Abstract
Theoretical frameworks used to explain the location of services include central place theory, aspects of industrial location theory and spatial diffusion theory. They are all described as normative theories which optimize with respect to defined criteria operating in prescribed environmental conditions (Rushton, 1979). However, recent advancement in geospatial technologies has led to several applications in geographically orientated challenges, hence, the adoption of an effective decision tool like Geographic Information System (GIS), high resolution products of satellite remote sensing as well as the Global Positioning System (GPS) in solving the rather challenging task of optimal location for facilities with respect to necessary criteria. Minna metropolis is being affected adversely by the problem of appropriate location of public facilities. These facilities are either too far from their market zone or they are too congested in a particular location and in some cases, political consideration to the siting of these facilities dominate without given considerations to the necessary criteria for demands and public interest. The study is an investigation into the “optimal determination of the locations of some public facilities in Minna metropolis of Niger State, using geospatial techniques”. The fusion of remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and GPS techniques was explored. Geodata base of existing facilities was created and Euclidean-distance geometry used to spatially analyze the appropriate locations with regards to the set of standard criteria. The results showed the haphazard and uncontrolled pattern of development of schools location. However, petrol stations met the evaluated criteria and optimal location indexes.
Highlights
The concept of optimal location is one that concerns everyone around the world, because facilities location is an important aspect of man’s activity either as an individual, group, community, private sector or the entire public [1]
The optimal location of public facilities in any geographical area determines the level of orderliness, effective planning and ease to accessing such facilities [2] [3] strengthening the regards for the welfare and commitment to distribution of goods and services to the citizens of such area, which is the responsibility of any government to ensure
A decision support tool such as Geographic Information System (GIS) which is characterized with the advantage of integrating different datasets is aptly required [4], as it is very pivotal in the approach of geospatial technologies to optimal locations selection
Summary
The concept of optimal location is one that concerns everyone around the world, because facilities location is an important aspect of man’s activity either as an individual, group, community, private sector or the entire public [1]. The optimal location of public facilities in any geographical area determines the level of orderliness, effective planning and ease to accessing such facilities [2] [3] strengthening the regards for the welfare and commitment to distribution of goods and services to the citizens of such area, which is the responsibility of any government to ensure. The complexity of this study owing to various considerations and criteria may include; technical requirements, economic and social considerations, environmental and geographical dimensions etc. All these tends to make the decision making (optimality choice) a rather tough one. GIS is by no means a system that will give a final solution to a user, but it will provide the possibilities for a better and more organized analysis of information, which is a prerequisite for making quality decisions [5]
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