FARM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Mapping & GIS Approaches

Introduction This proposal will tend to bring into light the various Geographical Informations Systems ways that farms in Ghana can be mapped and which management methods can be employed to have a fully effective and functioning management system for farms. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Provide current and up-to date farm level spatial information in the Country Characterize and quantify the status of these farms Ensure that data is collated in a manner that permits gis processing & web representation

Provide thematic map representation of the farms

EXPECTED OUTPUTS The expected outputs of this project are summarized in the following broad work areas:

Spatial database of all farms and geographical features in the project area. Attribute database of all farms and geographical features in the project area. Various thematic maps relating to all farms, geographical features and land use. Standardized data collection formats for gis processing

METHDOLOGY AND WORK PLAN

GENERAL METHDOLOGY The assignment shall be tackled in phases. These shall either be done separately or concurrently. The major work activities to be undertaken to achieve the detailed outputs listed are:
Database design. Data capture on the field. Post processing of the data for the actual data transfer into the database. Data Capture

i.

Since the digital maps and photos of the intended project areas have already been developed, work process for this option shall focus on the update of the existing maps, development of the GIS and relational database.

ii. iii. iv.

Existing data on existing mapped out farms shall be sourced to facilate the speed of work. Existing outlay of paper outlay of farms shale be digitized The final method shall be use of Gps equipments to survey and determine the actual size of farms for all the scenarios described above.

DETAILED METHODOLOGY

The Consultant, in planning for the project, shall:

Seek clarification of the scope of work and the expected outputs as it shall be indicated in the Consultants terms of reference (TOR) Study all records required for the undertaking of the assignment... Study the current and proposed institutional structures for the client

Discuss and reach agreement on the components of the data collection forms. Develop a data collection plan. Agree with the Client the contact persons responsible for the resolution of day-to-day problems on the project.

Field Surveys Determination of Data Collection Parameters

The Geodetic Engineer, Information Technologist, and field support staff of the Consultants project team shall undertake this exercise. Extensive discussions will be held to determine: the data required by the various end users the level of detail required by the end users the structure and design of the data collection form the structure of the relational database the appropriate tool for the data collection process the spatial themes required by the Client

Calibration of Data Collection Equipment

The Consultant has considerable experience in this area and shall ensure that the calibrations of the GPS equipment are checked before use in the field. This calibration is critically important and will ensure the determination of the location of all features is accurate. Issues regarding ownership of land and landed properties require the level of accuracy expected in cadastral survey.

Field Work

When the discussions have been completed and an agreement has been reached on the essential components of the data collection process, The field survey shall be facilitated by the use of the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and existing ground controls, which shall be required to update the map. The GPS survey shall involve the capturing of all farms that do not appear on the map but exist on the ground. The GPS survey shall provide the Consultant with the x, y, coordinates of these farms and their acreage . These shall be incorporated in the georeferenced map. The Trimble Juno GPS shall be used as a co-ordinate data acquisition system to supplement the map update exercise. The Consultant shall establish the location of all farms in the project area by recording their GPS co-ordinates. The x, y, coordinates obtained from the GPS, when processed, will be in the World Geodetic Spheroid 84 (WGS84) and shall be post processed and adjusted with the requisite software and transformed into the Ghana National Co-ordinate system. DATA REPRESENTATION Spatial Data The completed and updated digital map developed in the Arcview, Arcmap or Arc server software, shall form the spatial database. This will be a representation of all existing farms in the project area The exact areas, lengths and locations in space of all farms, infustructure and resources shall be catalogued and geo-referenced. Classification of farms and any other resources that needs classification will then be done based upon their specific uses.

Attribute data The attribute data describes the characteristics of the spatial features. These characteristics can be quantitative and/or qualitative in nature. Attribute data when

developed shall form the basis for the relational database. The data to create the attribute database shall be obtained from the field data collection. Thematic Layers The GIS will be based on various themes developed from the spatial and attribute data. Themes shall be developed based on the various features and infrastructure captured in the digital map. The attribute database shall be linked to the spatial data in the Arcview GIS software. The Consultant shall discuss with the Client the detailed requirements for the attribute database during the planning phase.
The Consultant has considerable experience in the development of databases of this nature. Standard Reports Standard reports shall be designed for the standard queries indicated by the Client. The report format shall also be designed in collaboration with the Client. A visual interface shall be developed for the production of the standard reports. It will be necessary to determine the reporting requirements of all level of end users. CUSTOMIZATION A& EXISTING APPLICATION In order to manage cost, the client may opt for existing applications on the market or have the consultant build a customized application to the specification of the client. Web representation of the geo-data on maps is feasible depending on the customization or application chosen by the client.

Testing Of System The Consultant shall test the system in relation to the specifications of the Client. The system verification shall be undertaken as part of the consultative process. The necessary comments, additions and subtractions will be obtained and appropriate modifications made.

Testing shall continue until the Client is satisfied with the output of the system.
QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Consultant has undertaken a number of projects, all of which require that a system of checks and quality control be adopted to ensure prompt and quality delivery. The Consultant has therefore developed a number of in-house procedures to ensure that every aspect of its work process and delivery are monitored, checked and signed off for both office and the fieldwork.
Post Processing

To make sure that the attribute data captured are properly linked to their spatial data, the Arcview GIS Query will be used to confirm the authenticity of the data. The Geodetic Engineer and Information Technologist on the Consultants team shall oversee this phase.

Proof Reading

All reports complied by the Consultant shall undergo internal proof reading to ensure the quality of the final delivery to the Client.

Screen Shots of Existing Works