Maldives Journal of Engineering and Technology
ISSN: 3007-6536 (Online)
Algorithmic Optimization of Scalable Vector Graphics Through Structural Simplification and Transform Consolidation
Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files are widely used on the web because of their smaller size compared to their raster counterparts. However, SVG files that are authored from vector suites might not have the most optimized representation. They contain significant data overhead and redundancies mostly arising from verbose metadata and non-optimized path definitions. To address these issues this work introduces a series of algorithms that target key areas that could yield size improvements. The algorithms work to decrease complex path definitions to much simpler representable SVG commands. To address attribute verbosity, the paper proposes a method that takes in sequence of transformation commands and consolidate them into one single transformation matrix. Additionally, it also tackles embedded assets which have applied filters by pre-multiplying them ahead of time, allowing for the total removal of filter tags. After applying these methods, the results have shown noticeable improvements of around 8.41"\%" on some average. Although, the potential for compression and optimization depends highly on those files that are applicable to these transformations. This work has combined methods from areas such as computational geometry and rendering into SVG and has demonstrated that there is room for improvement for more efficient representations within SVG without introducing a new vector image standard.
Copyright (c) 2026 Iyaan Azeez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Binary Serialization on Lottie Files: A Comparative Study
As interactive web animations become more essential to modern user interface, the demand for more scale-able animation formats increases. the standard Lottie format relies on human-readable JSON metadata for asset delivery. However, text-based serialization imposes a severe computational parsing tax on client devices, creating performance bottlenecks. This study addresses the lack of empirical data regarding a specialized, schema-driven binary serialization format tailored specifically to enhance the transfer and loading of Lottie animations. This study developed an alternative binary format prototype, TINY-LOTTIE, which structures data layout to align directly with modern machine architectures. Benchmarking across a structurally diverse dataset (N = 9) reveals that it was able to achieve 7.46 X size reduction compared to its original JSON alternative. Moreover, this was accomplished while keeping the encoding time under 45ms range. The average encoding time reduction is about 80.3X compared to Dot-Lottie. These findings demonstrate that shifting the optimization paradigm from general stream compression to structural binary formatting unlocks deterministic scalability and enables low-level CPU parallelization. This research palliates a critical gap between network transmission budgets and client-side computational latency, establishing a foundational framework for next-generation, high-performance multimedia assets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Iyaan Azeez, Ibrahim Thorig (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the factors affecting the movement of female pedestrians at night-time in Dhaka city
In Bangladesh, where women make up half the population, the majority have experienced sexual harassment or violence in public spaces. Urban areas, especially during nighttime, pose notable challenges to women's safety and mobility, resulting in heightened insecurity and a reluctance to venture outdoors. Existing research in Bangladesh focuses on specific groups like garment workers, leaving a gap in understanding women's experiences compared to studies in developed nations. This study aims to find the factors that discourage and encourage female pedestrian movement at night from the perspective of a developing country. Based on literature review, local insights, and a pilot survey, a questionnaire with six subsets, covering areas such as socio-economic, demographics, road infrastructure, etc. was prepared. A survey was conducted collecting data from 500 women of diverse ages and backgrounds in Dhaka city. Independent variables were formed based on the responses provided in this survey. The dependent variable for this study is whether women commute outside during nighttime. Employing an Ordered Probit Model due to the ordinal nature of the dependent variable, the analysis will reveal whether certain factors encourage or discourage women from walking at night. The model assists in finding out the most affected group of women. The study's outcomes will assist policymakers to prioritize the components of road infrastructure enhancements and enact legislation to enhance the safety and well-being of female pedestrians during nighttime in developing cities like Dhaka.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faiyaz Ahmed Taslim, Nafisa Binte Momin, Hurmetun Nesa Labiba, Tahseen Mohammad Sameen, Maisha Hossain, Shakil Rifaat (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Land Reclamation in the Maldives: Trends and Impacts from 2000 to 2024
