The Challenges of Geographic Information System in Urban and Regional Planning Establishments in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

The role of GIS in the collection and standardization of geographic data, especially in map production cannot be over – emphasized. This has been recognized in developed countries but in developing countries like Nigeria, planning establishments are faced with the problem of scarce planning information. This has made planning programmes slow and difficult to execute. Therefore, the paper examines the challenges in the use of GIS as important tool for carrying out planning proposals in both public and private establishments in Lagos metropolis. A random sample opinion of 10 local planning authorities, 6 private planning firms and 3 state planning parastatal was conducted to obtain the observed views. A descriptive analysis of data collected revealed that there is high awareness of GIS in local planning authorities (82.19%), private firms (93.33%) and state planning boards (100%) but its non-application is high. This is explained by inadequate infrastructures (19.17%), lack of technical know-how (41.1%), lack of employers’ interest (16.44%) and running cost (23.28).The paper recommends that the government should provide an enabling environment in areas of power supply and subsidies in the cost of GIS application to attract investors. Also, planning schools and establishments should take it as a point of commitment in training of students and staff in information technology development, especially in aspects of GIS.

Keywords: Information, Information Technology, Geographic Information System