TERMINAL REPORT

Training-Workshop on GIS for the PDPFP Formulation

Balai Gloria, Washington Street, Barangay Osmena, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
June 15-17, 2009

I. BACKGROUND

Rationale:

GIS is an excellent tool and aid for planners in the conduct of situational analysis with
spatial dimension and the formulation of the physical framework plan of a locality. As a
result of the evolution and information technology advancement over the past ten years,
GIS is becoming a useful facility for planners and decision makers.

Consistent with the guidelines of the Provincial/Local Planning and Expenditure

Management Program (PLPEM), all the provinces are enjoined to formulate their
respective Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP). This plan is
an integration of the Comprehensive Provincial Development Plan and the Provincial
Physical Framework Plan.

The provinces in the region are in the process of formulating their respective Provincial
Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFPs). In the preparation of their
respective PDPFPs, GIS will be useful in the identification of their present land use, the
gaps and challenges and the potential areas for development. Since all the provinces
have already established their respective GIS facility, NEDA felt the need to capacitate
the provincial planners on how this facility will be utilized primarily in the spatial analysis
for land use planning, hence this training was conducted.

Objectives:

The training aimed to familiarize the provincial planners on the basics concepts and use
of GIS for spatial analysis in land use planning.

Specifically, at the end of the training the participants were refreshed on their knowledge
on the basics of GIS and applications in spatial analysis; applied their acquired
knowledge and skills in map analysis for land use planning; and identified problems,
gaps and challenges on land use based on the map analysis.

Participants:

A total of 24 participants attended the training with 3 to 5 participants from each province
in the region and NEDA technical staff who are directly involved in the provision of
technical assistance to the provinces in the formulation of their respective PDPFPs. The
participants who were able to hurdle the 3-day training are the following:
 Name Agency/Institution
1. Lucia B. Alviso PPDO-Batanes
2. Teofilo A. Anay PPDO-Batanes
3. Richard E. Argonza PPDO-Batanes
4. Daniphine A. Badua PPDO-Quirino
5. Mildred G. Austria PPDO-Quirino
6. Nelson Camangeg PPDO-Quirino
7. Jomel Sugue PPDO-Quirino
8. Celestino B. Guillermo PPDO-Quirino
9. Frederick Lannu PPDO-Nueva Vizcaya
10. Perry Alvin L. Barongan PPDO-Nueva Vizcaya
11. Marlon P. Castillo PPDO-Nueva Vizcaya
12. Maria Jonem P. Gacad PPDO-Nueva Vizcaya
13. Loida Tubana PPDO-Isabela
14. Helen V. Baggao PPDO-Isabela
15. Edmond Guzman PPDO-Isabela
16. Arnel A. Tumolva PGO-Isabela
17. Rolando B. Calabazaron, Jr. PPDO-Cagayan
18. Marina C. Tamaray PPDO-Cagayan
19. Felipe Dimaandal PPDO-Cagayan
20. Joel Maguigad PPDO-Cagayan
21. Ruperto C. Robles NEDA-RO2
22. Giovanni I. Maguddayao NEDA-RO2
23. Gerardo C. Catolos NEDA-RO2
24. Francesca C. Tannagan NEDA-RO2

Resource Persons/Secretariat

The theoretical inputs on GIS were provided by the Resource Persons from
Conservation International Philippines, namely: Dr. Oliver Coroza and Mr. Andy Alvaran,
from PPDO of Nueva Vizcaya, namely: Mr Edgardo Sabado and Mr. Marlon Castillo

The Secretariat and facilitators were the KMD Staff of NEDA-RO2

II. ACTUAL ACTIVITY

PRELIMINARIES

Welcome and Opening Remarks:

Assistant-PPDC Mr. Jeffrey Magday, for and in behalf of Governor Luisa Cuaresma and
PPDC Miguel Jubay welcomed the participants to the training-workshop. He conveyed
his appreciation to NEDA-RO2 for showcasing the province of Nueva Vizcaya as the
model for the other provinces in the region on the use of GIS in the preparation and
formulation of their respective Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan. He
was happy to inform the participants that the success of Nueva Vizcaya was the product
of gradual transformation through internal effort of accepting a framework for change
and external interventions whose timing were significant to facilitate and transform an
environment viable for change. This transformation was then institutionalized by the
provincial government in further attaining its niche for improved public service delivery.

Overview of the training

Ms. Elvira L. Alan, Chief Economic Development Specialist of Knowledge Management

Division of NRO2 explained that the training was mainly to strengthen the capability of
the provincial planners on the use of the analytical tools of existing GIS softwares.

She also explained the three objectives that need to be achieved after the 3-day training.
The training is then expected the rest of the provinces to generate the required digital
maps, conduct a map analysis, identify spatial strategies and develop spatial alternatives
which form as an integral part of their PDPFP document.

