Large Scale Maps - Perspectives and Directions

in Developing Nations
S. Natarajan
Prof. & Head Dept. of Computer Science,
Global Academy of Technology, Bangalore-560098, India
Email: snatarajan_44@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

With the advent of high resolution satellite data from satellites like Cartosat, IKONOS and Quick bird the cast
of updation of both cartographic and thematic maps using them have become a reality. This has helped
developing nations a timely tool for their planning and development needs. Looking at the global needs of
infrastructure and management of natural resources, this has become the need of the hour in terms of cost and
time advantage. This paper gives an overview of some of the projects undertaken using high resolution satellite
data.

Key words: High resolution satellite data, Thematic maps, natural resources

1.0 INTRODUCTION

India had embarked on a major initiative called NNRMS (National Natural Resources Management
System) more than two decades back, which has been successfully executed in several natural
resources projects. The major elements of NNRMS encompass conceptualization and implementing
space segments with necessary ground-based data reception, processing and interpretation systems,
and integrating the satellite-based remotely sensed data with conventional data for resource
management applications. NNRMS activities are coordinated at the national level by the Planning
Committee of NNRMS (PC-NNRMS), which provides guidelines for implementation of the system
and also oversees the progress of remote sensing applications for natural resources management in the
country. In the current scenario launching of Cartosat series of satellites with stereo mapping
capabilities has opened up the capability of large scale mapping for urban and rural applications.
Efforts have been done towards updating large scale maps for natural resource applications in China
and other countries.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The objective is illustrated (Krishnamurthy et al, 2004 by means of the execution of Large Scale
Mapping (LSM) project in India. The main goal of the LSM project is to generate one set of large
scale cartographic quality maps on 1:10,000 scale using high resolution satellite data and satellite
based control survey, for entire country. The LSM project proposes to enable a programme, which
makes available new generation large scale base maps. In addition, appropriate Digital Elevation
Model (DEM), Ortho-mosaicked image/ precision geo-coded image, visualisation software also forms
parts of deliverables.
The broad aspects involved are:

1. Creation of necessary infrastructure for this project in terms of hardware, software and
personnel trained specifically for satellite based control survey and other allied needs.
2. Generation of operational database.
3. Documentation of processes, procedures etc. and the corresponding quality assurance and
quality control procedures.
4. Value addition of Large Scale base map for various Cartographic and Thematic applications.
5. Technology transfer to an appropriate agency for regular creation, updation, archival and
dissemination of large scale base maps.

3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

As the LSM project was executed for the first time in the Indian context, a detailed set of
specification were formulated.

1. The numbering system was based on that of International Map of the World (IMW).
2. The datum is based on WGS84 and the map projection is adopted for a area based on
location, size and shape.
3. The map or product components are comprised of a) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) b)
Ortho-rectified/ Precision corrected Image Pyramid c) Vector map layers for Cultural
features, Transportation features, Vegetation features, Hydrography features, General
Landuse/ Land cover features. The other components are metadata and visualization software.
4. The content standards in terms of elevation and spacing details of DEM, Image content
specification for both ortho-rectified and precision corrected data.
5. The content specification of vector features including feature definition and symbol
standards.
6. The quality standards of DEM in terms of visual quality, vertical accuracy at check points
etc…
7. Evolving metadata standards for media as well as format specifications.
4.0 METHODOLOGY

The methodology for LSM project caters for terrain of types namely high relief, moderately relief as
well as flat surface. The major elements of LS base map preparation cater for the following.

• Defining Area of Interest (AOI) in geographic coordinates from the existing SOI maps
and municipal maps and then generating the AOI in shape file format.
• Placing the order for procurement high resolution satellite data – the time taken for this
process is anywhere between two to ten weeks.
• Planning for GPS control survey and conducting control survey – this needs geodetic
GPS for base station for accurate data generation, a set of well distributed GCPs
(Ground Control Points) and connection to National Geodetic Framework.
• Geo-referencing of monocular images and stereo triangulation of stereo images using
GPS controls – involving image rectification before geo-referencing.
• 2D mapping/updating of existing large scale map using monocular images and 3D
mapping/updating of existing large scale map stereo images respectively – for stereo
data triangulation/ block adjustment, feature capture and generation of DEM are
required.
• LSM-Geospatial database generation – a robust design for the current and future usage
needs to be addressed.
• Field verification and field data collection – this involves verifying features on the
ground using random sampling techniques for their correctness.
• Field data incorporation into LSM-geospatial databases.
• Output generation

5.0 PRODUCTION PROCESS

The product process of LSM project is in two phases namely pilot phase and operational phase.

