Optimal Location Determination of Some Public Facilities within Minna Metropolis: A Geospatial Technique Approach

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.