CASE STUDY

Metropolitan Area Planning using GIS

GIS (geographic information system)

Geographic Information System, Geographical Information Science, Geospatial Information Studies Is a system designed to capture, Is to store, Is to manipulate, Is to analyze, Is to manage, and is to present all types of GEOGRAPHICALLY REFERENCED DATA.

Applications
Earth surface-based scientific investigations; Resource management Asset management and location planning Archaeology; Environmental impactassessment; Infrastructure assessment and development; Urban planning and regional planning; Geospatial intelligence; Geographic history; Logistics; Population and demographic studies; Statistical analysis; Military planning. Engineering analysis. Etc. etc

Satellite Role in GIS

 Satellite imagery can greatly enhance a GIS mapping project. Imagery is a powerful visual aid and serves as a source of derivative information such as planimetrics and classification schemes to derive such information as land cover and change detection or vegetation classification. Multiple layers could be derived. Various gasses can be sense accordingly. Various deepest and elevated reefs and mountain discovered via Satellite GIS.

Geospatial Technology

 Satellite GIS combines orthorectified satellite images and digital aerial photography with extracted vector and client-supplied attribute data to create single, data-rich images for GIS and other mapping applications to achieve a multi-layered result for many types of analysis.

Orthorectified
An orthophoto, orthophotograph or orthoimage is an aerial photograph geometrically corrected ("orthorectified") Such that the scale is uniform: The photo has the same lack of distortion as a map. Uncorrected aerial photograph, an orthophotograph can be used to measure true distances, because it is an accurate representation of the earth's surface.

Where are the 24 GPS satellites?

The 24 GPS satellites (21 active, 3 spare) are in orbit at 10,600 miles above the earth. Each satellite contains a computer, an atomic clock, and a radio. With an understanding of its own orbit and the clock, the satellite continually broadcasts its changing position and time On the ground, any GPS receiver contains a computer that "triangulates" its own position by getting bearings from three of the four satellites. The result is provided in the form of a geographic position - longitude and latitude - to, for most receivers, within a few meters According to SUPARCO, Ellipse time is 6 Mins.

Case Study Town Planning via GIS

Town Planning of Karachis one of the Five Town (Federal B Area)

Brief History
Federal-B-Area which is definitely among the best planned localities of Pakistan. The town planning of Federal-B-Area dates back to 1950s when Karachi was still the capital of Pakistan and many new neighborhoods were getting built up to house the employees of the Federal Governemnt.

 The present day neighborhoods of North Nazimabad, Federal Capital (FC) Area and Federal-B-Area were all part of this vision to give Karachi a well planned capital city infrastructure. While North Nazimabad was laid out by Italian town planners. F. B. Area, it was planned (partially ) by Doxiades, the greek company which planned Islamabad.

 Doxiades was hired to plan governmental and bureaucratic areas for Karachi as it was the Capital. But the Sudden decision of Ayub Khan of changing the capital to Islamabad left it orphaned out and incomplete. Later the plots were sold on ballot and incomplete planned parts were haphazardly planned. F. B. Area stands for Federal Bureaucratic area, where as F.C Area stands for Federal Capital Area.

Federal-B-Area, Mansoora and Gulberg Town

Over the years Federal-B-Area has changed a few names depending on which local government is in power but the original name of Federal-B-Area still thrives. In 1983 after a religious partys victory in local body elections, Federal-B-Area was renamed as Mansoora and North Nazimabad was renamed as Taimuria. These names however, didnt become very popular. Today the name Mansoora has become relegated to a cricket ground only in Federal-B-Areas block 10 where as Taimuria has been relegated to the name of North Nazimabads police station only.

 During Pervaiz Musharrafs tenure, Federal-BArea neighborhood was renamed again and it became Gulberg Town, but the orginial name still remains popular and is still written as the de-facto address on postal mail. Following is Federal-B-Areas map taken from Karachi City Governments website where it is shown as Gulberg Town and divided into 8 Union Councils.

 Federal B Area was originally designed for those entrusted with the running of Pakistan, in the days when Karachi was the capital. If you drive through Federal-B-Area today, you may not be very impressed at first sight. It is a locality which has seen its glory days. The locality is now on its way to what is called Urban Decay in the town planning terms. Houses and apartments built 30 years ago are crumbling. Many apartment buildings are in dire needs of repairs. During monsoon months of strong sea-breeze blazes the citizens while F.B Area follows Quetta for Winter.

