Applying remote sensing & GIS for the mapping of basic education schools in Adamawa state, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the major problems hindering the proper planning, monitoring and administering of the numerous basic education schools spread over Adamawa State is the lack of an accurate, up to date map, showing the location of the schools. While convention ground survey could produce such a map, the time, money and drudgery involved makes this option very unattractive. By mapping out the basic education schools in Adamawa State (Nigeria), this paper demonstrates how remote sensing and GIS could be employed to carry out the task with little stress. It also highlights some typical problems that should be anticipated. Satellite images were used to extract and create the base map, while the GPS was used to pick the coordinates of the schools. The map produced was more accurate and cartographically superior to the hand drawn maps. The manner in which local government boundaries are generated and stored, the attitude of stakeholders and the low computer literacy level of end-users are among the problems that should be addressed if digital mapping is to be fully embraced.