Smart mapping app improves community services in Penang

Feb 18, 2016 -- An advanced smart mapping application called e-Peta has given decision-makers at the State of Penang a tech-savvy way of improving services to the community.

Developed in 2014 by the Penang Geographic Information System Centre (PEGIS), e-Peta uses advanced location technology from leading geospatial solutions provider Esri Malaysia to integrate data from various government departments and display the layers on a dynamic smart map.

The application provides actionable information on areas such as land use, business and services, traffic and public transport – helping decision-makers efficiently mobilise resources to the right place at the right time, and effectively support existing social development projects.

“Since its inception, a wide range of government departments, including the Town Planning & Development Department, Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council, have been using e-Peta and GIS to design sustainable structural layouts in the city and improve accountability and efficiency in the state government,” says PEGIS coordinator Mr Abdul Azhar Bin Ibrahim.

“In addition, e-Peta has also done wonders to advance and support the advocacies and community initiatives of not-for-profit organisations such as George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the Penang Botanic Gardens, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), and alms collection organisation Pusat Urus Zakat, among others,” he said.

“For Pusat Urus Zakat,...