Critical Issues in the Methods of Data Collection in Geoinformatics and Environmental Sciences

Abstract

A successful geographic or environmental research is partly dependent on the sources and methods of data collection, data analysis and result presentation. This study examined two broad sources of data collection to include (i) primary: direct field or in-situ measurements, count, observation, administration of questionnaire, use of check list and Focus Group Discussions, and (ii) secondary: documented materials (including published and unpublished statistics/materials) residents in government and Non-Governmental Agencies (such as World Health and Food and Agricultural organizations), and private geoinformation organizations. Other sources of secondary data collection identified include research institutes such as the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for the provision of Satellite Images for landuse and environmental studies, and Universities that deals with science and technology issues such as the Departments of Geography, Environmental Sciences, Urban and Regional Planning and Surveying/Geoinformatics. The evaluated major materials/tools/equipment used for data collections. The findings revealed that although primary data seems more reliable because of the close watch and methods of their collection, the cost and time it takes to generate them are very expensive hence, most people tend to rely on secondary sources of data for their use. The secondary sources may be relatively cheap but may be fraught with Spatial Data Quality issues. The study demonstrated that both primary and secondary datasets proved very useful in geographic and environmental change studies. A review of an empirical study of ‘urbanization impact on climate change in West Africa city of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria’ was used to validate this study.