Developing a Web-Based Water Distribution Geospatial Information System for Nairobi Northern Region

Lucy Mulongo Mamai,Godfrey Makokha,Moses Gachari

doi:10.4236/jgis.2017.91003

Lucy Mulongo Mamai, Godfrey Makokha + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jgis.2017.91003

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Abstract

This research aimed at developing a web system that will allow effective dissemination, extraction and analysis of water utilities information over the internet. The northern region, one of the administrative regions of the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company was used as a case study. The research has customized and integrated an open source WebGIS system based on Quantum GIS for spatial data creation, MapServer as a web GIS server and PostgreSQL/PostGIS as a relational database. GeoMOOSE was used for the development of an interactive and friendly geographic user interface. The developed system enables users to view and interact with the spatial data. The research focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the decision making process and data sharing.

Highlights

Geographic Information System has been proven to be an effective and powerful tool in the water distribution industry
The research has customized and integrated an open source WebGIS system based on Quantum GIS for spatial data creation, MapServer as a web GIS server and PostgreSQL/PostGIS as a relational database
From the study of the existing water distribution system it was realized that spatial data on water pipes, customer meters, bulk meters, appurtenances, topographic features and cadastral boundaries is available in digital format

Summary

Introduction

Geographic Information System has been proven to be an effective and powerful tool in the water distribution industry. GIS allows creation and management of spatially referenced data which is useful for any field or situation that utilizes spatial information [1]. The remarkable growth of the internet and increased public interests in accessing online geospatial information have led to the development of web mapping applications. GIS supports spatial analysis and locating geographically dispersed facilities in the water distribution system. Location information is important for effective management as good decisions can be made relative to the surrounding area and affected assets

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