 Federal-B-Area is not a posh locality either and street crime is no less than other areas of the city BUT all these signs of Urban Decay are our collective failure of civics and the society as a whole. The reason we have chosen Federal-B-Area to be featured here as case study is because of its well-planned infrastructure and town planning for which one has to see beyond the immediate first impression of an old locality to appreciate it.

 Now I want to show you guys the best way to highlight the features of town planning, symmetry and geometry that has gone behind the layout of Federal-B-Area.

Boundaries of Federal-B-Area
Following image shows the whole Federal-B-Area locality roughly enclosed in the green polygon that Ive drawn. North of Federal-B-Area is the locality of North Nazimabad with Gujjar Nullah separating the two. Western boundary of Federal-B-Area is formed by the Railway Track of Karachi Circular Railway . East of Federal-B-Area is Gadap Town and South of Federal-B-Area is the locality of Gulshan-iIqbal with Lyari Expressway and Lyari river separating the two.

Nazimabad

Gaddap Town

Lyari River

 Before we go further I want to point out the ratio of free space to residential areas in the above image. There are more than 40 free spaces or grounds within 10 square kilometer area of Federal-B-Area. This feature makes Federal-B-Area the candidate of best planned localities.

Sub-Divisions in Federal-B-Area
Federal-B-Area is divided into 21 blocks (subzones). The 21 blocks of Federal-B-Area are divided into plots of various sizes which have following categories:
R 120 sq yards, A 240 sq yards B 400 sq yards, C 600 sq yards, D 1000 sq yards, F 2000 sq yards.

 Twenty of federal-B-Area blocks are residential and one is Industrial. However, with the passage of time, that Industrial Area is further sub divided in to Block 21 Residential and Block 21 Industrial Zone. While due to the expansion F.B Area grows and Block 22 emerges, Shorab Ghot become Block 22 of F B Area in 1993. Shorab Ghot is also a GATEWAY to Karachi via National Highway, and Linked Karachi via all Pakistan.

Shahrah-i-Pakistan through Federal-B-Area

Another aspect of Federal-B-Areas geography is that Shahrah-i-Pakistan runs through it. This main artery of the city roughly bisects Federal-B-Area into two zones. The importance of Shahrah-i-Pakistan cannot be over looked. It is the same road which runs from Karachi Port to all the way to Landi Kotal in NWFP.

 Following photo shows Shahrah-i-Pakistan in 2008. Photo is taken at the ramp of Liaquat flyover looking towards Aisha Manzil.

 Here is another photo of Shahrah-i-Pakistan as it passes through Block 4 and Block 3. The photo was taken on February 5, 2010 and it appeared in the daily Jang newspaper

 North of Federal-B-Area (at Sohrab Goth chowrangi), Shahrah-e-Pakistan becomes the super highway which is scheduled to be upgraded as a 6 -lane Motorway (M9). At Hyderabad bypass, Super Highway meets the trans-Pakistan highway N5. Before Karachi Northern bypass (M10) was built, Shahrah-iPakistan through Federal-B-Area used to carry more than 75% of Pakistans road cargo from Karachi port to upcountry.

 Following photo shows Sohrab-Goth interchange on Shahrah-i-Pakistan which forms the Eastern boundary of Federal-B-Area. On the same intersection:
There is One OVERHEAD 6 Way Bridge. 4-Way Underpass. 2 Way Roads, in 4 Different Directions.
Source http://forum.xcitefun.net/karachi-bridges-fascinatingimages-of-karachi-t55101.html

Personal Note
By the way guys, Ive spent 26 Years of my life in Federal-B-Area, therefore there is a natural bias in telling all the good stories about it. For me federal-B-area is like Heaven on Earth.

Federal-B-Area Block by Block

Blocks 1 and 2: Both blocks are located on the south side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. These blocks border the Liaquatabad area and are separated from it by the Karachi Circular Railway Track. Bazaar-e-Faisal is the main commercial center of Block 2. Karachis famous Government Delhi Boys Science College is also located in block 2.

Block 3: It is also located on the South side of Shahrahi-Pakistan. This is a very diverse area. Several languages are spoken here. Aga Khan community has a big presence in Block 3 besides Bantwa Memons, Okhai Memons, Katchi Memons, people with roots from Junagarh state etc. Meena bazaar is the main commercial center of Block 3.

