DIGITAL MAPPING: A PRE-REQUISITE FOR ANY MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENT

DIGITAL MAPPING: A PRE-REQUISITE FOR ANY MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENT IN TODAY’S TECHNOLOGICAL AGE.

Digital mapping is a procedure which utilizes geo-referenced digital imageries and computer systems to produce digital maps and other digital map products. Digital maps are maps that are computer-based. As such, they can be visualized, edited and manipulated on computerized devices such as cell phones, laptops and others. Many professional works depend on map for location, positioning and navigation. Thus, digital mapping provides modern foundational infrastructure upon which other infrastructures are built for sustainable development.

Over the years, mapping techniques have evolved from analogue to digital mapping, enhancing quick and efficient production of geospatial information, which is applied in socio-economic planning, administration, military intelligence, building, civil and water resources engineering, environmental resource inventory and development, agricultural and ago-allied production, oil and gas exploration, space exploration, national and international boundary delineation, satellite positioning, 

transportation and communication. The fact that almost all sectors of the economy need maps in their professional activities shows the importance of digital mapping which is the fastest way of meeting the need for maps in this technological age.

Maps are indispensable for meaningful developments. The use of computer technology makes digital mapping a reality. Maps and map products such as basemaps, orthophoto mosaic and digital elevation models (DEM), can now be produced quickly and efficiently to meet the demand for national development.

Maps and development go hand-in-hand. This fact is apparent in developed nations where they regularly update the maps of their environment and religiously base all developmental projects on them. Thus, they are referred to as developed nations. African countries, on the other hand, have remained largely underdeveloped because their environment is not adequately mapped and the few areas that are mapped are not regularly updated. And even though these countries pump funds into infrastructural development, there cannot be meaningful development without a formidable geospatial foundation provided by adequate, accurate and up-to-date maps.

Sustainable development has been defined as development that is adequate for the present needs and does not hinder development of future generations. For any development to be meaningful, therefore, it must be founded on a bedrock geospatial information. The concept of mapping has been tested and trusted over the ages as a bedrock upon which sustainable development can be based. Developed countries have proved this fact as they are using mapping as a basis for national development. It is therefore disturbing that African nations simply refuse to appreciate that fact, or they do but would not invest in mapping. Investing in the applications of mapping is therefore the beginning of meaningful development in any part of the world. Advantages of digital mapping for meaningful development in today’s technological age are enormous. A few of them are discussed here.

Firstly, as mentioned above, digital mapping is a computerized procedure for producing maps at a rate that meets demands for maps and map products.

Secondly, digital mapping makes quick revision and updating of existing maps possible. Most of the existing maps in developing countries are obsolete and in analogue form. One cost-saving way of digitally mapping the environment is to revise the existing analogue maps by digitizing them. Digital mapping is done on computers with little ground truthing (that is, confirmation on the ground what is seen on satellite imageries). Thus, it will considerably reduce cost.

Thirdly, significant amount of field work is eliminated, and the rigour associated with field surveying is reduced. Moreover, digital mapping eliminates the rigour of manually handling large amount of data with complex mathematical computations. Computer software easily handle them.

In addition, digital mapping eliminates demanding cartographic works such as compilation, draughting, scribing,, mask-making, lettering, and symbol generation and placement which require highly skilled personnel.

Furthermore, because it is computer-based, digital mapping makes geospatial data understandable to wide range of users. Computerized labeling and visualization makes digital maps easily understood by public non-professional users.

Finally, digital maps can easily be modified on the computer to satisfy specific user needs. Digital maps generated from raster digitizing capture enormous datasets from which wide range of professional users can glean. The computer can be used to manipulate these datasets to produce thematic maps as demanded by various users.

Having extolled the advantages of digital mapping and digital maps, it is important to mention that mapping generally is capital intensive. It is therefore necessary for governments to realize that an investment in digital mapping is long-term and may not yield expected profit immediately. But, like a strong foundation in which builders have pumped so much fund through concrete and other building materials, when it is set, digital mapping will then become a solid foundation on which to build meaningful development. Afterward, generations will continue to enjoy the benefits of building viable mapping infrastructure on which other infrastructures can be built.

DISCLAIMER: This material is only an attempt to answer an examination question, though written from a background of solid knowledge and practical experience in Surveying and Geoinformatics. It has not gone through peer review. Therefore, all views and opinions expressed therein remain the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent that of any institution.  Feedback on corrections and constructive criticisms are welcome. Thank you.