Expectation Setting

In order to prepare the mindset of the participants, they were requested to identify their
expectations based on four areas, namely: Worries and Concerns; Excitements; Hopes
and Wishes; and Contributions. The participants reactions were summarized as follows:

1. Worries and Concerns

- Some were worried because they were already late in the preparation of the PDPFP

2. Excitements
- Participants were too eager and excited to gain knowledge on GIS application and
the opportunity to widen or expand their network of GIS experts.

3. Hopes and Wishes

- Some were looking forward to applying their learning on GIS in deriving analytical
maps using their own provincial spatial data.
- Some were also pinning their hope that after the training the completion of the
PDPFP document will be fast tracked

4. Contributions
- The participants committed to actively participate in all the sessions and
consequently to internalize and further develop their knowledge and skills.

Brief Overview, Importance and Application of GIS

Dr. Oliver Coroza
Conservation International Philippines

The presentation of Dr. Coroza was tailored-fit to suit to the needs of the participants
given their background and role in the PDPFP preparation. He discussed the basic
concepts of GIS for better appreciation by those without prior knowledge in GIS and
refreshing the knowledge of the advance GIS users among the participants.
Among the topics discussed were the: definition of GIS, its elements or components,
software components, GIS data and sources, types of GIS data handles, characteristics,
structures, comparison of data structures, data management, models, relationship,
topology, manipulation, analysis, GIS queries, and spatial retrieval operations.

Based on his presentations, there is no consensus on the definition of GIS but it includes
major elements, namely: hardware/software, database, applications and infrastructure.
Definitions coincide mostly depending on the application of GIS. The hardware
requirement depends on the GIS capability, with the commercial software requiring more
intensive hardware configurations. Nonetheless, for its software component, basic
requirements include tools for input and manipulation, database management system,
spatial query and analysis, and graphical user interface. For some open source GIS, the
latter two requirements are not present or have limited functions. Several GIS software
available for free includes NRDB Pro, ILWIS, GRASS and Quantum GIS while popular
commercial softwares include, ArcGIS, ArcInfo, MapInfo, IDRISI, Integraph and ERDAS.
The manpower requirement for GIS also depends on the level of GIS application. Above
all, for a GIS to function effectively in a given organization, it should be guided by a well
defined methods and procedures.

Spatial data which are rudimentary in a GIS environment are base maps, environmental
maps and socio-economic maps. GIS functions revolve on this spatial data to include
input, management, analysis, manipulation and visualization. Sources of spatial data are
maps, aerial photos, satellite images, technical descriptions, and GPS data. Geographic
data which is the foundation of spatial data has four integrated components, namely:
location, attribute, spatial relationship and time. GIS data are further categorized into
spatial data and attribute data (non-spatial), with the latter usually organized in a table or
a database environment. The attribute data is then stored in a separate database which
is linked to an existing spatial data with relationship established through identifiers.

Data structures can either be vector or raster. Raster data store values for every cell in a
grid organized like a matrix. On the other hand, vector data are represented by lines,
points and polygons. Fundamental to a vector are points where it is stored in a x and y
coordinates. Objects are created by connecting points or arcs. Issues on data formats
between vector and raster are some of the challenges in GIS. While it is easy to convert
vector to raster, raster are difficult to convert into vector. Other limitations include the
difficulty in establishing topological relationship in raster and large memory requirement
for more detailed raster data. Limitations of vector are its complex data structure,
difficulty in overlay operations, inefficiency in representing high spatial variability and
limited image enhancement.

GIS Data Management

Mr. Andy Alvaran
Conservation International

A cornerstone of ArcGIS is its ability to access GIS data in any format and use multiple
databases and file-based datasets concurrently. ArcGIS has a high-level generic
information model for representing geographic information, such as features, rasters,
and other spatial data types. ArcGIS supports an implementation of the data model for
both file systems and DBMSs.
Support for file-based models includes access to numerous GIS datasets such as
coverages, shapefiles, grids, images, and Triangulated Irregular Networks. The
geodatabase model manages the same types of geographic information in relational
databases, providing many of the data management benefits offered by a DBMS.

Both the file-based datasets and the DBMS-based datasets define a generic model for
geographic information. This generic model can be used to define and work with a wide
variety of GIS applications. By defining and implementing the behavior of a generic
geographic data model, geographic information in ArcGIS can be multipurpose, sharable,
and standards-based. Most important, a comprehensive series of tools are available to
work with the generic data types. Thus, ArcGIS provides a robust platform for virtually
any GIS application.

The geodatabase architecture is based on a series of simple yet essential database

concepts. The DBMS provides a simple, formal data model for storing and working with
information in tables. Users tend to think of the DBMS as inherently open because the
simplicity and flexibility of the generic relational data model enable it to support a broad
array of applications.

Geographic information exists in many forms, including relational databases, files,

ArcGIS documents, and remote GIS web services. ArcGIS applications work together
allowing work with geographic information and other ancillary data that exist in various
data sources, including datasets, relational databases, and many file types and schemas.

