Browsing by Author "Barry, Michael B"
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- ItemOpen AccessDesign of a communal land tenure information system for Namibia(1999) Danso, Antwi Adjei; Barry, Michael BThis thesis describes some of the communal land tenure systems pertaining to Namibia. Understandably, lands held under communal land tenure have tended to be neither fully documented nor legally and explicitly formalised; communal land tenure systems have been through the mercy of arbitrary action by the state, private individuals or other institutions (S.A Government, 1996: 43). The study attempts to examine the issues involved in the design of a communal land tenure information system for Namibia. It therefore seeks to examine the possibility of using information technology to plan and manage customarily held land, the requirement for an effective design and implementation of such a system and the method of designing such an information system to make room for continual improvement and the addition of finer detail. The research begins with an in-depth literature review of the communal land tenure systems in Namibia and a description of similar information systems. This is followed by the research methodology, which describes the technique used for collecting, analysing and presenting the results of the study. The needs analysis and the data structure contained in the atlas are outlined. The fundamental concepts of database design and the various steps taken by the author to design and construct the land tenure database model for the dissertation are also discussed. The pilot project is analysed, taking into account the capability of the system, its success in terms of a needs analysis, and the adequacy of the data. It specifically analyses the design in the light of social relationships, person or group interests and the spatial component of communal land tenure systems with respect to each area. In addition, it seeks to answer the question whether the tool fits the communal land tenure system, discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the overall system design and the implementation strategies. It is envisaged that, with the provision of the information system in union with its database, this will help to identify and document a communal land tenure system. For the rural dweller or farmer, this system will provide a pictorial image of what is really happening on the ground. The information system could later be upgraded and fully implemented, enabling individuals to effectively plan activities around the existing circumstances and conditions. The recommendation that came out from the study was that given the limited information available on communal land tenure systems, more effort should be spent to study and gather data on the system. It is strongly recommended, therefore, that research into conditions in the communal areas be regarded as a top pri01ity by the Government of Namibia. This could lead to a richer information base in the communal areas to be utilised to improve the lifestyle of the rural communities. Thus, the prototype project designed in this thesis should be implemented fully and later developed and incorporated into an information system which, in the past, has lacked communal land tenure input. The research could not touch on all the communal land tenure areas in Namibia. It is therefore advised that the rest should be investigated in more detail. The inheritance and conflict resolution mechanism which were not modelled effectively should also be reinvestigated.
- ItemOpen AccessEffectiveness measures for geographical information systems (GIS)(1998) Tanner, Christopher Barrat; Barry, Michael BGeographical Information Systems (GIS) often do not meet the expectations of users and management, raising questions and doubts as to their overall success and effectiveness. To date the majority of GIS research has focused on technical issues, and management research has approached GIS effectiveness from a purely cost benefit perspective. This study adopts a holistic, multi-perspective approach to the issue of GIS effectiveness, identifying measures of effectiveness related to the fields of Information Systems (IS), Management Information Systems (MIS) and GIS. It applies these measures using the case study methodology in a small South African local authority, the Ceres Municipality.
- ItemOpen AccessA mathematical model for least squares point determination from cadastral data(1997) Nel, Lance; Barry, Michael BTransnet possesses approximately 60000 land parcels covering the whole of the South African rail network. These parcels, or polygons, will form the base map in a corporate Geographic Information System (GIS) which will be used for property administration and general railroad operations management. Accuracy requirements are high and unique coordinate values have to be determined for each polygon apex before data are input into the GIS. Railroad property portfolios are characteristically configured in long thin strips. The solution therefore has to cope with poor geometry. The method used to determine apex coordinates must be time and cost efficient, and produce acceptable levels of precision. This study examines the feasibility of using a particular mathematical model with the least squares method in the partial automation of the determination of unique points from sets of differing and, at times, conflicting cadastral data for the creation of a digital cadastral database. The approach is not a mathematically rigorous conventional survey network solution, but a pragmatic application of least squares and network principles, to suit the nature and limitations of the data.
- ItemOpen AccessPrivacy protection in geographic information systems : guidelines for the protection of privacy in GIS in South Africa(1998) Schreiber, Renate Ingeborg; Barry, Michael BPersonal privacy issues are relevant to the GIS community. The distribution and dissemination of personal data is greatly facilitated through GIS tools. The use of these tools has been expanded from traditionally geographical operations to applications in geodemographics, and it is particularly in geodemographics where the protection of privacy becomes an issue. This thesis examines existing privacy protection guidelines put forward by international commercial and governmental sectors; the current international position with regards to the protection of privacy is reviewed, and South African legislation pertaining to these issues is explored. On this basis, a set of privacy protection guidelines is developed which can assist GIS managers in South Africa in ensuring that data collection and management do not infringe on personal privacy.