ARTICLE LANDING PAGE
EXPLORING DIGITAL GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND RESEARCH IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Digital geospatial technology is a branch of information and communication technology that allows geographical features and information to be digitally represented and stored in a digital database. It also provides tools and facilities (software) for effective management, integration, analysis, monitoring, and sharing of such information and data to address socio-economic, engineering, and environmental challenges. Geospatial data, also known as geographic or spatial data, is any data linked to a particular location on the earth’s surface using a standard referencing system. As diverse as its applications, geospatial data exist in different formats from different sources and could be used in several application areas such as environmental monitoring, urban and regional planning, disaster forecasting and management, disease monitoring, water resources planning, and inventory, among others. By giving precise information on the location and distribution of natural resources, such as water, forests, and minerals, the software is effective in their allocation and management. Critical habitats can be located, environmental consequences may be evaluated, and practical conservation plans can be developed with the aid of GIS.In this paper, an attempt has been made to explore the components of digital geospatial technology, its applications in teaching and research, as well as challenges associated with its usage in Nigeria.
