Visualizing the application of GIS in transformation towards a sustainable development and a low carbon society

A strategy for sustainable development is a significant milestone on the road to a more socially, economically and environmentally responsible society. It creates a framework within which the stakeholders can make a strong contribution to a better future. Because of the merits and growing interest in sustainable development, the race is on for researchers and stakeholders in the construction sector to initiate actions to reduce the negative impacts of development and sharpen their competitive edge. The cities should be created with a vision which supports harmonious communities and living conditions through sustainable urban development. The resources must be used efficiently while reducing the development impact on human health and environment during the buildings' life cycle. Environmental auditing and pressure-state response based models to monitor sustainable development in Malaysia should be developed. A data availability and sharing system should be developed and implemented to facilitate for the use in the establishment of sustainable development and low carbon society. Ideas which affect millions of people and guide the policies of nations must be accessible to all. Only thus can they permeate the institutions from the local to the global level. Creating sustainable development and low carbon societies depends on the knowledge and involvement of all stakeholders in the industry. So what is our level of understanding of GIS and its application? The development of geospatial data in Malaysia is important because the successful implementation of sustainable development and low carbon projects depend largely on the availability of geospatial information. It would facilitate the stakeholders and resolve some of the problems regarding the availability, quality, organisation, accessibility and sharing of spatial information. The introduction of GIS may change the way for better sustainable urban development and low carbon society performance. The use of GIS is to improve decision making to implement development methods, awareness for the need for sustainable development and in development control to provide the information on the distance from the proclaimed objective. Malaysia should not fall in its attitude on sustainable development, green design, sustainable construction and a low carbon society. Literature review on GIS is carried out to understand the philosophy, concept, principles, challenges and advantages of using GIS for sustainable urban development and low carbon societies. This paper would encourage our understanding about the state of geographical information system (GIS) in sustainable development and its application which would further stimulate actions and strategies towards a sustainable built environment.