Oct 20, 2015 -- Malaysia’s growing number of smart cities are best built leveraging state-of-the-art mapping technology, a renowned international expert has said.

Mr Josh Venman, a global authority on geospatial mapping technology, will reveal how Geographic Information System (GIS) technology supports the development of smart cities – to improve everything from traffic movements to the delivery of health services – at the Esri Malaysia User Conference.

GIS technology – commonly known as smart mapping technology – underpins the operations of many of the world’s most progressive land management authorities, law enforcement agencies, national security groups and local governments. 

It integrates data from multiple sources across organisations to create a dynamic map-based view of information giving decision-makers a better situational awareness of their environment.

Mr Venman said Malaysia’s various government bodies can leverage GIS technology to build connected, adaptable and sustainable communities

“From conception through to construction and evolution, smart cities are best shaped on a foundation of geographic insight,” Mr Venman said.

"Delivered through a combination of authoritative spatial data and GIS technology, this insight offers all levels of government a clear advantage when determining how to respond to community needs.”

Iskandar Malaysia, for example, was designed with local communities in mind to effectively position facilities such as commercial, residential and recreational areas.

“Economic developers at the Iskandar Regional Development Authority are using advanced GIS technology to make informed decisions about where to locate new businesses or grow existing ones,” Mr Venman said.

Similarly, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is also utilising 3D GIS technology as part of a slope hazard and risk assessment programme, designed to assess the safety and liveability of certain areas around the city.

“Using 3D GIS technology, urban planners are able to identify areas in the city which have a high geohazard susceptibility to landslides. This enables them to work effectively with concerned stakeholders to coordinate development activities around the city,” Mr Venman said.

Furthermore as vast amount of data is created every day from sensors and devices positioned throughout cities – including live video streams, speed sensors on roads and social media feeds.

Using smart mapping technology to map and analyse information collected from these sensors, provides governments an unparalleled view of an unfolding event and actively monitor vital public services such as health, water quality and electricity in real-time.”