Using ArcGIS 9.x series through one of its major component ArcCatalog helps GIS users
with the provision of an integrated and unified view of all the data files, databases, and
ArcGIS documents available to ArcGIS users. Unlike other data (a photo or Word
document), geographic datasets often consist of a set of files, rather than a single file.
When listed in Windows Explorer, the datasets appear as a list of system folders and
files, whereas ArcCatalog displays and manages the datasets as single entities.
ArcCatalog is the program use to organize and manage these various datasets and
documents in both file-based workspaces and in geodatabases. This program allows
connection to data source locations, browse through workspaces, examine or explore
the data, manage data, tables and metadata, and search for data and maps.

The ArcCatalog application provides the necessary tools which allows:

• Browse and find geographic information

• Record, view, and manage metadata
• Define, export, and import geodatabase data models and datasets
• Search for and discover GIS data on local networks and the Web
• Create and manage the schemas of geodatabases

Familiarization with Arcview GIS 9.x – Learning ArcGIS Desktop

Mr. Andy Alvaran
Conservation International

Module 1. Learning ArcMap

ArcMap is one of the major part s of ArcGIS Desktop. This is where the user can display
and query maps, create quality map layout and perform many spatial analyst tasks.
ArcMap Provides an easy transition from viewing a map to editing its spatial features.
The objective of the module is for the participants to be able to:

• add data to map

• display map features
• query and select geographic features
• work with data tables
• edit geographic data, and
• create map layouts

The participants without prior knowledge on the functionalities of ArcMap were

familiarized on the basic parts of ArcMap, to include menu, tools, table of content
functions, data frame properties, examples and representation of features and specific
functionalities in the menu and tool bars.

Participants used Tuguegarao spatial data representing several features (points,

polylines and polygons) in familiarizing them with the robust functionalities of ArcMap.
The approach used was a step-by-step procedure of familiarizing the participants of the
actual use of the most widely used tools of the ArcMap and ArcCatalog of ArcGIS 9.x
series. In particular, the participants were made to appreciate Selection Tool either
through attributes or location, Table Join tool and adding attributes to a table, and
Editing and Digitizing New Feature tool with use of ArcEditor. They were also taught how
to create map layout, by translating digital data from the Data View to Layout View. In
the Layout View, the participants learned the differences between the Supportive
Content, Primary Content and Secondary Content of a Map.

Familiarization with Arcview GIS 9.x – Working with Model Builder

Andy Alvaran
Conservation International

Some of the least understood, yet most important types of operations done in GIS
involve geoprocessing. In fact, some would say that geoprocessing is the difference
between GIS and all other mapping systems. Geoprocessing is the methodical
execution of a sequence of operations on geographic data to create new information.
The process performed may be routine—for example to help convert a number of files
from one format to another. Or, the operations can be quite sophisticated—to create
high quality maps, to create a sophisticated analytical model to help understand and
solve important scientific problems, and to publish geoprocessing models as web
services using ArcGIS Server.

The fundamental purpose of geoprocessing is to help automate GIS tasks and to

perform modeling and analysis. Almost all uses of GIS involve the repetition of work, and
this creates the need to automate, document, and share multi-step procedures.
Geoprocessing provides the framework for automation. GIS users also compose and
execute analytical and statistical models that help to solve problems, predict what might
happen, and to better understand many scenarios and situations. A key aspect of
geoprocessing is the ability to design, build, and execute many types of analytical
models that support this work.
The geoprocessing framework provides the basis for spatial analysis and modeling
through numerous tools and operators that work on geographic datasets. These tools
use geography as a key for data integration helping users to discover and work with
spatial relationships and use geographic operators to derive new information.

There are three characteristics of geoprocessing that are important to understand when
learning GIS. All three will help to more effectively apply geoprocessing:

• There is a large set of geoprocessing operators (called tools in ArcGIS). Learning

what GIS tools are available and what they do is important.
• Individual tools can be chained together into a sequence—most often called a
process. This ability to create processes is one of the most effective uses of GIS.
Ideas can be programmed more quickly and efficiently.
• ArcGIS provides a framework that exposes all aspects of geoprocessing in each
application. Geoprocessing can help with almost every GIS task performed.

When creating a model, the user preserves a set of tasks, or a workflow, that can
execute multiple times. There are an infinite number of workflows that can be automated
using models. Model Builder chain together tools, using the output of one tool as the
input to another tool. The model created is added to ArcToolbox as a model tool, which
can be executed using its dialog or the Command Line window. The model itself can be
executed within the ModelBuilder and validate for proper syntax. The technique is to
start first with the creation of simple models which leads you step-by-step through
creating and executing a working model.

