Application of Geographic Information Systems in Creating Smart Campus Map of Federal University of Technology, Minna Bosso Campus

Abstract

This project aimed at creating a smart campus map of Federal University of Technology, Bosso Campus, Minna Niger State, Nigeria. The advancement of technology with an attendant emergence of digital maps is gradually phasing out obsolete paper maps. One of the problems inherent with paper maps is the difficulty visitors face in navigating the campus. The study utilized ArcGIS as the main digital mapping software. It was used for digitization and simulation of map features. Google Earth pro 7.1 was used to extract and download satellite image of Bosso campus, which was geo-referenced to have the actual earth projection of the campus. The procedures employed include digitization, assignment of attributes to features, creation and editing of the map and finally, conversion of the map to KML format (the format that can be read by ArcGIS software), the utilization of Android Studio as an interactive software. The converted map is imported and overlaid with Google API 21. The Smart map is interactive software between users and various objects in the visual environment which further provides great convenience for the users to understand geographical environment and campus information of Bosso campus. The study demonstrates the potentials of digital mapping using GIS software and Android studio in creating and managing spatial data. Smart digital map can be used as a tool to formulate development plans not only in the campus but also for wider coverage areas.