The Pilot Phase caters for priority areas mainly limited to urban areas, rural areas, and disaster prone
areas. This Phase involves the using high-resolution mono or stereo satellite data from IKONOS and
Quickbird and using external DEM (available from aerial survey data or Airborne Laser Terrain
Mapper) and finalisation of methodology and product generation.

The Operational Phase catering for usage of Cartosat data (DEM generated from Cartosat 1stereo
products and Cartosat – 2 images). The Associated activities proposed under operational phase
include a) Development of specific value-added products from the LSM products for urban, tourism,
cadastral, disaster management etc. and b) Transfer of methodology and involvement of Survey of
India for this activity.

5.1 Criteria for selection of sites for Pilot projects

The pilot project sites have been chosen essentially to have the experience of generation of large scale
base map in diverse terrain and considering the requirement for National Urban Information System
(NUIS) and the city/town plan authorities. A proposal to develop a holistic NUIS project was mooted
under the NNRMS Standing Committee on Urban Management (SC-U) in a National Mission Mode
in phases. It is proposed to develop two levels of databases in the scale of 1:10,000 and 1:2,000 scales
as an input to Development/Master Plan and 1:1,000 for utility planning. For preparation of input
development plan/Master plan maps calls for the large scale base map. It is proposed to support this
mission by preparation of Large Scale base maps for those cities/towns identified. Many city/town
planning authorities have been requesting for the development of City/Town GIS basically to address
property asset evaluation, water distribution system, power distribution management etc. The value
addition of Large Scale base map envisaged under LSM project will suffice their needs.

6.0 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIRMENTS

The essential hardware required are the following

(1) Dual frequency GPS receivers

(2) Windows Work Stations

(3) PC based Digital Photogrammetric Work Station.

(4) Data Archival and Storage devices.

(5) Hardware Peripherals like Plotter and Printer.

The software packages required (including Quality Assurance and Quality Control) are

(1) GPS software

(2) Digital photogrammetry software
(3) Image processing software
(4) GIS software
(5) Archival and retrieval software
(6) Metadata software
(7) Visualization software
(8) Map packaging software
7.0 APPLICATIONS

The terrain information is critical in applications like corridor mapping and pipeline alignment
studies. Some of the applications are mentioned here for which value addition to the base map
is required.

• Facility Management (Power, Gas, Water, Sewage and Telecom)

• Location based services (industries, education, health etc.)
• Corridor mapping for infrastructure, development (transport connectivity studies, road
alignment, power line, pipeline alignment)
• Disaster management (floods, landslides, earthquake)
• Developmental activities (watershed management, wasteland reclamation)
• Visualization models, 3 D fly-through
• Buffer zones for EIA studies (requires integration of spatial and attribute information).

8.0 DIRECTIONS IN OTHER DEVELOPING NATIONS

Recently a study by (Ottichilo et al 2004 ) gives description about the updating of national map
of Kingdom of Swaziland using 20 by 20 meter resolution SPOT imagery. This case study will
pave way for similar work in other nations in Africa where the maps are not updated
periodically. The work described by (Tirisirisatayawang et al 2004) talks about utilizing high
resolution satellite data for their mapping needs in Thailand. Another interesting paper by
(Tono Saksono 2002) discusses the utilization IFSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture
Radar) for mapping Indonesia on a ten year time frame.

9.0 CONCLUSION

The Large Scale Mapping as well as map updation calls for utilization of high resolution
satellite data in developing nations. This becomes an excellent tool for planning and
management of infrastructure and resources in developing nation scenario.
REFERENCES

[1] Krishnamurthy J., Natarajan S, Krishnaiah P., Kalyanaraman K., Mukund Rao.,
Jayaraman V., (2004), Large Scale Mapping using high resolution satellite data, In
Proceeding of 7th International Conference on Global Spatial Data Infrastructure
February 2-6 2004, Bangalore India.

[2] Ottichilo W., Khamala E,(2004), Map Updating Using High Resolution Satellite
Imagery- A Case of the Kingdom of Swaziland, The International Archives of the
Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Vol. XXXIV, Part
6/W6, vol. 34, pp 89 – 92.

[3] Tono Saksono (2002), Towards the mapped Indonesia at 1:10,000 Scale through
NEXTMap Indonesia Project, Proceedings of 8th Association of Indonesian Surveyors’
Congress, October 3-4 2002, Yogyakarta.

[4] Trisirisatayawong I., Jongrugenun T., Phalakarn B., Chalermchon S., Fraser C, (2004),
Enhancing the prospects for mapping from high resolution satellite imagery in the
developing world. XXth ISPRS Congress, 12-23 July 2004 Istanbul, Turkey
Commission 6, pp 78 – 82.