DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTER BASED CARTOGRAPHIC SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

This project carries out a study need for the design and implementation of a computer based cartographic system using National population commission as case study. The researcher attempt to find out an improved method of cartographic drawing and how to automate the process (computerization). Hindrances encountered in the mammal process that is, old approach of using and papers in drawing maps which could lead to poor representation of graphs, maps, hence the need for a well design and implemented computer based cartographic system arises.This project computer based cartographic system will also help to keep record of many areas and maps of this country.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Cartography is study and practice of making maps or globes.  Maps have traditionally been made using pen and paper, but the advent and spread of computers has revolutionized cartography. Most commercial qualities maps are now made with map making software that falls into one of the three main types, CAD, GIS AND specialized map illustration software.

Maps functions as visualization tolls for spatial data.  Spatial data is acquired from measurement and can be stored in a database from which it can be extracted from a variety of purposes.  Current trends in this field are moving away from analog methods of map making and towards the creation of increasingly dynamic, interactive maps that can be manipulated digitally.

The cartographic process rest on the premise that the world is measurable and that we can make reliable representations or models of that reality.  Map making involve advanced skills and attitudes, particularly the use of symbols to represent certain geographic phenomens, as well as the ability to visualize the world.  In an abstract and scaled down form.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The present system of cartographic system of Nigerian population commission has a lot of problems, which are mentioned below.

ACCURACY: In term of accuracy, the system is relatively slow and since it is dependent to human effort, so inevitable, it is also prone to human errors and omission.

TIME: Going by the present system of operation, time is consumed in the handling of operation; since most cartographic drawings are mainly operated with pen and papers.  It takes time to execute a particular work.

1.3    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study is designed to help the Nigeria population commission in their cartographic and maps designing and representation.

1.4    OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are as follows

1. To provide better efficient job presentation for various designing in the commission.

2. To produce a system where information and output report will be produced much faster, more accurately and more detailed to the commission.

3. To keep records that are compact, integrated and updated.

1.5    SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is strinced at finding out how effectively the computerization of the commission cartographic system will improve the operation of the commission.  However, the project is narrowed to planning department that is responsible for map presentation and enumeration demarcation.

1.6    LIMITATION

The following constrants were faced by the research and limited the effort in the developing of a comprehensive package needed in the commission.

TIME: This project work has one semester time limit.  It would have been desirable for a longer period of time for the development of a package for the commission.

INFORMATION: For some security reason, access to some vital information were deprived by the commission.

1.7    ASSUMPTION

Due to insufficient information, I assumed the following;

(a) The staff of the particular department should be computer literate.

(b) There should be enough tools and equipment for the operations.

1.8    DEFINITION OF TERMS

Computer: A computer system is an electronic device with certain physical and logical attributes which enables it to accept input, process input and brings out output.

PROGRAMMING: Programming is a term used to refer to the act of formulating algorithms and data structure which can be executed by some computers, to perhaps yield the required solution to a given problem.

FLOW CHART: A flow chart represents a systematic way of carrying out a process and is of use when writing a computer program.