Land reclamation has become a dominant spatial development strategy in the Maldives, yet no comprehensive national dataset has previously documented its scale or patterns across inhabited islands. This study analyses land reclamation projects undertaken between 2000 and 2024 for community use across all 189 inhabited islands. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research compiles a spatially explicit database of 109 projects through satellite imagery analysis, desktop review of Environmental Impact Assessments, government records, and Geographic Information Systems mapping. The findings reveal extensive reclamation, with more than 4,000 hectares added during the study period. This scale is exceptional, exceeding the combined total reclaimed across Africa and Europe since 2000 when compared with global reclamation data [1]. Spatial analysis shows a strong concentration of projects in the Central Region, fragmented development patterns, duplication of major infrastructure within atolls, and a pronounced surge in reclamation following the transition to a multi-party governance system after 2008 [2]. The study further identifies a misalignment between reclamation allocation, demographic trends, and long-standing national decentralization policies. These findings raise critical questions regarding the adequacy of regulatory frameworks, the absence of coherent national planning, and the long-term environmental and social consequences of standardized reclamation practices [3, 4]. The paper concludes by calling for a recalibration of land reclamation policy to better align development objectives with demographic realities, environmental resilience, and community benefit.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hussain Ziyath, Eden Rigo, Fathimath Shanna (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Camera-Based Intelligent Traffic Signal Control System for Linear Cities: A Case Study of Hulhumalé, Maldives
Traffic congestion is a growing challenge in Hulhumalé as it develops into a smart city. A major factor contributing to delays is the time vehicles spend idling at traffic lights, particularly during peak hours on the Sinamalé Bridge, where waiting times can reach up to two minutes per signal. Existing smart traffic solutions in other cities often rely on embedded sensors, which are expensive to install and disruptive to road infrastructure. To address these limitations, this project proposes a vision-based traffic light system capable of detecting vehicles in real time and dynamically adjusting green-light durations. By adapting to actual traffic conditions instead of relying on fixed schedules, the system aims to reduce waiting times and improve overall traffic flow. The concept will be tested using a prototype of a three-way junction simulated in Python with a custom trained YOLO-v8 for vehicle detection. Development follows a prototype-based experimental engineering methodology. The expected outcome is a scalable and cost-effective solution capable of reducing average waiting times by at least 30% compared to the current system, offering a practical step toward smarter and more efficient urban mobility
Copyright (c) 2025 Amin Rasheed, Yoosuf Nizam (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smart Urban Open Space Planning in Malé City: Integrating AI Tools for Future Resilience
As island nations like the Maldives confront increasing urbanization, land scarcity, and climate vulnerability, the need for intelligent and adaptive planning becomes critical. This paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be integrated into the redesign and planning of urban open spaces in Malé City to enhance resilience, sustainability, and livability. The research proposes a smart planning framework that utilizes AI-driven geospatial analysis, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling to assess current urban space performance, simulate future scenarios, and support data-informed design decisions. By analyzing spatial patterns, environmental data, and community needs, the study demonstrates how AI can optimize the distribution, functionality, and climate responsiveness of open spaces in high-density coastal environments. The framework is tested using real-world data from Malé City, offering scalable insights for policy-makers, planners, and urban designers working in climate-sensitive contexts. The findings highlight the potential of AI to bridge the gap between sustainable design and smart technology, paving the way for resilient urban futures in small island developing states
Copyright (c) 2025 Sarah A.Elgezary , Ibrahim Nadheem (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preliminary Findings on Comparative Study of Nitrogen Content In Groundwater of Agricultural Area Versus Non-Agricultural Areas In L. Gan Maldives
