(Continued from July 28, 2018)
FOR ALL intents and purposes, any basic GIS map could become a multi-layered digital map that could have several specialized layers, for many different purposes, such as tax mapping and hazard mapping.
Technically speaking, however, any basic GIS map is actually just one map with many data layers. In other words, more layers could be added for as long as data is available. At the risk of sounding redundant, I would even say that any basic GIS map is actually a database, or in other words, it could be a collection of several databases, each database with its own data sets.
That being the case, nothing should prevent any LGU from using these databases and data sets for other productive purposes, such as master planning.
There appears to be a silent debate as to when a master plan should be made, whether this should be made before or after local zoning codes are promulgated. Some LGUs say that the local zoning codes should be promulgated first, so that these could be used as the guidelines for the preparation of master plans.
As I see it, however, the master planning should come first, so that local zoning codes could be promulgated or updated.
Adding to what I said earlier, a digitalized master plan for an LGU could actually be a database in itself, with added features or layers such as data sets for business permits and traffic management.
Fortunately for all LGUs, they need not pay anything for GIS software, because there are open source options that are available. As usual, the difference between proprietary and open source systems is the technical support that comes with the former.
Nowadays, however, GIS preparation and maintenance is no longer a mystery, and it is practically a walk in the park. I am saying that because nowadays, there are already many online resources that could be used to complement GIS databases, such as Google Maps and Google Street View.
It seems that in the old days, master planning was all about laying out the road networks and the residential, commercial and industrial areas. That has certainly changed now, because now it also involves laying out the fiber optic networks, the power lines, the water lines and the sewer lines.
In theory and in actual practice, fiber optic cables should be laid in the ground before actual development starts, ideally with provisions already for power lines, water lines and sewer lines. As I see it, LGUs should now face the reality that they already need to have self-reliance or independence in power and water, using renewable sources in both cases.
Not to say that it is the least, but planning should now include the combination of water and sewerage./PN