The ModelBuilder was utilized to demonstrate typical analytical functions like buffer
analysis and overlay analysis. With the use of the Tuguegarao spatial data, the
participants tinkered on the use of ModelBuilder

GIS Application in the Preparation of the Nueva Vizcaya Development and

Physical Framework Plan
Engr. Ed Sabado
PPDO-Nueva Vizcaya

The current spatial dataholdings of Nueva Vizcaya was explained that it was the output
of continuous effort of technical staff who took the challenge of learning GIS after several
years of external interventions to the province and the corresponding support provided
by the provincial administration which institutionalize GIS operation in the province. GIS
was perceived as an important tool for planning in the province. It is for the same reason
that the previous PPFP of the province was able to define clearly its spatial strategies. In
the advent of the PDPFP formulation, the province was once again challenge to
integrate development into physical planning. Its previous experience in map analysis
has proven critical in the present PDPFP formulation exercise. Previous spatial data was
used to generate the required map for the current planning exercise.

In coming up with the overall provincial development and physical framework plan, the
province had to generate the overall reference map – that of its existing land use map.
Identifying the existing land use map provides for the firm basis in identifying the
subsequent alternative spatial strategies. Nonetheless, in the case of the province, they
have to update their reference map in coming up with their overall land use map
considering the physical and development changes that took place from the time that
their previous physical plan was formulated.

In addition to the land use map, it is equally necessary for the province to define its
provincial administrative map in order to validate its external boundaries. In delineating
the external boundaries the following steps was undertaken by the province:

1. Review the technical description on the creation of the province.

2. Plot the Technical Description on the Topographic Map.
3. Plot/ digitize the Administrative Map prepared by NAMRIA.
4. Review and plot/ digitize the municipal maps from respective municipalities.
5. Review the location of Barangays by Municipality (It would help if supported with
GPS survey on Barangay Centers).
6. Review all the maps and determine areas with boundary conflict.
7. Meet with r Local Chief Executive and policy makers for policy direction.
8. Prepare the administrative map based from policy direction. Make annotations on
the map regarding the political boundaries especially those in conflict.
9. Plot/ identify Municipal Centers using the Topographic Map

In plotting the existing built-up areas, the following steps were undertaken:
1. Review Existing Land Use Map of Municipalities (Based from the Municipal
Comprehensive Land Use Plan)
2. Review the prepared Strategic Agricultural Fisheries and Development Zones
(SAFDZ) Map
3. Conduct windshield survey of municipalities particularly on the extent of built-up.
Determine depth of built-up and validate it with the municipalities.
4. Access latest remote sensed data. (can also utilized google earth as reference)
5. Review also tax maps and the present land use map prepared by BSWM.
6. Plot/ digitize by using the latest updated built-up at the topographic map.
Note: Built up is composed of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial
estates.

With the administrative map and built-up area map on hand, the province then started to
validate their existing land use map. But prior to the generation of the land use map,
there were several considerations that have been taken into account, like:
1. Need to be familiar with the land classification system, land use classification
system, and local and national policies on land use. (Refer to the NFPP)
2. Existing Land Use Map is not equal to actual/ present land use map.
3. Existing Land Use Map are based from land classification, land use policies,
existing bio-physical and environmental conditions and the actual/ present built-
up areas. (Refer to the criterion in preparing the existing land use map.)
4. Land use map is the output of the land classification process. (Foundations of
Land Use Planning by E. Serote)
5. Do overlay mapping and derive the existing land use using the criterion in
preparing the existing land use.

With these parameters, the province proceeded to the step-by-step procedure of

deriving the existing land use:

1. Derive the Protection Area

Overlay the following maps:

 NIPAS Sites Map – get the proclaimed NIPAS sites (Watershed Areas/ Forest
Reserves, National Parks, Monuments, etc.)
 Elevation Map – extract the areas with elevation more than 1,000 masl
 Slope Map – get the areas with slope more than 50%
 Erosion Map – get the areas that are severely eroded
 Land/ Vegetation/ Forest Cover Map – derive the old growth forest, pine forest,
mangroves, mossy forest, and other flora species protected by law
 Surface Drainage/ Water Bodies Map – derive the waterways and easements/
buffers, seagrass beds, estuaries, mudflats, mangroves, lakes, swamps/
marshes and other waterbodies (this forms part of the protected wetlands/
buffer)
 Geo-Hazard and Flooding Map – derive areas highly prone to landslides/ earth
movements, flooding, faultlines and buffer, volcanoes, tsunami and other hazard
prone areas.
 Eco-Tourism Maps – derive the areas of natural caves, salt springs, mossy forest,
lagoons and other potential eco-tourism sites
 Bio-diversity Maps – derive areas with high bio-diversity concentration, important
bird areas, endangered species
 NPAAAD/ SAFDZ Map – extract the protected areas for agricultural and agro-
industrial development (If none, use the Soil Physiography and Present Land
Use Map of BSWM – this will be the basis in deriving the protected agricultural
land)