Nitrate contamination of groundwater is prevalent in areas with high agricultural activities. L. Gan is one of the islands in Maldives with a high level of farming. This study aims to determine the impact of agricultural activities on the ground waters of laamu atoll Gan. The objective of the study is to compare the amount of nitrate compounds in agricultural areas and non-agricultural areas by obtaining five water samples from wells of agricultural farm and another 5 water samples from non-agricultural, that is, household wells. One sample is collected from an isolated region to compare the water quality with agricultural farms and household wells. The nitrogen compounds that are being measured are nitrate, nitrite and ammonia using spectrophotometric analysis. The mean concentration of nitrate in agricultural and non-agricultural areas are 1.18 and 1.125 mg/L, respectively, with a mean difference of 0.055 mg/L, which is 4.8% higher nitrate concentration in agricultural areas than in non-agricultural areas. The nitrate concentration of the water sample obtained from an isolated area is 4.6 mg/L. For mean Nitrite concentration agricultural area has 0.056 mg/L, and the nonagricultural area has 0.0094 mg/L. the mean difference is 0.0464 mg/L of nitrite, which is 83 % higher nitrite concentration in agricultural areas than in non-agricultural areas. The water sample from the isolated area has a nitrite concentration of 0.033 mg/L. The ammonia concentration for agricultural non-agricultural is 0.526 and 0.26, respectively. The mean difference is 0.246 mg/L and which is 46% higher ammonia content in agricultural areas than in non-agricultural areas. The ammonia content in the isolated region water sample is 0.4 mg/L. This study indicates high nitrogen compounds in agricultural areas compared to non-agricultural areas. Over time the nitrate contamination may increase to a level that my pose health and environmental threats. Hence it is important to regulate the type and amount of fertilizer being used to prevent groundwater contamination
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariyam Shaahynaa, Aishath Shaira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of a Stylized, 3D Video Game to Teach Dhivehi Figurative Phrases
This project attempts to address the issue of Dhivehi figurative phrases being lost as the younger generation barely knows any of them, with little effort being given to it by school. This is proven using primary research. This is done by developing an educational video game that shows scenarios where one of those figurative phrases are applicable. Secondary research was done to analyze existing educational games and it was found that they had some issues that needs addressing. Godot 4 was the game engine used for this project. Considering how Godot is designed to be worked with, a slightly customized methodology, Component-Based Scrum was used. Flowcharts were used to show the flow of the gameplay as well as interfaces. Finally, the implementation of the game, how the important parts were programmed, important interfaces’ working was discussed. Finally, the game was tested for effectiveness, which showed a 13.89% increase on average on the students’ marks. The results of the beta test showed that even though students liked what was given, there is more that they would like done with the game. The main complaint was the limited gameplay mechanics
Copyright (c) 2025 Liyaaz Yoosuf, Mariyam Nadhira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identifying and Mitigating the Primary Causes of Construction Delays in Residential Building Projects in Malé
This research investigates the primary causes of construction delays in residential building projects in Malé, Maldives. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, it identifies critical factors such as adverse weather, logistical issues, labor shortages, and regulatory obstacles. The findings emphasize the importance of enhanced project management, supply chain strategies, workforce development, and streamlined regulations. These conclusions are based on extensive data analysis, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, offering actionable recommendations for stakeholders to improve efficiency and sustainability in the urban development of Malé. Furthermore, this study underscores the economic, social, and quality implications of delays and provides a roadmap for mitigating these challenges through technology and collaboration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lidiya Jose, Ibrahim Afsan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Zero-Day APT Detection Using OpenSet Recognition with Adaptive Feature Selection
Zero-day Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) ex-ploit previously unknown vulnerabilities to evade signature-based defences and persist across the enterprise kill chain. This paper presents an end-to-end framework for zero-day APT detection that couples an adaptive feature-selection pipeline with open-set recognition. First, we apply a hybrid Mutual Information → Symmetric Uncertainty → mRMR procedure with adaptive thresholds to capture non-linear relevance while suppressing redundancy and high-cardinality bias, yielding a compact, dis-criminative feature set suitable for real-time inference. On top of this representation, we integrate OpenMax (EVT-based logit calibration) with kernel density estimation (KDE) and Monte Carlo Dropout (MCD) to jointly assess distributional fit and epistemic