Developing a Land Use Inform ation System for Local Governm ent: The Case of Naga City, Philippines Rizalino B. Cruz March 2004 Developing a Land Use Information System for Local Government: The Case of Naga City, Philippines by Rizalino B. Cruz Thesis submitted to the International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Urban Planning and Land Administration with interspecialisation in Geo-Information Management. Thesis Assessment Board: Prof. Ir. Paul van der Molen œ Chair Dr. D.R. Ettema œ External Examiner Drs. Johan de Meijere œ Supervisor Ir. Walter de Vries œ Supervisor INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION ENSCHEDE, THE NETHERLANDS I certify that although I may have conferred with others in preparing for this assignment, and drawn upon a range of sources cited in this work, the content of this thesis report is my original work. Signed … … … … … … … … . Disclaimer This document describes work undertaken as part of a programme of study at the International Insti- tute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation. All views and opinions expressed therein remain the sole responsibility of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of the institute. ABSTRACT The study aims to improve land use processes in local government with the support of an information system. This objective is realized through the conduct of analysis, design, and prototyping. The study takes Naga City in the Philippines as case for developing the land use information system. Analysis is done to understand context of land use processes in local government. Understanding context is essential to defining the content of the information system. Analysis starts with literature survey to describe the context of change as reflected in the continuing redefinition of concepts on land use management and information system. The study then takes a critical look at how Naga City local government practices land use planning and monitoring, and applies information technology to support such functions. It reviews local government‘s policy direction and priorities, and identifies issues and opportunities in land use and database management. Among the issues identified, the following can be highlighted: more data but less analysis in the formulation of land use plan; planning as a one-shot activity; absence of sustainability assessment in processing applications for zoning clearances and certificates; and computerization efforts that resulted in islands of automation. Based on the analysis, a design solution for the information system is proposed. First, a set of guidelines for developing the system is defined. This is then translated into a System Architecture, which provides the global view of the system. The System Architecture includes the processes of development control and assessment, enforcement and monitoring, planning, local knowledge acquisition, management control, and service delivery and communication channel. These processes are supported by a number of databases, including operational databases, land supply and use, spatial layers, policies and plans. Based on the System Architecture and an analysis of user requirements, the structures and functionalities of the system are developed applying Unified Modeling Language (UML) notation. Prototyping is intended to demonstrate system features and identify potential problems in implementation. A working data model is developed for the prototype. The prototype is subjected to three tasks based on user requirements, namely: providing immediate access to data, facilitating decision-making, and conducting spatial analysis for land use planning. Based on the results of the prototype, the following problems are identified: absence of a key identifier to link datasets; heterogeneous data models and software applications; untapped location-based datasets; unstructured sustainability and suitability criteria for land use. In the conclusion, implications of the system for local government are defined, as follows: 1) land use information system can serve as platform to integrate data and facilitate data exchange in local government; 2) it enables decision-making; 3) it is a means to induce community involvement in land use issues; 4) it facilitates and enhances analysis for land use planning; and 5) it is a tool for improving public service. V VI ACKNOW LEDGMENTS Many people helped in making this thesis possible. Special thanks to: My two supervisors, Prof. Johan de Meijere and Prof. Walter de Vries, who patiently read my draft and guided me in completing this thesis; they had always challenged and provoked me to think and to think harder about the direction and content of this thesis; My teachers in the various modules I attended here in ITC, particular mention to Prof. Arbind Tuladhar who introduced me to the world of UML and to Ing. Bert Raidt who accommodated my requests for help during the initial stage of writing; Filipino friends here in ITC, Obet, Sharon, Amy, Abel, Feng, Caren, Aldrin, and Mafe who made life here in Enschede like home; Friends in UPLA, GIM, and other programs, with whom I have forged friendship that is rooted in respect for each other‘s culture and belief; Dr. Ma. Concepcion P. Alfiler, whose support and confidence have inspired me to venture in the field of information system; The officials and staff of Naga City local government, especially those in the City Planning and Development Office and the Electronic Data Processing Unit, without whose help and cooperation this thesis would not have seen the light of day. VII VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................................v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS....................................................................................................................vii LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLE.......................................................................................................xi ABBREVIATIONS..............................................................................................................................xii 1. DEVELOPING AN INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR LAND USE: AN INTRODUCTION.....1 1.1. BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................1 1.2. RESEARCH PROBLEM .......................................................................................................3 1.3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................3 1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS....................................................................................................4 1.5. RESEARCH FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................4 1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.......................................................................................5 1.7. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS...............................................................................................5 1.8. THESIS STRUCTURE..........................................................................................................6 2. RESEARCH SITE AND METHODOLOGIES.............................................................................9 2.1. THE STUDY AREA ..............................................................................................................9 2.1.1. Reasons for Area Selection ............................................................................................9 2.1.2. Basic Geographic Profile..............................................................................................10 2.1.3. Naga City Local Government.......................................................................................11 2.2. METHODOLOGIES AND DATA COLLECTION............................................................13 2.2.1. Literature ......................................................................................................................14 2.2.2. Interviews .....................................................................................................................14 2.2.3. Client Survey................................................................................................................15 2.2.4. Data Samples................................................................................................................15 2.2.5. Service Monitor............................................................................................................16 3. EVOLVING CONCEPTS AND EMERGING TRENDS: A LITERATURE SURVEY ...........17 3.1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................17 3.2. INFORMATION SYSTEM .................................................................................................17 3.3. LAND USE..........................................................................................................................20 3.3.1. Land Use As A Dynamic Concept ...............................................................................20 3.3.2. Land Use in Land Administration and Management....................................................21 3.3.3. Land Use Planning and Monitoring .............................................................................21 3.3.4. Land Use Information