2. Overlay the Protection Area to the Land Classification (LC) Map to derive the
preliminary existing land use map by determining the following:
 Mineral Lands – taken directly from the LC Map
 Protection Forest – Forestlands within the Protection Area
 Protected Agricultural Land – A&D in Protection Area (cross check with NPAAAD
Map)
 Protection Wetlands and Buffer – delineate waterbodies and buffer (use Surface
Drainage/ Waterbodies Map); Buffer/ Easements in urban areas is 3 m,
agricultural land is 20 m and forestland is 40 m.
 Production Agriculture – A&D outside of the Protection Area
 Production Forest – Forestland outside of the Protection Area

3. Overlay the preliminary existing land use map with Land/ Vegetation Cover Map,
Present Land Use/ Built-up Map, Land Tenure Map, Existing Infrastructure/ Road
Network Map and Geo-Hazard and Flooding or Land Limitations Map to derive the
Existing Land Use and Decision Zones Map. The decision zones can be the
following:

 Kaingin/ Agricultural Cultivation/ Settlements/ Built-up in Protection Forest

 Mineral Explorations in NIPAS and Non-NIPAS Sites
 Pasturelands in Forest Reserves (Proclamation 573)/ Protection Forest
 Infrastructure/ Road Network in NIPAS/ Non-NIPAS Sites
Map Overlay Analysis and Area Derivation in the Nueva Vizcaya PDPFP
Marlon Castillo
PPDO- Nueva Vizcaya

The lecture focus more on the actual overlay analysis on several maps using ArcView
3.2, the software that the PPDO-Nueva Vizcaya are more familiar inspite of the
availability of ArcGIS 9.1. The primary focus of the lecture is the step-by-step procedure
undertaken in deriving the existing land use map. In deriving the existing land use map,
the province used 13 maps, namely: administrative map, transport/road network map,
drainage map, present land use map, land use and vegetation cover map/forest cover
map, elevation map, slope map, tenure map, erosion, NIPAS, SAFDZ, land classification
map and geo-hazard map.

In deriving the existing land use map, the province use as a guide six steps that were
considered necessary, to wit:

1. Generate Protection Area Map

2. Generate the Protection/Production Map
3. Generate Preliminary Existing Land Use Map
4. Generate Decision Zones Map
5. Integrate Decision Zones With Preliminary Existing Land Use Map
6. Consultation and validation of Existing Land Use Map

In generating the protection map, the required feature from pre-identified maps are first
selected like: all proclaimed areas in the NIPAS map; 1000 meters and above in the
elevation map; all areas 50% or more in the slope map; old growth forest, mossy forest
and mangrove forest in the forest cover map; 40-meter buffer in forest areas and 20-
meter buffer in A&D areas for drainage map; severe flooding areas and active faultline
500-meter buffer in the geohazard map; severely eroded areas in the erosion map; and
irrigated areas and fishery areas in the SAFDZ and NPAAAD map.

The selected areas are therefore combined using the Union Tool but selected features
can be combined only for two maps at a time. The province then have to merge features
of NIPAS map and elevation map, forest cover map and slope map, drainage map and
geo-hazard map, and erosion map and SAFDZ. There were 7 merging of features using
Union Tool to finally derive the final protection map.

In generating the production map, the output protection map in the previous step was
merged with the land classification map. The resulting map combines the features of the
two maps, where features outside of the already identified protected areas were
considered the production areas. The final map reflects the province’s production and
protection land use.

The next map to be generated is the preliminary existing land use map. In deriving the
said map, the protection map is once again merge with the land classification map using
Union. The merged map was then utilized to identify the protection forest, the protection
agriculture, production agriculture and production forest. The process used in identifying
the four areas was through Table Edit with the creation of additional attribute of the
merged map. The identification of the four areas is facilitated with the use of Select Tool.
Given the three maps, the province proceeded to the generation of decision maps.
There were five preliminary decision maps needed prior to the generation of the final
decision map. For the decision map 1 or the agriland within protection forest, the
protection forest map and the present land use map were overlayed to visually
determine the areas of overlap. The decision map 2 involves the overlay of protection
forest and tenure map thus showing the visual location of tenure map within forest areas.

The third decision map involves the overlay of the road network/infrastructure within
protected areas, which shows minimal effect on the total forest. Decision map 4 overlay
present land use map and geohazard map mainly to determine agriland/built-up areas
that are within hazard areas. The last decision map is an overlay of protection agriland
map and protection map in order to generate protected agriland within 50% slope and
severely eroded areas. The preliminary 5 decision maps were then intersected to derive
and create the final decision maps.

The next step was the overlay of preliminary existing land use map with land vegetation
cover map, present land use/built-up map, tenure and infra/road network map and the
decision zones maps. The resulting map in this step serves as the working map of the
province for its PDPFP. However, this have yet to be subjected to the final step which is
the consultation with concerned agencies, stakeholdes and municipal LGUs for policy
direction.