uncertainty, routing ambiguous samples to an explicit Unknown class. Using the multi-stage DAPT2020 enterprise dataset, we evaluate with 10-fold cross-validation and a leave-one-class-out protocol that simulates unseen (zero-day) attacks. In closed-set classification, ensemble models achieve near-perfect performance (e.g., Random Forest: Accuracy/Precision/Recall/F1 = 0.9997). Under open-set conditions, the proposed OpenMax+KDE+MCD approach attains class-wise accuracies between 0.933 and 0.995, with high-volume behaviours (e.g., brute force, network scans) exceeding 0.99 and stealthier behaviours (e.g., backdoors, web vulnerability scans) detected at 0.93-0.94 while being safely rejected as Unknown when uncertain. The results demonstrate robust zero-day recognition with reduced false negatives and operationally actionable uncertainty signals, offering a practical path toward resilient, next-generation intrusion detection
Copyright (c) 2025 Adam Khalid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mineral Ion Content in Selected Water Bottle Samples Sold in Maldives
Majority of Maldivian population, especially those living in capital Male’ uses bottled water as the main source of drinking water. The aim of this study is to determine the mineral ion content in some of the bottled water sold in Maldives. A total of seven water samples of three brands of water were collected. Two different samples from each brand were used in sampling as, they were the most widely sold brands in Maldives. An additional sample of tap water which is used in households of Male’ was included as comparison. The samples were tested for the hydrogen ion concentration (pH), Electrical conductivity, total Dissolved solids (TDS), and amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). These results were then compared to the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, (WHO) to determine the suitability for human consumption. It was found from the test results that all he bottled water samples were in accordance with the standards of WHO, except for pH values of three samples, which had a pH value below the WHO standard value of 6.5. The samples were also having lower values for EC and TDS, which indicates that they have less mineral ions which were removed by the treatment of water. This can lead to health problems in long term, if a person consumes only these bottled water as the source of drinking water. This problem can be overcome with a proper balanced diet. In general, the overall quality of the most commonly consumed bottled waters in Maldives was in accordance to standards set by WHO and safe for drinking.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aminath Farusana, Aishath Shaira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Recycled Gypsum on Geo-Environmental behavior of Laterite Soil
Approximately 1.6 million tons of gypsum waste plasterboard are produced annually in India. As such, it is essential to find an alternative way to reduce the quantities of this waste material to avoid environmental problems and the high cost of disposal in landfill. This report describes the use of recycled gypsum, which is derived from gypsum waste plasterboard, to improve the strength of laterite soil with taken in consideration environmental impacts. Four different recycled gypsum contents ranging from 0 to 10% was investigated. For this purpose, a series of unconfined compression tests were conducted to evaluate strength performance of treated soil. While a series of environmental tests were conducted to explore pH, solubility concentration of fluorine, boron, and hexavalent chromium in the untreated and treated soil specimens. The early curing days for soil-gypsum mixture had a significant effect on strength performance compared to the later days. The use of recycled gypsum within the investigated limits had no adverse effect on pH value. As well, the solubility concentrations for fluorine, boron, and hexavalent chromium were found within the permitted standard limits up to adding 10% of gypsum content.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seemon S, Hanna P H (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Numerical Simulation of the 2010 Mentawai Tsunami: Interpretation of the Field Survey in Pagai Island
There was an M 7.7 Mentawai-Indonesia earthquake on October 25th 2010 at 14.42 (Western Indonesia Time), and a tsunami was detected. The paper aims to compare the tsunami numerical model to a field report of the undertaken by a BMKG Team a few days after the occurrence of a tsunami invading the western coast of Mentawai (Indonesia). The tsunami caused severe damage and claimed many victims in some coastal villages. The field survey was to measure the inundation and the run-up values as well as to ascertain the possible morphological changes caused by the wave attacks. We did a numerical model using TUNAMI-N2 and divided four regions with Pagai Utara islands as the main focus on the modeling. Most places were hit by three significant waves with documented wave height often exceeding 5 m. The maximum run-up value (17.00 m) was on-site measured at North Pagai, where also the most impressive erosion phenomena could be found.
