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)