 Following photo shows Meena bazaar facade in Block 3. This area is famous for Ladies Mehndi and Chooryan (Bangles) during Eid Seasons. And if you are planning to visit here during Chand Raat, BEWARED THERE ARE 0% Parking there. United Bakery is the Biggest food attraction of here. This area is famous for Ladies Clothes and other cosmetic items. LIAQATABAD Fly over is the Longest Flyover passes over the F.B Area Block 3.

Block 4: Block 4 is located on north side of Shahrah-iPakistan. A lot of residential plots in Block 4 are fast changing into commercial businesses like schools and hospitals. Look at the satellite image of Block 4 below and one can appreciate the symmetry as well as the ratio of free space to residential space.

Blocks 5 and 6: Both of these blocks are located North of Shahrah-iPakistan. Block 5 borders North Nazimabad with Gujjar nullah in between. Block 6 used to have a famous cricket ground by the name of Gulfishan. It is under the occupation of Pakistan Rangers for the past 17 years now. Just like Block 4, it is also fast changing into a commercial zone. The photo shows the satellite image of Block 6. Blocks 4, 5 and 6 combined make up one union council of Gulberg town called Aisha Manzil Union Council.

Block 7: It is located on South side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. Block 7 is famous for Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan school and college as well as the tableeghi jamaats Madani Masjid. Mohammad Shah Aga Khan school located in Block 7, Spread across 21 acres. 2nd Largest School of Karachi after Habib Public Education Center (School, College & now University) which covers 65 acres, Trusted by Habib Groups of Companies.

Block 8: It is located on South side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. It is famous for Jinnah ground. Karachi City government has build a 140 feet tall fountain in Jinnah ground which is also close to the HQ of ruling part in Karachi in Block 8 of Federal-B-Area. Following photo is one of the famous landmarks of Federal-B-Area called mukka chowk located at the intersection of Block 8 and Block 9.

Block 9: Block 9 is famous for Dastagir Housing Society. It is located on south side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. Some of us may remember the famous PTV ad of 80s calling for gas ka ilaajFarzana Dawakhana Dastagir # 9. Yes, Farzana Dawakhan is located here. Sangam Sports Cricket ground is located in Blk 9. Federal-B-Areas main post office (Postal Code 75950) is located in Block 9.

Block 10, 11, 12 and 13: All these blocks are located on north side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. Famous landmark in Block 10 is Mansoora Cricket Ground.

 Shadab Soccer Ground in Block 11. Shadab used to be a cricket ground but lately it has been turned into a soccer ground. Block 13 has Federal-B-Areas police station called Gulberg Police Station. Blocks 11, 12 and 13 combined are also called Gulberg also famous for Roses and Flower Shops, Named after GULBERGA, INDIA. Before moving to Lahore, Javed Miandad had a residence in Block 12. Following image shows the views of Blocks 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Blocks 14 and 15 All these blocks are located on East side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. Main landmarks in Block 15 are the famous TGround as well as the UBL Sports Complex. The cricket ground of UBL Sports complex is a first class Cricket venue. The complex and also includes an astro-turf hockey Ground and a track-and-Field arena as seen in the image.

 Following photos show block 14 and 15.

 Block 14 is famous for a business called Javed nihari - makes the best nihari in town, in my opinion. Block 14 also has several sheermaal and taftaan stores along the main road.

Block 16: Block 16 is famous for Karachi Medical and Dental College & Pakistans famous City District Government Heart Disease center. Block 16 has several apartment blocks especially along the main roads. One of them called Yousuf Plaza located in Block 16, is one of the largest apartment complexes in Pakistan.

Blocks 17 and 18: All these blocks are located on north side of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. Block 17 is also called Samanabad . It is famous for Pak-Flag Hockey Ground located here now called Rashid Latif Cricket Academy. Block 18 area is also called Ancholi and some parts of Gulberg and Samnabad also touches it.

Blocks 19 and 20: Block 19 and portions of Block 20 are called Al Noor society and both blocks are located north of Shahrah-i-Pakistan. In block 20, there is Zafar Library next to the cricket ground. Following image shows Blocks 17, 18, 19 and 20.

 Following is a view of Sohrab goth flyover located at the corner of block 20, 16, 21 & 22 during the night.

