Developing natural resources database with Nigeriasat-1 satellite data and geographical information systems

Abstract

The increasing threats to the natural resources of Ondo-State in the south-western Nigeria by human activities and likely impacts of climate change calls for an improved information system that will give a better insight into the complex interaction between natural resources and environmental dynamics for sustainable use. Poor analytical assessment and inadequate monitoring capability of natural resources have been a big challenge resulting in degradation and constitute a major risk to environmental security in the study area. There is therefore an urgent need to develop new approaches for effective management of the finite resources in order to maintain a balance between sustainability and rapid economic development. There have not been any foremost efforts to embrace the geospatial-based data derived from remote sensing satellite and geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) into the policy formulation of the study area. This study aims at providing a case study report on the management and conservation of natural resources in the study area by demonstrating the potentials of remote sensing data derived from Nigeriasat-1 satellite, GPS integrated into GIS as the beginning of a technological quest towards advancement in the monitoring of natural resources for long-term use. The result shows that the geospatial data infrastructure-based management system can provide a robust decision support tool in a holistic, cost-effective and time-saving manner that will enhance the administration of natural resources database for economic development.