ASSESSMENT OF URBAN LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVE AREA DEGRADATION IN AKURE, NIGERIA USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES

The use of satellite imageries and spatial analysis techniques have not been comprehensively explored and exploited in capturing baseline information for monitoring of ecologically fragile areas in most developing countries including Nigeria. This study used Landsat imageries of Akure 1986, 2002 and 2011, and topographical map, DEM, GPS points, mean annual rainfall data and structured questionnaire. Image classification was performed using supervised classification technique to capture the urban land use change over the study period. The wetlands were buffered to the radius of 200m to select the target population for questionnaire administration using ArcGIS 9.3. The responses obtained were analyzed using SPSS 17.0. DEM was subjected to spatial analysis using spatial analyst extension of the ArcGIS 9.3 and Global Mapper 13 to identify the watersheds, generate flow direction, flow accumulation and to generate the basin levels. The mean annual rainfall data, drainage basin data and elevation data were integrated and reclassified. These data were subjected to multi-criteria analysis and map overlay operation to generate flood vulnerability index map. The finding observed that area with high vulnerability to flooding occurred along the streams or river channels flowing from the eastern region of the study area towards the northwest region where physical planning standards especially on setbacks were compromised

ASSESSMENT OF URBAN LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVE AREA DEGRADATION IN AKURE, NIGERIA USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES

The use of satellite imageries and spatial analysis techniques have not been comprehensively explored and exploited in capturing baseline information for monitoring of ecologically fragile areas in most developing countries including Nigeria. This study used Landsat imageries of Akure 1986, 2002 and 2011, and topographical map, DEM, GPS points, mean annual rainfall data and structured questionnaire. Image classification was performed using supervised classification technique to capture the urban land use change over the study period. The wetlands were buffered to the radius of 200m to select the target population for questionnaire administration using ArcGIS 9.3. The responses obtained were analyzed using SPSS 17.0. DEM was subjected to spatial analysis using spatial analyst extension of the ArcGIS 9.3 and Global Mapper 13 to identify the watersheds, generate flow direction, flow accumulation and to generate the basin levels. The mean annual rainfall data, drainage basin data and elevation data were integrated and reclassified. These data were subjected to multi-criteria analysis and map overlay operation to generate flood vulnerability index map. The finding observed that area with high vulnerability to flooding occurred along the streams or river channels flowing from the eastern region of the study area towards the northwest region where physical planning standards especially on setbacks were compromised

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SPREAD OF CRIME ACTIVITIES IN AKURE, NIGERIA USING GIS TECHNIQUES

This research attempts to bridge the gap between the old and modern fashion of keeping and storing criminal data by investigating the level and spatial analysis of crime occurrence in Akure, Nigeria with a view to promoting security in the city. The responses obtained from the administered copies of the questionnaire were coded and entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 for generating spatial database and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17 for statistical analysis. The crime data were analyzed using spatial analysis technique in ArcGIS 10, Global Mapper 13 and CrimeStat III. Overlays operations were carried out to evolve crime maps. GPS Garmin 76 was employed to obtain co-ordinates of major landmarks in the area, which comprise police stations, banks, markets, liquor stores, and places of worship among others. These were subsequently registered on the base map. The information extracted from the analyzed responses from the questionnaire and crime data were geocoded to the administered points using ArcGIS 10 for better and advanced spatial analysis, and also for hotspot and black spot analysis using Geostatistical Analyst. The study found that the main road network that traverses Akure Metropolis, provides easy access and exit to criminals, and constitutes a dominant axis of crime events as facilities located along the road usually experience armed robbery attack or burglary. Again, crime hotspots are more prevalent in the city core. In view of the efficacy of GIS technique as a tool for detecting crime pattern, occurrence and prediction, the study advocates the development of all inclusive crime database system and training of security agents in the use of information technology to improve intelligence gathering capabilities in a bid to combat crimes in Akure metropolis in particular and Nigeria in general