Block 21: This is the industrial zone of Federal-B-Area with several industrial units and a now defunct Movie Studio located here. Some of the industries located in Federal-B-Area include Textiles (Hub Leather, Fazal Mill), Electronics (Heir, Dawlance, Phillips) and Packaged Food (Kolsons, Sulaman & Suleman, Wonder Bread, Dawn Bread). Following is a satellite image showing portions of block 20 and 21 of Federal-B-Area. Sohrab Goth Flyover and Lyari Expressways interchange on Highway N5 is visible in this image. Sohrab Goth flyover is also the zero-point on KarachiPeshawar-Torkham highway N5, and Block 22 as well.

 Following photo is a night shot of Aisha Manzil intersection with 4 corners forming the boundaries of Block 6, 7, 9 and 10 of FederalB-Area. Population: According to 1998 census, the population of Federal-B-Area was 453490.

Karachi Mass Transit Plan and Federal-B-Area

Karachis Mass transit Plan (KMTP) had an elevated light train planned for Federal-B-Area which was to run from Sohrab Goth to Merewether Tower with Sohrab Goth-Karimabad portion falling in Federal-B-Area. My personal sense is that KMTP is now practically dead as current City Government has come up with their own Karachi 2020 Vision and they are concentrating on several Signal Free Corridors (2 East-West Corridors are built and 1 North-South corridor is under construction).

 Federal-B-Area has also gained on all this infrastructure development and is within reach of atleast 2 Signal Free corridors and Lyari Expressway. Telephone Exchange: Federal-B-Area has a dedicated land line Digital Telephone Exchange under PTCL. The telephone area code for Federal-B-Area exchange (called Azizabad Exchange) is 021-363*****.

THE END
Thank You Very Much!

CASE STUDY
Podcar Networks

What are Pod Cars?

These futuristic transport vehicles will offer an environmentally friendly, clean energy alternative for urban transportation. Pod Cars are automated driverless vehicles that will operate on elevated/underground shuttle networks or traditional roadways in the near future using personal rapid transit systems.

 Personal rapid transit (PRT) is a new public transportation system designed for swift travel in congested areas. These Pod Car networks will operate much like traditional rail and streetcar networks, on raised platforms above busy roads and highways (or underground). Pod Cars will be convenient, affordable to operate and beneficial to the environment as they are powered by electricity.

 There are many companies around the world currently developing various pod cars and personal rapid transit systems. Large scale projects include the ULTra PRT system at Heathrow International airport in London and The Masdar City pod car system in Abu Dhabi - both now in operation, and West Virginia University has been operating a PRT service since the 1970's.

Driverless Pod Cars Transport Passengers Around London's Heathrow Airport

 22- Twenty-two of these automated pods are operating at Heathrows Terminal 5, the shiny new terminal occupied by British Airways. They were built to replace a duo of diesel buses that formerly drove in a loop from the car parks to the terminal, pausing at various stations no matter how many people were present.

 The electric-power pods, which can accommodate up to four travelers and their bags, travel up to 25 mph along 2.4 miles of paved guideways, which can be customized to fit any path. They dont require a special railway or magnetic field just lines that can be used for optical navigation. The pods can even maneuver through light snow, according to their manufacturer, ULTra PRT. The New York Times says the autonomous pods have not been in any accidents.

 Passengers have to press "start" when they get in, to ensure efficiency and to prevent people from making the pods move while theyre empty. About 800 people per day use the pods, the Times says.

Trends to Watch in 2010 The Personal Mobility Explosion

USAID Study

Capella The Electric Backpack Motorcycle

Huvo Electric Pod

Hecheng Scooter

Peugeot Hymotion 3 Scooter

Tricyclopod

TVA Gazelle

The Ecooter

T3 Motion

The Suzuki Pixy

The Uno

The Hawk

The PUMA by Segway

The Monotracer

Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle sold in Best Buy

Chariot Skates

Hondas walking-assist device

Winglet by Toyota

Hondas U3-X

The Electropositive

PREDICTIONS
Within the next 5 years we will see over 1,000 new alternative transportation vehicles hit the marketplace. (Non-gas powered, light weight, smaller than car vehicles) Much like the green movement cities will begin to compete to become the most alternative transportation friendly city.

Policies to be Implemented
1. PPP Public Private Partnership
I. Shares to be sold II. Bond from Rs. 50/- to Rs. 50,000/III. Implement Public Transportation Tax.

2. Foreign Investment 3. Government Self Initiative.

Q/A Session
LETS WELCOME THE FUTURE NOW