Design And Implementation Of A Computer Based Cartographic

System (Case Study NPC Enugu)

ABSTRACT

This project carries out a study need for the design and implementation
of a computer based cartographic system using National population
commission as case study.
The researcher attempt to find out an improved method of cartographic
drawing and how to automate the process (computerization).
Hindrances encountered in the mammal process that is, old approach of
using and papers in drawing maps which could lead to poor representation of
graphs, maps, hence the need for a well design and implemented computer
based cartographic system arises.
This project computer based cartographic system will also help to keep
record of many areas and maps of this country.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content

CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1

Introduction

1.2

Statement of the problem

1.3

Purpose of the study

1.4

Objectives of the study

1.5

Scope of the study

1.6

Limitation

1.7

Assumption

1.8

Definition of terms

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER THREE
OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM
3.1

Analysis of the existing system

3.2

Method of data collection

3.2.1 Interview
3.2.2 Reference to written document
3.3

Input process and output analysis

3.3.1 Input analysis

3.3.2 Process analysis
3.3.3 Output analysis
3.4

Information flow diagram

3.5

Organisational chart

3.6

Problem of the existing system

3.7

Justification for the system

CHAPTER FOUR
DESIGN OF THE NEW SYSTEM
4.1

Output specification and design

4.2

Input specification and design

4.3

File design

4.4

Procedure chart

4.5

System flowchart

4.6

System requirement

CHAPTER FIVE
IMPLEMENTATION
5.1

Program design

5.2

Program flow chart

5.3

Pseudocodes

5.4

Program source listing

5.5

Test run

CHAPTER SIX
DOCUMENTATION
6.1

System / program documentation

6.2

User guide documentation

CHAPTER SEVEN
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
7.1

Conclusion

7.2

Recommendation

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THY STUDY

1.1

INTRODUCTION
Cartography is study and paractice of making maps or globes. Maps

have traditionally been made using pen and paper, but the advent and spread of
computers has revolutionized cartography.
Most commercial qualities maps are now made with map making
software that falls into one of the three main types, CAD, GIS AND specialized
map illustration software.
Maps functions as visualization tolls for spatial data. Spatial data is
acquired from measurement and can be stored in a database from which it can
be extracted from a variety of purposes. Current trends in this field are moving
away from analog methods of map making and towards the creation of
increasingly dynamic, interactive maps that can be manipulated digitally.

The cartographic process rest on the premise that the world is

measurable and that we can make reliable representations or models of that
reality. Map making involve advanced skills and attitudes, particularly the use
of symbols to represent certain geographic phenomens, as well as the ability to
visualize the world. In an abstract and scaled down form.

1.2

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The present system of cartographic system of Nigerian population

commission has a lot of problems, which are mentioned below.

ACCURACY
In term of accuracy, the system is relatively slow and since it is
dependent to human effort, so inevitable, it is also prone to human errors and
omission.
TIME
Going by the present system of operaion, time is consumed in the
handling of operation; since most cartographic drawings are manilly operated
with pen and papers. It takes time to execute a particular work.

1.3

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study is designed to help the Nigeria population

commission in their cartographic and maps designing and rpresentation.

1.4

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are as follows
1.

To provide better efficient job presentation for various designing in

the commission.

2.

To produce a system where information and output report will be

produced much faster, more accurately and more detailed to the
commission.

3.

1.5

To keep records that are compact, integrated and updated.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY.

This study is strinced at finding out how effectively the computerization

of the commission cartographic system will improve the operation of the

commission. However, the project is narrowed to planning department that is
responsible for map presentation and enumeration demarcation.

1.6

LIMITATION
The following constrants were faced by the research and limited the

effort in the developing of a comprehensive package needed in the

commission.
1.

TIME:

This project work has one semester time limit. It would

have been desirable for a longer period of time for the development of a
package for the commission.
2.

INFORMATION: For some security reason, access to some vital

information were deprived by the commission.

1.7

ASSUMPTION
Due to insufficient information, I assumed the following;
(a)

The staff of the particular department should be computer literate.

(b)

There should be enough tools and equipment for the operations.