Copyright (c) 2025 Admiral Musa Julius, Furqon Alfahmi, Taufan Taufik, Alexander Felix Taufan Parera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Architecting Modern MIS with Advanced Data Warehousing Solutions: A Review
Advancements in data management and warehousing have revolutionized the way organizations handle, store, and analyze information. This paper delves into the core components and innovations of data warehousing, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing Management Information Systems (MIS). It covers essential processes such as ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), architectural elements like operational data stores, and emerging technologies including cloud-based warehousing, real-time analytics, and in-memory databases. Real-world applications are showcased through case studies of Amazon and Netflix, illustrating the transformative impact of advanced warehousing solutions on business performance. Key challenges such as data security, scalability, and maintenance are examined alongside emerging trends like AI-driven data management, data lakes, and edge computing. This review highlights how robust data warehousing practices enable organizations to drive faster decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed Abdulla, Mohammed Adam, Shireen Fathima, Mohammed Azharuddin Ahmed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Globalization on Management Information Systems
Globalization has transformed the business landscape, driving the need for robust Management Information Systems (MIS) capable of supporting operations across borders. This paper investigates the impact of globalization on MIS, placing the discussion within the broader context of how global interconnectedness reshapes organizational infrastructure and decision-making. The study aims to identify the challenges organizations face in managing MIS in a globalized environment and proposes actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. To achieve this, the paper employs a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, analyzing real-world examples of MIS implementation in global organizations. Key areas of focus include cybersecurity measures, cultural inclusivity in system design, and regulatory compliance frameworks. The findings reveal that while MIS enables businesses to streamline processes, enhance communication, and support strategic decision-making by providing real-time insights into market trends, supply chain logistics, and customer behavior, globalization introduces significant challenges. These include increased exposure to cyber threats, complexities in accommodating cultural and linguistic diversity, and difficulties in adhering to diverse regulatory standards across regions. The study concludes that organizations can maximize the potential of MIS by adopting advanced cybersecurity technologies, fostering culturally inclusive system designs, and leveraging compliance management tools to navigate global regulations effectively. By addressing these challenges, businesses can optimize their MIS to drive sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge in an interconnected world.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aminath Zaeema, Shireen Fathima, Mohammed Azharuddin Ahmed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Advancements In Data Management and Warehousing: Enhancing MIS Through Modern Technologies
In the era of data-driven decision-making, effective data management and data warehousing are critical to the success of Management Information Systems (MIS). This review explores recent advancements in data warehousing technologies and their transformative impact on MIS. Key topics include the fundamentals of data warehousing, advances in big data, cloud data warehousing, real-time processing, and in-memory databases. Through case studies from diverse industries, the review demonstrates how modern data warehouses enhance data accessibility, enable faster decision-making, and improve overall business performance. The paper also examines the challenges of managing large-scale data warehouses, such as security and scalability, and considers future trends, including Artificial intelligence-driven data management, data lakes, and edge computing. By analyzing these trends and technologies, this review highlights the evolving role of data warehousing in supporting MIS, ultimately enabling organizations to maximize data value and drive strategic growth.
Copyright (c) 2024 Maldives Journal of Engineering and Technology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Preliminary Study of the Quality of Seawater at Rasfannu Beach of Male’ City
The coastal waters of Malé, Maldives, suffer from pollution due to sewage and untreated waste effluent discharge. Unlike other islands, Malé lacks natural beaches, leading to the creation of two artificial beaches. These beaches are overcrowded, and concerns about water quality persist due to poor water circulation and nearby sewage pipes. This study aims to assess the water quality of Rasfannu, a recently created artificial beach. Water samples were collected weekly over four weeks and analyzed for physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, nitrogen ammonia) and bacteriological parameters (E. coli, fecal coliform, total coliform). The membrane filtration method was used for bacterial analysis, while absorption spectroscopy was used for measuring nitrate, nitrite, and nitrogen ammonia. The pH and conductivity were measured using the Mettler Toledo pH meter. The results were compared with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), recreational water guidelines from Canada, California, and the European Union (EU). The hypothesis was that the water at Rasfannu beach is contaminated and unsafe for recreational purposes. However, the results indicated that all parameters fell within acceptable ranges as per these guidelines, and the water quality index calculated following the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rated the water quality as good. Thus, Rasfannu beach is deemed safe for recreational use.
