Lahiri: providing the edgeThis is one software which politicians will love to scout for. And it'll come in handy for psephologists for their poll predictions. Better still, all future information on elections can be updated on the software, PollMap 2.0.The digital map has been developed by ML Infomap which, incidentally, had prepared similar maps for Doordarshan (DD) during the past four elections since 1993.The latest map is a distinct improvement over the previous ones. As its creator, Manoshi Lahiri, says: "The PollMap prepared now is far more accurate. Besides, it differs from a numeric presentation and gives an instant picture to the viewer."The PollMap has come up on a digital cartographic database, the data having been culled from several volumes of the Election Commission's Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Orders, 1976. "One doesn't have to endlessly sift through volumes of poll information any more and then take stock of a situation. The maps tell us what to do, give us an idea about what to expect and the strengths and weaknesses of political parties," says Lahiri.So, you merely have to press a button and a colour map of your choice comes up. Says ML Infomap's Atul Kapur, who helped in the product's conceptualisation: "The client has to tell us what he wants and we will put that in for his easy, uncluttered comprehension." For politicians, the software can provide a cutting edge. The PollMap, for instance, can even predict voting "swings" at the village level. And yes, one more thing Laloo Yadav will know which safe constituency to select for his wife.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Feb 9, 1998--- ENDS ---