10

1.8

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Computer:- A computer system is an electronic device with certain

physical and logical attributes which enables it to accept input, process input
and brings out output.
PROGRAMMING:

Programming is a term used to refer to the act of

formulating algorithms and data structure which can be executed by some

computers, to perhaps yield the required solution to a given problem.
FLOW CHART:

A flow chart represents a systematic way of carrying out a

process and is of use when writing a computer program.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW.
This chapter deals with views and as certain by authors about
catography, its computer Application and brief history of Nigerian population
project.

CENSUS HISTORY
Prof. J.T. Odu (1972), states that although numerous estimates of the
Nigerian population were made during the colonial period the first attempt at a
nation wide census was during 1952 53. This attempt yield a total of
population figure 31.6 million within the current boundaries of the country.
This census has usually been considered an under count for a number of
reasons. Apprehensive that the census was related to tax collection, political
tension at the time in eastern Nigeria, logical difficulties in reading many
remote areas, and inadequate training of enumerations in some areas. The
extent of under counting has been estimate at 10 percent or less, although
accuracy probably varied among the regions. Despite its difficulties, the 1952-

12

53 census has generally been seen as less problematics than any of its
successors.
Subsequent attempt to conduct a reliable post independence census have
been maredin controversy, as pointed out by Adekunle (1975). He said that it
was only one that was officially accepted. The first attempt, in mid 1962, was
cancelled after much controversy and allegations of over counting in many
areas. A second attempt in 1963, which was officially accepted, aloe was
encumbered with charges of inaccuracy and manipulation for regional and
local political purposes. Indeed, the official 1963 figures of 55.6 million as
total national population is inconsistent with the census of a decade earlier
because it implies a virtually impossible annual growth rate of 5.8 percent. In
addition to likely inflation of the Applegate figure, significant in traregional of
the anomaties emerge from a close camparies of the 1953 and 1963 figures. In
portions of the southeast, for example, the two sets of data imply that some
non-urban local government areas (L.G.A.G) hed increased at a rate of almost
13 percent per year, while other neigbouring areas experienced a minute
growth rate of 0.5 percent per yeat. Despite the controversy, the results of the
1963 census were eventually accepted.

13

Prof. John (1983) said after the civil war of 1967 1970, an attempt was
made to hold a census in 1973, but the results were canceled in face of repeated
controversy. No subsequent nationwide census had been held as of 1990,
although there have been various attempts to derive population estimates at a
state or local level. Most official national population estimate are based on
projections from the 1963 census.
The great improvement in transport and accessibility most areas, in
technological capability, and in the level of education throughout the country,
as well as the generalized acceptance of national coherence and legitimacy
favoured the success of the fail 1991 census. It was to be conducted in about
250,000 enumeration areas by the National population commission, with
offices in each of the countrys L.G.AS, To reduce possible controversy,
religions and ethnic identification would be handled by supervisor from outside
the state. Some analysts believe that the effort to carry out a reliable census
with perceinced legitimacy might become an unexpectedly positive exercise,
reinforcing a sense of shared nationhood and providing a model for the attempt
to overcome regional and ethnic differences.

14

He further states that the great improvements in transport based on the

history of maps (cartography as stated by prof. Ihuze (1990) maps have been an
integral part of human story for a long time. May be 8,000 years nobody
knows exactly but longerthan written words). According to some scholars
mapping represented a significant step forward in the intellectual development
of human beings and its serves as a record of the advancing knowledge of
human race.
The earliest known map is currently a well painting of the ancient
Turkish city of actual Hu Yv K which has been dated to the late 7 th
millennium BCE. Other maps of the acient world include the Minoan, House
of the Admiral wall panting from C.I 600 BCE showing a seaside community
in an oblique perspective, and engrave map of the holy Babylonian city of
Nipor from the kassites period (4th 12th centures BCE.
In the age of Exploration (from the 15 centry to the 17 centry),
cartographers both copied earlier maps (some of which had been passed down
for centuries) and surveying techniques. The invention of magnetic compass,
telescope and sextant enabling increasingly accuracy.

