May 26, 2021 /
Scope and requirement of property survey:
The approach and methodology that led us to accomplish the project of Property Survey Haryana was a crystal-clear understanding of the project requirements, in-depth market research, effective planning for an in-person field survey using a mobile device, and strategy toward project monitoring. Our talented and experienced team of surveyors divided the lifecycle of the whole project into two main phases –
- Development & Implementation (T1)
- Operation & Maintenance (T1+4 years).
The scope of work as required by the successful completion of this project, as proposed by our team was the design of a mobile application according to the approved survey format, seamless and end-to-end integration of the mobile application with the existing central server, door-to-door surveying of properties in addition to a base map for integration of properties within 30 days for reference and understanding. Apart from traditional techniques, YCSPL employed GIS technology for the integration of properties on the GIS base map and its corresponding tax data.
To minimize manual errors in data manipulation, we delivered an updated property tax database and publishing of notices and bills. Besides that, we also provided training to the senior officers from our trainers and necessary technical assistance, support, maintenance, and training for four years.
Integration of survey over the base map and survey approach:
The process of integration, in any given project, is undoubtedly the most integral process of the entire lifecycle of the project. To provide end-to-end and immersive integration of the digital survey over the base map, we tallied the base map concerning the topo sheets and existing GCP, identified permanent features such as towers and road junctions, and delineation of the study area. The total area on the satellite image was divided into grids for ease of on-site validation of properties. To facilitate the layering of properties, each layer had different physical features being marked with a specific geometry.
These layers had different attributes according to the physical feature of the layer and each layer was given a unique code. All the geo-tagged locations and surveyed databases were integrated with the highest degree of accuracy that was possible. The points were overlaid on the high-resolution imagery which was made available by DULB. All properties had the Unique Property Identification (UPI) with QR Code affixed to their buildings using a metallic sheet board.
Monitoring – onsite and offsite:
The monitoring process can be divided into two parts: Onsite and Offsite.
The offsite monitoring is facilitated by online tracking of the surveyor by the use of GPS. Offsite monitoring is helpful in the calculation of the actual period for the project’s completion. An API was designed in a 10-meter range of the target property and the surveyor modified the accuracy by moving the point position. Offsite monitoring guides the surveyor for any inaccurate geotagging of the property and was controlled through a well-designed MIS outcome, duly approved by the DULB. Project progress monitoring as per the approved work plan was monitored every day through the MIS outcome sheet.
Whereas the onsite monitoring will detect everyday movement and onsite control will be monitored by a property expert. The GCP point’s location and their fixing were finalized for a permanent point of view. A team of three surveyors was assigned a unique identification number which was deployed for each ward. Cross verification of the onsite measurement by the survey team was done using an electronic distance measuring device. The field data was regularly transferred to the central server of DULB and was also monitored by GIS experts regularly.
Base map integration strategy:
The base map integration strategy that we employed for the seamless running and successful completion of the project consisted of a geo-enabled survey module, tax assessment module, collection module, property tax analysis module, and citizen services. The integration of geo-tagged survey data points was based on their availability from the department. We suggested the most appropriate and well-suited map API for the mobile application according to its high accuracy, low error rate, ground truth control GCPs, licensing, and costing which was approved by the department before integration.
Database integration was also performed like visuals, graphic and non-graphic data in addition to the integration of property tax, license charges, data capturing mobile application, and requirements of the software. After the developmental phase and integration, maintenance of the application was well taken care of by our team and was made accessible and configurable with Laser Distance Meter or Electronic Measuring Device.
Challenges:
There were some inevitable challenges we faced while the execution of the project which were eventually handled and sorted by our team. Our team understood that these issues were important to be taken care of while focusing on the project itself. Those certain roadblocks were:
- The design of the mobile application, backup server, data loss, and integration with the central server.
- The risk of inaccuracy or low accuracy of satellite data availability by DULB
- The possibility of not co-operation by the property owner in the field during the survey as well as at the time of delivering tax notice which could hamper progress.
- Any delay in the timely availability of old data, demand register, updating of NIC server, etc. is an important activity that could have delayed the project.
- Any hindrance in the timely availability of the base map by DULB through a third party was posing a big risk as no time frame had been given in the RFP. So, the geo-tagged property with site measurement, served the very purpose of delivering tax notice though they could have been inaccurate there was no other option.
- The time frame given in RFP was extremely unreasonable. Within this time, primary and secondary data were challenged without which field surveys cannot be taken up appropriately.
Tools used for monitoring property survey:
With strategic planning and performance reviews, our team chose specific tools for overall monitoring of the project with timelines. Online tracking of surveyor and geotagging of the property was executed in addition to continuous follow-up on PC Monitor via well designed MIS system. All technical solutions were reviewed thoroughly within the team by covering all its aspects and components. A comprehensive project plan was prepared by the project manager covering a project roadmap, and a detailed understanding of the scope of work and its challenges, mainly including admin issues, and technical issues to be carried out. The entire setup of the project office within or nearby major city ULB, purchase of equipment, machinery, and design of sitting spaces was planned & placed by the consultant. Essential user manuals were delivered to gain a basic understanding of the project. After the successful completion of the project, our team provided the necessary support and maintenance.
