New maps of Jakarta not widely used
New maps of Jakarta not widely used
JAKARTA (JP): The offices and agencies of the capital have yet to fully utilize the maps designed by the City Mapping and Land Measurement Office in planning activities although the maps contain comprehensive information.
"The office has many kind of maps, but unfortunately only a few agencies and certain people have used them," the head of the office, Moch. Sidarta, said during a seminar and exhibition at City Hall, yesterday.
He added that his office has successfully mapped over one third of the total area of Jakarta. Jakarta covers an area of 650.40 square kilometers.
Sidarta told reporters that his office had started to make maps which not only provide basic information, but which are considered useful for government agencies, as well as the public at large.
The office has made several maps of traffic prone areas, flood sites, slums and green areas.
He added that several agencies have used the maps for technical reasons and data presentation, but that they have not yet used them for analysis studies.
He explained that basically a map is a reliable source of information on the development process and can be used as a basis for decision making, planning implementation and monitoring development.
Sidarta said his office intends to promote the usage of the maps that people can obtain free of charge.
He said the public does not yet understand the importance of maps, which can be used for many purposes.
"For example, our office has a traffic map which shows the locations of traffic jams in the city during peak hours. This map is very useful for motorists," he said.
Sidarta also said there was a possibility that his office would sell the information on floppy disks. He cited as an example, traffic map disks that would enable people to look up the information on their computers.
Sidarta criticized the management of mapmaking in the city, saying that it was overlapping.
"Each agency has maps and it is difficult to compare the data on them,"he said, adding that as a result it is impossible to undertake comprehensive monitoring of the development process.
He pointed out that agencies such as the state-owned electricity company, the state-owned telecommunications company and the state-owned water company each have their own maps for their activities. (yns)