15

CHAPTER THREE

OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM

3.1

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM

The existing system is a complete manual system. It is obsolete, and

makes the works in NPC look rigid. It is time consuming and does not
generate accurate graphic representation information results.
The application of the mental system, using brain in carrying out
drawing, designing, plotting and making inferences makes the work very
tedious. The analysis of the existing system is done through the collection of
detailed and reliable data, which was made possible through applying different
methods of data collection.

3.2

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

Data was indispensable to this work therefore the researcher sourced

data through the following means.

16

3.2.1 INTERVIEW
The researcher visited the Nigerian Population Commission, Enugu State
and interviewed some staff of the Commission and its implication to National
Census. The information gathered through this means helped the researcher in
the area of solution preferment into the new system design.

3.2.2 PERERENCE TO WRITTEN DOCUMENTS

For the fact that the information obtained through the interview was not
enough for the research, the researcher resolved to acquiring more information
from written document or texts or extracts from internet which guides him in
the concluding aspect of the work. This was mostly taking from the work on
literature review.

3.3

INPUT, PROCESS AND OUTPUT ANALYSIS

The following input, process of out analysis were used in the research.

17

3.3.1 INPUT ANALYSIS

The input to existing system is keyed in manually using pencil, Drawing
papers, plotters and other madianical designing / drawing tools. This input is
entered in a form formal and stored / kept in file cabinets.

3.3.2 PROCESS ANALYSIS

The processing is carried out mentally and information got from the data
processing is updating and cartographic sketching. This is made tedious due to
volume of work to be attended to.

3.3.3 OUTPUT ANALYSIS

The output of the existing system is not comprehensive and due to the
fact that if is just from of report, it is not possible to follow up through the
manual system. It is not precise and does not give the desired result. This will
definitely result to some misrepresentation incorrect graphic represent, poor
data output. The output variables are the various graphic representation of
different enumeration areas.

18

3.4

INFORMATION FLOW DIAGRAM

The nature of information flow is National Population Commission,

Enugu is represented below

NPC
State Chairman
Senior / Principal Heads
Staff
Casual Staff

3.5

ORGANISATION CHART

CHAIRMAN NPC

19

STATE CHAIRMAN

HEAD
PLANNING
3.6

HEAD
LOGISTIC

HOD
PERSON

HODS
WORK

PROBLEM OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM

The existing system is not meeting up with recent technological

advancements in the society, due to the fact that is quite obsolete.

The manual cartographic system is not reliable; it is either that the
information furnish is not correct and clear or misrepresented and mis typed.
The existing system is very expensive to maintain. A lot of money is put
into stationeries, input logistics and personnel.

3.7

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE SYSTEM

Considering the above problems in the existing system there is need for

a new system which is fully automated, and computerized, and which will take
care of these problems.

20

The new system to be designed is sophisticated, and its in the midstream of the current technological status in the globe today.
This new system is very comprehensive, accurate, timely and user
friendly, that is easy to use.
Finally, this system is result oriented and cost effective.

21

CHAPTER FOUR

DESIGN OF THE NEW SYSTEM

DESIGN OF THE NEW SYSTEM
The purpose of system design is to produce specification which will
enable the complete and accurate Implementation of the new system without
going back to the authority for more information.
The members of staff of the system will be organized in a specified
structure.

For the new system to be successful, the staff to work in the

computerized system should trained further on the new development and

techniques as to know relevant details of the new system. This can also be
enhanced by retraining and keeping handbooks, manuals, and trains of old
staff. Also, the input and output of the new system are designed based on the
data collected.

22

4.1

OUTPUT SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN

Among the main aim and objectives of the new system is to optineze the

efficiency of the system. This cannot be achieved without the output the
inputted data which has to be processed to achieve its aims and objectives.
The output of the computer based cartographic system are the result or
maps obtained after the computer.
Aided design were used to produce the cartographic graphs and skeatch.
The output design represented in diagram and chart from. A typical
example is that of N P C map representation length (km).
(km)
100
800
600
400
200
0
0
Oji River
4.2

Udi

Nkanu

Nsukka

Agwu

INPUT SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN

23

To facilitate the efficiency and reliability of data in the new system the
input files that is so required for file activity. The information are to be opened
for file activity. The input information are to be carried to the file through the
keyboard, mouse, graphic plothers and other drawing input devices. Input data
are the enumerated area of the local government in Enugu state.
They are
- Udi Local government Area
- Agwu Local Government Area
- Nkanu Local Government Area
- Nsuka Local Government Area
- Oji River Local Government Area

Input

X
CARTOGRAPHIC AREA
24

COUNTRY

Picture

STATE
L.G.A.

