Assessment of the Benefits of Geographic Information System in Commercial Property Development in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
MAPADERUN, Abiola Aminat
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Rivers State University, Nigeria.
IHUAH, Paulinus Woka
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Rivers State University, Nigeria.
DEEYAH, Christpher Ledor *
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Rivers State University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study assesses the benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in commercial property development in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, focusing on its impact on decision-making, efficiency, and sustainability. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations, with spatial data obtained from high-resolution satellite imagery and processed using GIS software. The findings show strong agreement (84.2% to 93.6%) on GIS's role in improving decision-making, cost reduction, and risk management. However, challenges in integrating GIS with regulatory frameworks and other external factors, such as market conditions, were noted. Spatial analysis of three case studies (Creek Road Market, New Mile 1 Market, and RivTaf Shopping Center) revealed varying compliance with planning standards, with RivTaf demonstrating the highest compliance. The study recommends institutionalizing GIS in development control, enhancing training, updating planning policies, improving infrastructure, and expanding GIS use for post-development monitoring to promote sustainable property development in Port Harcourt.
Keywords: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), commercial property development, sustainable development, spatial data, sustainable cities