The process that the province has to follow proves that decision maps can be derived
using GIS. The analysis took lesser time to generate the required decision maps as
compared when the procedure would have been done manually or using tracing paper.
Aside from the time element, the process also involves less people as compared to
manual operation where cartographers are needed to generate maps that would provide
more credence to the output.

Workshop on Spatial Analysis and Map Overlay

For this part of the training workshop, only the provinces of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya
were able to comply with the pre-requisite of spatial data needed for the workshop. The
three other provinces could not meet the deadline to generate the required spatial data
of their respective provinces. Nonetheless, for them to further appreciate Spatial Analyst
tools, the provinces of Isabela, Batanes and Quirino were given hypothetical spatial data
to work. The provinces of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya decided to utilize their own
spatial data and the use of the ModelBuilder.

Using the Spatial Analyst tools available with ArcGIS 9.x, the participants were able to
easily perform spatial analysis. Spatial analyst tool provide answers to simple spatial
questions, such as “How steep is it at this location?” or “What direction is this location
facing?” Or it has also the capability to find answers to more complex spatial questions,
such as “Where is the best location for a new facility?” or “What is the least costly path
from A to B?”

The comprehensive set of Spatial Analyst tools within ArcGIS allow the user to explore
and analyze spatial data and enables user to find solutions to spatial problems. User can
run tools from the Spatial Analyst toolbox or the command line, accessible via any
ArcGIS Desktop application, or can run tools from the Spatial Analyst toolbar in ArcMap.
User can also create custom tools (models or scripts) to run a sequence of tools at one
time.

There are three exercises to familiarize the participants on the use of the tool, namely:

Exercise 1. Preparing for Analysis

In this exercise, participants were required to prepare for analysis by first copying the
tutorial data, then creating a folder and a geodatabase for the results. Participants will
then locate the Spatial Analyst tools and create a hillshade output to display
transparently with other layers.

Exercise 2: Finding a site for a new school

In this exercise, participants were required to build a model that finds suitable locations
for a new school. The steps to produce such a suitability map are outlined on a printed
module that enumerates a the step-by-step procedure. The input datasets in this
exercise are landuse, elevation, rec_sites, and schools. Participants will also derive
slope, distance to recreation sites, and distance to existing schools, then reclassify these
derived datasets to a common scale from 1–10. The result will then be weighed
according to a percentage influence and combine them to produce a map displaying
suitable locations for the new school. Participants are then expected to finally select the
optimal site for the new school from the alternatives.

Exercise 3: Finding an alternate access route to the new school site

In this exercise, the participants are expected to create the source datasets if necessary.
The source is the school site and reclassifying it to a common measurement scale,
weighting them, then combining them. Participants were also expected to perform cost
distance analysis using the source and cost datasets as inputs. The distance dataset
created from this tool is a raster in which the value of each cell is the accumulated cost
of traveling from each cell back to the source.

To find the least costly path, a direction dataset is needed, which can be created as an
additional dataset from the Cost Distance tool. The output is a raster of the direction of
the least costly path from each cell back to the source (in this exercise, the school site).
Then, the participants created the destination dataset. In this exercise, the destination
dataset is a point at a road junction. Then, they had to perform cost path analysis using
the distance and direction datasets created from the Cost Distance tool.

IV. Presentation and Critiquing of Workshop Outputs

Each provincial team presented their output and explained the process in deriving their
output map.

1. Batanes

The province was the first to complete the exercise but in the presentation they
focused mainly on the final output. They failed to introduce the purpose of the
analysis. They were reminded that the process in deriving the final map is equally
 important as the final map. The presentation provided limited information thus
showing no impact at all on the audience. The Batanes group was reminded that
the most critical step after deriving decision maps for the PDPFP is the ability of
the presentor to convince decision-makers like the governor or the sangguniang
panlalawigan where the PDPFP shall be presented for approval. The RGIN will
also agree on the standard symbology for spatial features considering the
negligible colors used by the province in their final output map.

2. Quirino

The province presented their process using the ModelBuilder in deriving their
output map. The process was clearly presented, however, they were not able to
present a final output map which is the location of the proposed road to the new
school site citing the limited time to come up with the final analysis. Nonetheless,
they were commended in utilizing ModelBuilder having been considered the best
approach in showing how to keep track of realizing the objective through
summarizing the process and visualizing how to derive the final decision map.

3. Isabela

The province of Isabela presented a methodological approach in deriving

required maps thus focusing on the process and the criteria for each map
reclassified. The approach used in presenting the group output is appropriate for
technical audience. But, the province was short of their expected output which is
the location of the proposed new road to the new school site.

