Graana and GIS – the way forward

PRESS RELEASE

ISLAMABAD: Graana Group of Companies hailed the promising future of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in real estate as the visionary organisation, in collaboration with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), celebrated GIS Day on November 13, 2019.

An informative seminar was held to recognise the impact of the GIS technology in major sectors worldwide, as well as the gradual increase in incorporation of the system within Pakistan. The event was graced by prominent individuals from various sectors including real estate, technology, corporate and academia.

Dr Ali Tahir, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS), NUST initiated the proceedings by noting that the growing integration of academia and industry boded well for the future of both in Pakistan.

The opening address was followed by senior GIS Analyst at TPL Maps, Hafiz Zakaullah, who explained how the digital mapping company is helping businesses by providing GIS-based solutions for geospatial problems.

Muhammad Afrasiyab from the Ministry of Climate Change then gave a detailed insight into his work as a REDD+ coordinator to track and record the dwindling forest cover in Pakistan. The REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) initiative is almost completely based on the comprehensive use of GIS to collect, compile, map and analyse relevant data to aid the government’s efforts to reverse the effects of environmental degradation.

Kamran Khalid, Developer at GIS Plus Pvt Ltd, then introduced Estatech – a GIS-based management system catering to the digital challenges faced by the real estate industry. Khalid elaborated that the company is offering features such as GIS mapping, biometric integration, integrated financial system and ‘One Window One Click Solution’.

A unique take on the GIS technology was presented by Umair Mukhtar, an IGIS student who has developed ‘Alif Programming Language’, the first ever programming software based on Urdu language. Mukhtar indicated that Alif Programming Language will soon make vital contributions in GIS mapping and other services.

Graana Group of Companies Chairman Shafiq Akbar then took the stage to declare GIS as the future of real estate.

Referencing the traditional process of decision-making regarding real estate, Shafiq Akbar acknowledged that in most cases, investors are far from satisfied with their decisions as more often than not, their investments bear little fruit even after the passage of a considerable time period.

He informed the participants that Graana wishes to change that by simplifying and streamlining the whole process in order to provide a lasting experience to investors.

Shafiq Akbar further said that the objective of RE2020 – an action plan for Vision2030 – is to digitise the real estate sector not only to facilitate the real estate personnel but also to offer an effortless and transparent solution to investors to help them with their decision-making.

GIS technology will be a crucial player in the field if the real estate industry is to grow and flourish, said Shafiq Akbar, adding that technology is the sole reliable means to accurately gather and analyse geographical data.

He concluded the event by reminding the audience that working for the betterment of the country and society as a whole will derive far-reaching results even if the core objective of businesses is to generate revenue.