Harnessing spatial data infrastructure for environmental management

: the Nigerian case

Abstract

This research addresses the need for a sufficient and efficient Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) to provide comprehensive spatial data access which meets the spatial data needs for environmental management. The Nigerian case is adopted as a context for this research since it highlights issues that can occur in the development of a large scale federal SDI. This research seeks to identify the issues affecting the adoption of the Nigerian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) and to propose, as well as evaluate, solutions that will enable better SDI implementation. It adopted the mixed methods approach, incorporating qualitative, quantitative and design science approaches. It synergised the critical factors needed for SDI implementation using an SDI conformant GIS application. The novel contribution made to SDI research is the development of an SDI augmentation framework which includes at its hub a data access prototype GIS system, which can be implemented in a bottom-up, distributed and scalable manner to improve data access and sharing. The main components of the SDI Augmentation framework are the SDI Data Access Protocol; the SDI Expansion Protocol; and the SDI Continuous Assessment Protocol. The framework was validated by industry experts who confirmed the (a) feasibility and validity of the framework, (b) validity of the proposed bottom-up approach for implementing SDIs, against the current top-down approach (c) sufficiency of the framework components and implementation path, (d) feasibility of replication in practice, and (e) capability of the framework to address issues affecting the adoption of the NGDI and to enable better SDI implementation. Criteria assessed were the ability to (a) improve spatial data access over the web, (b) hasten SDI implementation (c) overcome the challenge of developing clearinghouses (d) harvest economic and environmental benefits from spatial data and SDIs (d) amplify the legislation and enforcement of a user-driven policy and objectives for SDI implementation, and (e) heighten awareness, as well as amplify participation and partnership.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Anne James (Supervisor) & Babatunde Anifowose (Supervisor)