4. Cagayan

Using the data of Baliuag, Penablanca, Cagayan, the province of Cagayan

decided to identify the area where no developments will be introduced since the
municipality included in the declared protected area. They used the following
maps: land classification, land cover, river system and slope. They used Baliuag
catchment as the extent of the boundary for the analysis. They identified features
that are within the forest areas from the land classification map, 50% or more in
the slope map and buffered 100 meters of the existing river network within the
catchment. After selecting these attributes, forest areas that intersect within the
50% or more slope are identified and further intersected to the 100-meter buffer.
The final map therefore represents the areas where no developments will be
introduced.

The presentation is mainly a demonstration on how to do Spatial Analyst which

though simple was portrayed by the Cagayan team that they are capable of using
Spatial Analyst Tool. They also presented a Model for the process of the analysis
they made.

5. Nueva Vizcaya

The province presented an ArcGIS 9.1 version of the procedure in generating

their provincial protection land use. They also utilized ModelBuilder which
showed in a clear and concise manner the procedure in deriving the expected
 output map. Nonetheless, not all the maps as presented in the earlier session
were utilized to derive the protected land use map of the province. The purpose
of the limited map used for the analysis is only to demonstrate that migration of
data into ArcGIS 9.1 is possible.

All the provinces were all able to come up with their corresponding output, mainly a
demonstration of the newly acquired skills and knowledge in GIS. The provinces were
able to confirm that there are far more technical tools available in ArcGIS 9.1 that will
facilitate the planning exercise at their level.

V. Next Steps – What do you need from RGIN in the preparation of your PDPFP?

The participants identified follow through activities needed in the preparation of their
PDPFP document. It involves multiple efforts coming from the provinces and RGIN
which was identified to play a critical role in the planning exercise in the province. The
following immediate interventions and actions were suggested:

1. Continue digitizing maps, Need technical assistance from GIS experts of

NEDA/other provinces

2. RGIN to facilitate data collection from member agencies for distribution to other
members or other stakeholders

3. Create a CORE group within RGIN to reach out to other stakeholders

4. Give report or feedback to local chief executive or provincial administrator on the

importance of GIS in the PDPFP preparation

5. Additional technical assistance in terms of spatial data generation and analysis

VI. Issues and Concerns

1. Some of the participants were not prepared for the training.

The participants were reminded several times, during the coordination period or
prior to the training, to bring with them the computers where the ArcGIS 9.x
software was installed with hardware key. Their failure to bring with them this
critical requisite of the training caused the delay during the first day. The
Secretariat spent the one day to install the demo version of ArcGIS 9.1 with
Spatial Analyst Tool to at least two computers for each province for the
participants to be able to keep pace in the workshop session.

Also, only Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya were able to bring spatial data for the
workshop. The Isabela, Quirino and Batanes never mentioned the unavailability
of working data for the workshop during the coordination period. The Secretariat
was able to solve the problem by providing available tutorial data for Spatial
Analyst and these were utilized by the three provinces.

2. Some provinces highly depend on RGIN digitized maps

 The provinces were already provided by the RGIN secretariat with the working
spatial data. The most critical data shared was those coming from BAR and CI
Philippines. The provinces were also provided a copy of the topographic maps
covering the provincial extent which can be used to validate the external
boundaries and features reflecting the province. The RGIN could only provide
indicative map, usually, covering the region. However, provincial details are best
validated by the provinces, like approximated administrative boundaries which
then serve as a basis for validating other map features and layers. Nonetheless,
the RGIN will provide additional data to the provinces to further validate the data
that was already provided long ago. This will include LandSat image and Shuttle
Radar Topographic Mission - Digital Elevation Models. These two images can be
used to validate river and road networks, derivation of elevation and slope map,
generation of contour map, redelineation of watershed map and identification of
natural boundaries through mountain ridges and rivers. The RGIN will also
provide a copy of the barangay map from NAMRIA which will also serve as a
reference in validating further external and internal boundaries especially for the
administrative map of the province.

3. Irreconcilable and/or overlapping municipal boundaries

Isabela disclosed that one of the major factors for the delay in the generation of
maps of the province is the overlapping and irreconcilable municipal boundaries.
It was argued that this should first be resolved before they proceed in finalizing
their provincial maps.

It was suggested that the province should proceed in generating the provincial
maps which may not necessarily capture the accurate boundaries of
municipalities but shows indicative boundaries subject to the resolution by an
appropriate body. The province was reminded that spatial features like land use,
vegetation cover, erosion, slope, etc. are not limited to municipal boundaries. It
was stressed that it is important to maintain approximated accuracy of the
administrative boundaries and this can be checked through the laws creating the
municipalities. However, the province should not wait for this issue to be resolved
before working on the PDPFP since the indicative maps can be used for the
formulation of policy dircetions.

4. Should bottom-up approach in the PDPFP formulation be applied?

It was suggested that the bottom-up approach be utilized in the PDPFP

preparation such that the municipal CLUPs should be completed to serve asas
basis in the PDFP formulation.Based on the Nueva Vizcaya experience it was
shared that the PDPFP should be formulated first to serve as the framework or
reference in setting the development direction of the province. With the PDPFP,
the municipal LGUs will align their policy direction consistent with the province.

