The time is not far away when mail will be delivered to residents of Sharjah at their doorsteps, as a comprehensive map is being drawn up by the Directorate of Town Planning and Survey (DTPS).
What is being called an 'Intelligent Map' is being prepared by the DTPS following the directions of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
A local company, Amwaj Advertising, is cooperating in the project.
"The map is being developed to facilitate all sections of the community including police, civil defence, utility agencies, postal services, etc," said Engineer Obaid Ahmed Al Tunaiji, Director General of DTPS.
He said it will also give a boost to tourism and commercial activities, as it will contain exact location and information about every major and minor street, building and industrial unit.
Motorists, he said, will also be able to use the map in their car to find locations. "The intelligent map will be available on CDs and the Internet," he added.
The map, which will be ready within a year, is being prepared keeping in view the rapid urban development and expansion.
Engineer Salah bin Butti, director, services department, at the DTPS said the map is being developed as a result of the ongoing Numbering and Naming Project of Sharjah roads, streets and buildings.
"It would be the first 'intelligent and interactive map' which will not only provide general information about the emirate but also give details if needed about a particular location such as an office, and its telephone numbers," he said.
He added the map will be supported by a database on CDs and Internet, and the user will be able to 'zoom in' on a particular location by filling information about the site.
"There will be information on the map about all the major and important places including: shopping mall, historical places, hotels, post office, government offices, parks and recreation facilities, car rentals, petrol stations, cinemas, banks, major and small streets, police stations, educational institutions and tourists sites.
"The map will also guide the people on how to reach a particular location using the shortest possible route," he explained.
He said naming and numbering projects had already been carried out in 25 districts while the rest will be completed in the near future.
"Once the project is over, every street, major or minor, and building will have a name and number," he said.
Engineer Abdul Kader Mohammed, executive manager of Amwaj, said the map, which will be available in both English and Arabic, will be prepared in four different categories and also be upgraded regularly to add any new information.
There will be a folding map measuring 180 X 85 cm, pocket map 25 X 42 cm, wall map 185 X 149 cm and map on CD supported by a database. These CDs can also be used in the cars to find locations.
"This user-friendly map will be available on a website after its completion so that various public and private sector departments, residents and tourists benefit from it," he added.
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