Application of geographical information system (GIS) for spatial distribution of electrical transformers in Ikorodu district, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Epileptic power supply is a major problem which has great impact on socioeconomic development of Nigeria. Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is responsible for power distribution in the country and one of the major challenges is the haphazard distribution of their facilities, most especially, electrical transformers. In addition, spatial locations of electrical transformers and other attribute data are kept using manual approach and in some cases, the records are not available. This study is aimed at using Geographic Information System (GIS) to take inventory of PHCN electrical transformers in Ikorodu district of Lagos, in order to assess their spatial distribution. The research method adopted includes converting the existing map of the study area into digital format through scanning and digitizing, collection of spatial locations of electrical transformers' with GPS receivers and attribute data through social survey. ArcGIS software was employed to create spatial database for forty two (42) electrical transformers located in the study area and various spatial analyses such as query, overlay, buffering, etc. were performed to view the spatial distribution of PHCN facilities. The spatial database created can be easily updated from time to time at a fast rate and reduced cost, and without passing through the whole process of map production. Appropriate recommendations were made for socioeconomic development of the country and effective management of the PHCN facilities. The outcome of the study can be adopted in other developing countries with similar challenges.