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A Web-based Geo-ecological Information System, Using Scalable Vector Graphics for the Wetlands Management of Bangladesh

B. Ahmed
Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet

A. A. M. Ahmed
Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet

W. Huep
Department of Geomatics, Computer Science and Mathematics,University of Applied Sciences, Stuttgart, Germany

M. J. B. Alam
Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This paper briefly describes the need and development of a geo-ecological information system based on scalable vector graphics (SVG) for wetlands management of Bangladesh. Reasons for using SVG over traditional graphics are also described briefly. Wetlands are a vital link between land and water in Bangladesh. A majority of the people of Bangladesh are critically dependent on wetlands. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of ecosystems, but wetlands habitat of Bangladesh is under constant threat due to increase of population, intensive agriculture, over fishing, siltation, pollution, illplanned infrastructures, lack of institutional coordination, lack of awareness, etc. As a result biodiversity is reducing, many species of flora and fauna are threatened, wetlands-based ecosystem is degenerating, and the living conditions of local people are deteriorating as livelihoods, socioeconomic institutions, and cultural values are affected. To manage the wetlands adequate information systems is essential.

Keywords: Wetlands Management, Geo-ecological Information System, Scaleable Vector Graphics, Map, Bangladesh

Location: Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet

Start Date: 00-00-2010

End Date: 00-00-2010

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: Database Management

Objectives:

1. The present research was designed fordevelopment of a web based geoecological information system using scaleable vector graphics (SVG) for wetlands management.

Methodology:

This paper is based on a research work on behalf of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry of Environment and Transportation and the state water authorities, Germany to design, implement and roll out a geoecological information system for use at the water authorities (Ahmed, 2003). This information system can also be used for the management of wetlands in Bangladesh. Web-mapping applications that use SVG usually has first, second and third phase of development. First Phase: In the first phase, the required map data is converted to SVG. Second Phase: The second phase is the development of custom JavaScript functions, which are connected to the event listeners in the SVG files. Third Phase: The third phase is on server side. Here CGI program are developed with Perl to access a behind-the-scenes database and produce different views of data. SVG: Scalable vector graphics (SVG) is an XMLbased graphics standard from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for the production of twodimensional vector graphics and so is useful for display of many types of information, including quantitative statistics, graphs, maps, and technical diagrams. GIS and SVG: Today, most mapping systems employ two approaches when delivering interactive maps on the web. The first approach is the familiar Java applet. The second approach involves generating map images on the server and delivering them to the user in either GIF or JPEG image format. Java applets perform well concerning interactivity, but have suffered from browser compatibility and firewall issues. Image maps are compatible with web tools and environments, but interaction with the map such as zooming, panning, layer control and thematic shading necessitate a round trip to the server in order to re-render the image. SVG solves all of these problems. So it is a powerful technology when applied to GIS applications. Maps are by nature vector layered representations of 2D space. The SVG specification embodies the same layering concepts that are fundamental to GIS to the presentation of that data. SVG enables maps that are informative and interactive without the problems inherent in other technologies such as Java applets. SVG empowers distributed GIS processing, by off-loading the interactive aspects of GIS from the server to the client and combines this interactivity with very high quality output capabilities. SVG satisfies the basic technical requirements needed to support a rich GIS experience on the web. These requirements are: · Vector (rather than raster) representation of 2D geometrical objects · Availability of event handling primitives that allow flexible design of interactivity · Full access from a programming or scripting environment to the geometric and event models, so that arbitrary kinds of animation and interaction can be programmed · The ability to query the server as needed for incremental updates to the map.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 3(1): 153-156, 2010; ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In the recent history of landscape development, wetlands have been among the most affected ecosystems of Bangladesh, but wetlands play a key role in the country’s lifecycle, are highly productive and diverse ecosystems, and also play an irreplaceable role in a sustainable landscape. Hence, special care must be taken to maintain wetlands environment. Conservation and management of the wetlands have to be considered in a broader context for sustainable natural resources planning and management. There is an urgent need to protect against wetlands degradation, and maintain and mange them through sound environmental management. Implementation of a comprehensive wetlands inventory, expedited scientific enquiry, management, more research, and study on all aspects of wetlands of Bangladesh can be accelerated through a geoecological information system. Hence, wetlands mapping and managing, monitoring and protecting through geographical information system (GIS), remote sensing database along with other sciences are very important.

Knowledge Management: Journal