Sample

TOWNS
VILLAGES
SAVE

4.3

CLEAR

REFRESH

CANCEL

FILE DESIGN
A file is a collection of related records organized for a particular

purpose. Design is a process of developing the technical and operational

specification of system for implementation. The file used in this package were
designed to greatly enhance the manually processed ones. Here, the file design
were negligible since of the output are mainly of graphic representation and
also there was no database created for the design.

FIELD NAME

FIELD TYPE

FIELD WIDTH

DEC.

COUNTRY

CHARACTER

15

STATE

CHARACTER

10

25

L.G.A.

CHARACTER

15

TOWN

CHARACTER

10

VILLAGA

CHARACTER

20

4.4

PROCEDURE CHART
The overall system is divided into modules and top down approach is

used in the system for easy flow of information. Each module is programmed
to perform a specific function such that the overall systems function becomes
the summation of the function of individual modules.

WELCOME
SCREEN

PASSWORD
26

MAIN MENU

ENTRY

UPDATE

OUTPUT

DATA/DOC
ENTRY

PROCESS AND
CORRECT
ERRORS

CHECK
FOR
VALIDITY
STORED
WITH
COMPUTER

4.5

STORE AWAY
FILES

SYSTEM FLOWCHART
DATA ON
DISK

STORIN
G
MERSIN
G
PROCES
S
RESULT ON
DISK

DISPLAY
OUTPUT
ON CRT

27
INPUT

4.6

SYSTEM REQUIREMENT
The system requirement shall be put under
(a)

Hardware requirement and

(b)

Software requirement

HARDWARE REQUIREMENT

28

The processing operation is that which deals with data and partially time.
Therefore the system must be 2000 year compliant. The system development
requires to be run on Pentium 333 or higher with 32MB RAM, 4.5 GB HDD,
3.5 HDD FDD, with 56k modem, 32 speed CD Rom drive, 100 watts
speakers, 14 SVGA monitor with window 95 key board, mouse and mouse
pad. Printers are also required such as DeskJet 895c, EPSON, Dot matric
printer.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT.
Apart from the Dos (623) and other auxiliary software packages such as
Ms-Excel, corel draw, Autocad, which are necessarily required in the system,
the major software required is visual Basic which the entire system runs.

CHAPTER FIVE

IMPLEMENTATION

29

This is with stages of bringing into actual and precise existences, all the
design from the analysis stage. The result of most system greatly depends on
how good or how bad this implementation stage is done.

5.1

PROGRAM DESIGN
Having acquired the relevant system components as specified in 4.6

above, the software was implemented using visual Basic 6.0 programming
language. This language has decision-making features that distinguished it
from other programming languages.
The guide to understanding and properly making use of this software
were well explained in chapter six, that is Documentation.
How over, the program design tools used here are the program
flowcharts.

CARTOGRAPHIC

ENTRY

UPDATE

REPORT
30

5.2

PROGRAM FLOW CHART

START

DISPLAY MENU

INPUT SELECTION

=
1

ENTRY

UPDATE

REPORT

1
N

=
2
N
=
3
N
5.3

N
PSEUDOCODES

=
4
PROGRAM CARTOGRAPHY
Y
Declare all the subroutines that will be used
Enter the password

31

If password is correct then

Load the main menu
End if
ENTR
Y

INPUT CARTOGRAPHIC ENTRY

DATA
PERFORM THE CARTOGRAPHIC
OPERATION
ENTE
WRITE TO DISK R
PERFORM
CARTOGRAPHIC
CLOSE FILE
UPDAT

INPUT FILE
RECORD
TO
END
UPDATE

UPDATE
MORE
RECOR
D

YES

CLOSE FILE
32
END

ENTE
R
INPUT
CARTOGRAPHIC
RECORD TO VIEW

VIEW THE RECORD

CLOSE FILE

33
END

END CARTOGRAPHY PROGRAM

PROCEDURE MAINMENU
Do (Repeating Process)
Display Main Menu
Click on option
Select case option
Case ENTRY
LOAD ENTRY MODULE
CASE UPD
LOAD UPDATE FORM MODULE
CASE REPT
LOAD REPORT FORM MODULE
CASE REPT

34

LOAD REPORT FORM MODULE

CASE EXIT
END the main menu form
Exit the program
END SELE II
100P (go back if necessary)
END Proc menu.

