Objective: To provide users with the capability to visually compare different versions of maps, such as satellite imagery from various years, to observe changes and evolution over time. This feature can be particularly useful in understanding the development of infrastructure, environmental changes, or the progression of asset conditions.
Primary Actors: GIS Analysts, Environmental Planners, Infrastructure Managers.
Preconditions:
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The product contains a historical archive of map imagery for different years.
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Users have access to tools within the GIS for selecting and viewing different map versions.
Main Flow:
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Selection of Map Versions:
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Users access the map comparison feature within the GIS system (double map).
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They select two different versions of the map to compare.
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Visualization of Map Versions:
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The system displays the selected map versions side by side.
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Users can toggle between the map versions or adjust the view to focus on specific areas of interest.
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Analysis of Changes:
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As users compare the map versions, the system may offer tools for annotating differences, measuring changes, or highlighting areas of significant alteration.
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Users can generate reports that document the observed changes for further analysis or presentation purposes.
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Example Scenario: An environmental planner wants to assess the impact of urban development on a natural habitat over the last decade. They select satellite images from the current year and ten years prior, using the comparison tool to visually identify areas where urban expansion has encroached on natural landscapes.
This use case outlines the process of comparing different versions of maps within a GIS system to track changes and developments over time, offering valuable insights for planning, management, and environmental assessment activities.
Features involved in this use case: