients?
Answer: Cartographic Services: Medium Scale, Small Scale and Sales Marketing
APPENDIX 5
CLIENT SATISFACTION QUESTIONNAIRE
The core business of Topographical Information System (TIS) database of the Chief Directorate of Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) is to collect, maintain and store topographical data for use by its clientele of geospatial information. You have been identified as one of the users or custodians of this topographical data and therefore requested to take a few minutes of your time and give feedback on the following questionnaire. Please note that in order for the author to make effective analysis of the outcomes you need to be as frank and as honest as possible. The questionnaire is designed to rate the level of satisfaction of CDSM users of the TIS dataset in terms of its quality variables as listed in the questionnaire below.
Also, note that the responses captured in this questionnaire will be used solemnly for the author’s academic purposes and will not by any means be used for other purposes