5.4

PROGRAM SOURCE LISTING

The source code of this program will be attached to the back of the

project at Appendix A.

CHAPTER SIX

6.0

DOCUMENTATION
This area will focus on the description of the form and contents of the
program which will be required or requested by the user of the program
or by experts who want to modify the program format or structure.

35

6.1

SYSTEM / PROGRAM DOCUMENT

The program was designed to run in modules and forms with the

program statement been stored in the modules and to examine the modules, the
user a this level must be well knowledgeable in the use of visual Basic
programming language in order not to change the form in which the program
was written. This level is not accessible to anybody but exports who know the
opcode can access it.
Also the system has been designed to be fault to lerant. In other words,
on receiving invalid data, it does not crash or cease to operate but rather
display an error message and allows the re-enter response mode. Again, the
program was designed with a help that will guide the user and analyst in the
use of system for operational guide and instructional guide.

6.2

USER GUIDE DOCUMENTATION

There are two options of using or running the program.
(1)

From the floppy drive

(2)

Installed and from the hard disk drive.

36

In either case, the file is executed whether from visual Basic environment or
stand alone executable (independent package) form. The file of the program
was complied to run as an executable file in any windows operating system.
To run the program from A (Diskette) insert the diskette containing the
program into the floppy drive.
- Click on start menu from windows environment and click run, browse
for drive A:
- A lisk of files will appear on the screen (these files make up the entry
program).
- Select and CATOR EXE to start the program.
To install and run the program in the system, the following instructions are
to be followed.
- From the visual Basic Environment, compile the program and package it
in a distributed mode.
- Then from the folder of the files, run setup for it to be installed in the
hard disk, and the registered in the program file of the Windows. You
are now ready to use the package.

37

CHAPTER SEVEN

7.0

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

7.1

CONCLUSION
This project is a part is a part of indication of the usefulness of computer

in all areas of daily life. Although the level of computerization in graphic

application areas in very low in the country and Africa at large, I do believe
that this project, we and computer world as a whole will be driving the
possibility of this imaginary fact to reality, the computerization of
cartographic representation.
To provide greater efficiency, accuracy and speed in all their processing
operations, good presentation of maps, and improve quality services to the
public, the commission should consider the automated system.

7.2

RECOMMENDATION
The goal of data processing whether manual or automated is to discover

and implement a tool that will dramatically improve the production of the
works producing if the commission have the goal in mind, then the application

38

software fashion out by this project can be defined as an answer to their

problem.
This is so because the package will be taken the advantage of dynamic
features of the system of Visual Basic programming language to get rid of the
problems wherent in the manual operations. The design of the software ensure
automatic primary of the input which help a lot in removing the case of
incomplete data.
Therefore, the overall poor performance of the manual system have
made the design automated procedure variable alternative. However, despite
the overall benefits to be derived, the developed application software cannot
claim to offer answers to every aspect of the limitations suffered by the manual
procedure.
For user to accept the package for operational uses.
1.

Recommend that the package should undergo acceptance test for the

intending users. This involves testing the package with data developed as part
of the testing process, test data generators can be used automatically generate a
large number of test data inputs for the package a better and be able to use then
effectively.

39

REFERENCES

(1)

Meaning and Definition of Cartograph (Extract from the internet)

NIKIPEDIA
(2)

Edward, S.J. (1991) Building knowledge Base System (Britain Pitman

Publishers Ventures (1997)

(3)

MARK MAYFILLD: Advanced programming Technique MC graw,

London (1996)
(4)

C.A. FRENCH:

Computer Science Macmillia, New York (1990)

(5)

Sussan Woolsigge: Computer Aided data Processing. London (1993)

(6)

Emery Glym: Electronic data Processing, the pitman press, Bath (1990).

40