VII. Courtesy Call to the Office of the Governor

The participants also took the opportunity to personally extend their gratitude to
Governor Ma. Luisa Cuaresma for hosting the training and for unselfishly sharing their
experience on GIS on the PDPFP formulation to the other provinces. However, the
energetic mother of the province was not around due to prior commitments. In her behalf,
Provincial Administrator Designate Mr. Manuel N. Tabora was too happy to see the
culmination of the activity with the fresh skills and knowledge on GIS that the participants
had just acquired. In his message, he shared the participants that the key to the success
of the LGU Nueva Vizcaya in all its endeavor is their continuous quest for excellence
through innovations, participatory planning and strong networking. He concluded by
saying that the new learnings will be a springboard for the other provinces to take
seriously the challenge to improve local planning and hopes that similar activities be
undertaken in other provinces for stronger networking in the region.

VIII. Participants Evaluation of the Training

The participants were requested to rate the activity based on eight parameters that
defines the training/workshop. On a scale of 1 – 6, where 6 means the highest level of
achievement of the objectives/parameters of the training, the result is as follows:

Weighted
Adjectival Rating
Average
Objectives 5.22 Achieved
Degree of learning acquired 4.56 Very Much
Briefing kit 5.06 Very Useful
Presentation of resource persons 5.00 Very Relevant
Effectiveness of resource persons 5.06 Very Effective
Resource persons ability to respond to question 5.29 Very Responsive
Venue and arrangements 5.38 Very Conducive
Expectations 5.06 Met
General reaction 5.56 Appreciated

It can be implied that the objectives of the training was achieved and the expectations of
the participants were met. Except for the Degree of Learning Acquired with an average
rate of 4.56, the rest of the indicators reflected an average of 5.00 or more. The rating on
degree of learning is further expressed by the additional suggestions and reactions of
the participants that they need more time to fully internalize the concept and develop the
necessary skills. For beginners, they conveyed the need to come up with a step-by-step
process in doing spatial analysis. Those with basic knowledge in GIS suggested more
examples on the utilization of the Spatial Analyst Tool with ModelBuilder.

Hereunder, are the comments and suggestions of the participants:

1. for the resource persons to continue providing the participants with the step-by-
step hands-out.
2. to give enough time and explanation when undergoing the same or related
training especially for beginners
3. to expand the training to all technical planning staff for better appreciation
4. to have sharing session among provinces on GIS applications to be stirred by the
RGIN
5. participants should also be able to impart the expertise, hence, the need to
consider the level of knowledge and skills.
IX. Insights and Lessons Learned

1. GIS is affirmed as a powerful tool in deriving map analysis. It took only days to
come up with map analysis which used to be done in weeks or even months
about eight years ago. The participants were given the chance to compare the
difference between ESRI products, that of ArcView 3.2 versus ArcGIS 9.x. With
the latest software release, the participants were exposed to some of the most
important tools that are critical in their PDPFP preparation.
2. The Spatial Analyst Tool when used with ModelBuilder, as a critical extension
tool of ArcGIS 9.x series, provides a clear presentation of the process involved in
deriving output decision maps and the requirements in running the process.
3. It requires skill to use ModelBuilder and specific knowledge on individual
analytical process for the tool to run. It is imperative for the participants to
continuously use the tool for mastery considering its simplicity as a visualization
medium. With the tool, it is much easier to convince decision-makers.
4. GIS is an effective tool in coming up with alternative and the outputs would
facilitate in their decision-making process.
5. It is also a good avenue for the participants to know whom to tap and to network
with in the midst of map preparation for the PDPFP preparation.
6. The bulk of work is on the generation of the spatial data for map analysis. Isabela
and Batanes need to catch-up along this concern.
IX. Photo Documentation

Mr. Jeffrey Magday delivering the Ms. Elvira L. Alan setting the tone for
Opening and Welcome Remarks the three-day training

Dr. Oliver Corroza, giving his precious On the first day, GIS was created with mix
time, knowledge and expertise facial expressions …confused? No just,
sleepy

Now, there are more confused faces not On the first day GIS ... there were mix
this time, more of eager to learn faces facial expressions …
 Mr. Andy Alvaran on the more Mr. Marlon Castillo explaining the
technical feature of the training technical aspect of the NV experience

Using ModelBuider is as easy as doing Participants raising comments and

flowchart… clarifications

Mr. Ed Sabado sharing the Nueva Checking on the Spatial Analyst Tools
Vizcaya experience
Never been this serious…. The participants with their final pose

What went wrong…run the model The joint Secretariat.. NEDA and
again! Nueva Vizcaya

So, what is next? PA Designate Mr. Tabora exchanging

views with participants