Population Estimation of Ovia North-East Local Government Area using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Abstract

This study was done to carry out the population estimation of Ovia North-East Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria, using GIS and remote sensing techniques. The goal was to produce visual maps such as land use land cover, population density, and dasymetric mapping to show the population distribution. The study used a binary dasymetric method, which is a spatial interpolation technique that incorporates ancillary data on land use land cover, settlement, and road network. Binary dasymetric map separates the study area into habitable and inhabitable zones, based on the presence or absence of features such as buildings, roads, and settlement data. Census data was obtained from Nigeria Population Commission (NPC, 2006) and the land use and land cover results were obtained from the supervised classification of Landsat 7 C2 EMT + obtained from USGS earth-explorer database. The research revealed that the population of Ovia North-East Local Government Area has grown at an average rate of 14.78% per annum in five (5) year interval, with an estimated annual growth rate of 3.4%. The population for the years 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 were estimated to be 155344, 178909, 203425, and 234706 respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of GIS and remote sensing techniques, in conjunction with ancillary data, can improve the accuracy of population estimates and provide a more comprehensive understanding of population distribution. The resulting population estimates and maps will provide valuable information for planning and resource management in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area and other tiers of Government such as the State and Federal Government respectively. It will also make it possible for policy makers to have a better understanding of the spatial distribution of the population within the study areas, and to identify areas that may be in need of additional resources or support