MikeLigalig.com

By Bohol Chronicle

The Provincial Government of Bohol sponsored a five-day primer on the implementation of a Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) to National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs).

The basic information dissemination was conducted by the Australian Government Aid Program-sponsored project, Philippines Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF), under the tutelage of Rosalinda Paredes.

The course was aimed at defining GIS and its relationship with modern mapping methods, provide an understanding on the basics of mapping and what map elements represent, introduce concepts of spatial data models and databases and explain the difference between cartography and spatial information systems and the management and value of this information, identify the main sources of spatial information and GIS services available, illustrate the value of GIS through numerous case studies and discuss how these relate to the local environment and potential applications, work through the GIS project management lifecycle and ensure participants have good levels of understanding of the processes involved, and introduce the use of a Free and Open–Source Software for Geography (FOSS-4G) in general, and particularly the FOSS-4G software, QGIS. Participants with high-level computers skills were preferred by the trainors and familiarity with databases was a plus factor.

However, it was made clear that while QGIS can run in windows environment, a linux operating system or distribution can also be used to introduce the use of FOSS-4G tools.

In totality, GIS is a complex discipline. It could not be learned quickly through an easy-to-use software product. It requires knowledge of the disciplines, extensive practical experience and competent computing and programming skills. And, like many scientific disciplines, it also requires continuous learning.

The participants learned that the system is about modeling geographic phenomena in a computer environment so that it can be analyzed and interpreted to support decision-making processes and is a tool which enables organizations to model various scenarios and study these outcomes before costly on-the-ground implementation.

It was also made clear to them that GIS is a tool that can be used for simple spatial data storage and retrieval or to improve operational efficiency through the automation of manual map-making tasks. Many organizations see GIS as an integrating tool and a facility that can integrate a range of corporate datasets and link them based on a common spatial referencing system; meaning, the software potential is there but the organizational arrangements, data and skills are often lacking for immediate implementation. This range of applications at the institution level and the corresponding potential of the technology makes GIS a valuable tool for any organization dealing with land management and urban and regional planning.

But people must also bear in mind that while benefits can be large, the risks and costs can be high if the organization is inadequately prepared for a long-tem management.

Because of this, the Provincial Government of Bohol, with extensive help from the Australian Government, aims to continuously train qualified personnel who could be relied upon to handle such complex data processing and implementation to realize the Chatto-Lim Administration’s dream of providing everything it could possibly afford to do for the people of Bohol.

“It has always been said, ‘Bohol has everything; everything you need is in Bohol.’ But all I can say is ‘I will do everything for Bohol,’” Governor Edgar M. Chatto said with conviction. (jlv.EDCom)

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