Developing a web-based mobile GIS application for monitoring the Uganda standard gauge railway right of way

Abstract

Railway reserves in Uganda are encroached on by settlements, farming activities and informal businesses such as vending and tree nurseries. Studies have recommended, among others, the need for regular inspections and monitoring of Railway Rights of Way. The Uganda Standard Gauge Railway Project (SGRP) has been acquiring land for the Railway Right of Way (ROW) since 2016 with delayed construction which has led to encroachment of this already acquired land. This project therefore intended to develop a Mobile Web-based GIS Application to help monitor the acquired ROW for the SGRP. The specific objectives of this project were to carry out a needs assessment, design and develop a database for the SGR ROW and develop the Mobile Web based GIS Application. The methodology adopted included undertaking a literature review and requirements analysis and gathering, database design and development and system architecture and design of the mobile web-based application. The project found out that there was a great need to develop the application for mapping, reporting, viewing and analysis purposes. The land acquisition database was developed and then the Mapstore mapping application was customized for recording and uploading encroachment data in the field to be viewed and analyzed at head office. The objectives of the research project were met successfully. The application was able to capture the location, size and type of encroachment in a fast and cheaper way and uploaded for viewing and analysis at Head Office. Mobile Web based applications offer a faster, cheaper, spatial alternative to traditional manual methods of monitoring Rights of way from encroachment. The application is recommended to be used for monitoring the SGR Right of Way or any other infrastructure works that need routine monitoring. It can be improved to suit the specific GIS needs of the organization