Built environment experts have advocated deployment of geospatial technology to ensure climate change mitigation.They stressed that the application will also boost service delivery in government agencies and transform sectors, as well as enable integration of real-time monitoring and evaluation of projects in the country.

The experts, who spoke at the forum on Geographical Information System (GIS) organised by Jamitan Tech in partnership with American firm, Esri in Abuja, noted that innovative and highly skilled geospatial analysis will enable governments to conduct large-scale drone mapping and surveying.

A GIS specialist, Joseph Aro, explained that the deployment of geospatial technology for the climate crisis represents a pivotal evolution in information processing, saying, “It’s more than mapping, but a sophisticated tool that empowers executives to understand unprecedented details.”

Speaking on the ‘Application of GIS in Land in Administration’ in FCT, Mr. Isa Jalo, disclosed that the process of recording and disseminating information about ownership, value and use of land and associated resources are parts of the land management.

According to Jalo, this depends on the availability of land information systems, such as rights and attributes of land; survey and detailed documentation and information on land markets.

Another speaker, Emmanuel Avula of Nigerian Communications Commission, said that they have begun to adopt the use of geo-enabled smart forms for verification exercises, adding, “This enables field officers to collect data without using paper forms.

“The application of geospatial technology has been useful in collecting, processing, managing, analysing and serving processed data to customers. It has directly or indirectly enhanced the commission’s ability to generate data for both interdepartmental and inter agency uses.”

He emphasised that the technology has improved turnaround time in projects, improved accuracy and quality of data, as well as provided quick and reliable data analytics tools in managing government resources across Ministry Departments and Agencies.

“We have revolutionised the manner at which we process our data by shifting from static charts, maps and tables to more dynamic tools such as dashboards that users can interact with and derive insights according to their needs,” he said.

Olawanle Akintan of Jamitan Tech, stressed the need for innovations in secondary, technical schools and universities, so that students could be involved in promoting and collection of data in all sectors.

He said: “We want to help professionals in different government agencies to understand how to use GIS. We equally intend to help young ones to develop and share data through African Geoportal, a platform to disseminate information.”