A Development and Prototyping of a Two-Wheeled Self- Balancing Robot
Mobile robotics is a branch of robotics and within the branch the category of selfbalancing robots is of particular interest as these robots show the promise of navigating difficult terrain in a manner like humans and can be used to platform for investigating autonomous control systems. This paper aims to summarize the development of a two-wheeled self-balancing robot as a case study to demonstrate the application of computer control systems in physical systems. A complementary filter is used with a triple-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to accurately gauge the rotation of the two-wheeled robot and provide the data to a Proportional- Integral-Derivative (PID) program which controls the power to the motors accordingly to control its tilt and achieve self-balancing. In short, the robot manages to achieve self-balancing within a small tilt angle range, however, design flaws such as the sensor falling off at larger tilt angles cause instability at larger tilt angles. In future work, more complex control algorithms can be employed, and the effect of different robot builds can be thoroughly explored
Mechanical Properties of Fiber Reinforced Self Curing Concrete Incorporating Polyethylene Glycol-600
As described by the American Concrete Institute (2010), self-curing concrete functions by dispersing water throughout a freshly poured cementitious mixture. This is achieved through reservoirs that readily release water to support hydration or replace moisture lost through evaporation or self-desiccation. Because self-curing concrete has an innate weakness in withstanding tensile pressures, it is prone to breaking under modest amounts of tension. Concrete's overall mechanical performance can be improved by combining fibers in the right way, creating performance synergy. The key elements influencing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete are the fibers' geometric size and modulus. This study investigates how adding polyethylene glycol-600 (PEG-600) as a self-curing agent enhances the characteristics of fiber-reinforced self-curing concrete. The strength properties of concrete reinforced with steel fibers and having a self-curing agent were examined in this experimental investigation and contrasted with those of a typical nominal mix. The mix design was done using the IS approach. Compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity were among the characteristics evaluated in the study. The ideal percentage of fiber addition was determined by the results.
A Use of Urban Green Space and Wellbeing of Individuals in Male’ City, Maldives
An increasing body of literature suggests a strong positive association between urban green spaces and human well-being. The presence of natural areas in urban settings has been shown to be crucial for enhancing the quality of life and promoting sustainability in cities. However, most of the existing research on urban green spaces has focused on large cities that differ significantly from the geographical context of Maldives, particularly its unique small island city of Male', which faces congestion-related issues. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the impact of urban green spaces on the well-being of individuals in Male' city. Specifically, the study analyzed the frequency and duration of green space utilization. Well-being was assessed using a tool developed by the International Wellbeing Group, which measures subjective well-being across seven life domains. Through a survey involving 407 participants, the study provided insights into the relationship between these two variables. A Spearman’s Rho test was done on the Use of Urban Green Spaces and Subjective Wellbeing to find out the relation between the two. The results of the Spearman’s Rho shows, there is a significant positive linear relationship between (Subjective Well Being) SWB and Frequency of (Urban Green Space) UGS Use (rs (405) = .516, p <.001). Participants who used green spaces reported a higher level of SWB.
Planning for Survival: How Can an Archipelago Island Nation Like Maldives Benefit from Spatial Planning?
Spatial planning can be defined as the approaches used by the public sector authorities to influence the distribution of resources and activities in spaces of various types and scale. Today, spatial planning is practiced and being adopted by many countries. However, lack of a formal and comprehensive spatial planning system in the country is leading the present pace of development in Maldives unsustainable. The purpose of this study is to propose relevant changes to the Maldives planning system in order to deal with the problems and threats identified for the short, medium, long run and assure a sustainable future. This study integrated an exploratory approach by exploring different existing literature related to the study area and developed a case study on Maldives. Interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders to get further in-depth of spatial planning application in Maldives. The overall result shows that there is significant lack of academic research on spatial planning to cover the context of small island nations. Additionally, spatial planning can play a major role in the development of Maldives. Finally, a spatial planning system formulated for Maldives should be tailor-made to the context of Maldives and benchmarked to well-recognized spatial planning systems and practices to accommodate the singularities and specificities of the country.