THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM IN URBAN LAND ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Different researchers have defined the word geographic information system (GIS) in various ways, with each definition skewed toward the individual defining it's viewpoint and professional perspective. As a result, no commonly recognized definition of GIS exists. An attempt has been made. GIS is a “collection of tools for gathering, storing, accessing at will, altering, and presenting geographic data from the actual world for a specific set of purposes,” according to Burrough5. This statement clearly demonstrates that GIS is only a tool for achieving a "set of objectives." The significance of land to man's development and survival cannot be overstated. Land is a highly important resource for humans since it serves as the foundation for all development efforts. Land accounts for a significant component of a country's wealth in almost every country on the planet. As a result, effective management of this key resource is critical for man's general survival and growth. Land administration, as part of the overall process of land management, is defined as the "process of determining, recording, and disseminating information on ownership, value, and use of land when implementing land management policies," according to the United Nations Land Administration Guidelines1 report. According to Dale, land administration in the year 2000 entails the determination of rights and other attributes of land, the survey and description of such lands, their detailed documentation, and the provision of relevant information about the land and any property attached to it, also known as adjudication. The necessity for a robust and accurate information foundation to support government planning, development, and management operations is implicit in the preceding description. The provision of a competent land information system is thus critical to the efficient and successful management of land and its related resources. In light of the increasing digital technology or information technology revolution, most nations throughout the globe have started digitizing their land records, resulting in solid land information systems (LIS) that can provide on-line access to a full collection of land and property information. The term "land administration" refers to a set of procedures for ensuring that land rights are correctly defined and documented. It encompasses all of the procedures for correctly documenting information about land ownership, usage, and value. In most cases, these procedures generate significant amounts of data. This data includes master plans, land use plans, detailed site development plans, engineering infrastructure, and other survey information, as well as records of allotment, including names of allottees, plot numbers, plot sizes, use, and location, and records of all transactions, including power of attorney, deeds of assignment, mortgages, subleases, releases, and devolution. Managing all of this data via a traditional/manual technique is almost impossible. Because GIS is a computerized system, it has the ability to handle large amounts of data in a way that is not only effective, but also efficient, secure, speedier, and transparent. A GIS can manage both spatial and attribute data. Data that has a locational or positional identity with regard to the earth's surface is referred to as spatial data, while attribute data refers to the traits or qualities of spatial features. This means that a GIS might contain a spatial database for a property parcel and an attribute database for attributes like land use, ownership, and property value.

1.2 Statement of research problem

Geographical Information Systems is the abbreviation for Geographic Information Systems. It is a computer system that can assemble, store, manipulate, and display geographical data. Simply described, a geographic information system (GIS) is an organized collection of computer software, hardware, data, and employees for capturing, storing, updating, and manipulating all types of geographically linked data. The use of a GIS system has made it much easier to evaluate and alter geographic data. However, the situation is different in Nigeria, where the country's information storage on land management is not very active, despite the fact that it provides a number of benefits. However, there are a number of constraints to the use of GIS in Nigeria, including the following: It is costly, integration with conventional maps is problematic in Nigeria, and excessive damage in the event of an internal fault are only a few of the issues that will be addressed in the research.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of the study is as follows:

1.     To find out the role of geographic information system on land administration in Nigeria

2.     To find out problem facing the use of geographic information system on land administration in Nigeria

3.     To find out ways to improve the use of geographic information system on land administration in Nigeria.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

1.     What is the role of geographic information system on land administration in Nigeria?

2.     What are the problem facing the use of geographic information system on land administration in Nigeria

3.     What are the ways to improve the use of geographic information system on land administration in Nigeria.

1.5 Significance of the study

The significance of this study cannot be underestimated as:

l  This study will examine the role of geographic information system in urban land administration in Nigeria.

l  The findings of this research work will undoubtedly provide the much needed information to ministry of land and housing, government  authorities, individual  and academia.

1.6 Scope of the study

This study examines  the role of  geographic information system in urban land administration in Nigeria. hence, this study will be delimited  ministry of land and housing  Abuja. Nigeria

1.7 Limitations of the study

This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows:

 just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data

Financial constraint , was faced by  the researcher ,in getting relevant materials  and  in printing and collation of questionnaires

Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher

Operational definition of terms

Role: an actor's part in a play, film, etc

GIS:  is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information

Administration: the process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.