Mapping of Local Markets in Owerri Urban Using Geospatial Techniques for Effective Planning and Economic Development

Student: ifenyinwa Assumpta Ekechi (Project, 2025)
Department of Surveying and Geo-Informatics
Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State

Abstract

Mapping is a veritable tool for decision making in our contemporary world. Business decision makers require timely, reliable and accurate information regarding the availability, location and accessibility of the local Markets for business development and proper planning. As a rapidly urbanizing city, Mapping of local market in Owerri urban area is uncommon. It faces challenges in the spatial understanding and management of its local markets. This Project was aimed at Mapping of existing local Markets in Owerri Urban using geospatial techniques. A spatial database was created using ArcMap10.5 Software. A Garmin 78 GPS receiver was used to acquire the coordinates from the center of each Local Market, and a photograph was also taken to build up the database needed for Map Production. A digital Map, showing the distribution of the local Markets was produced. A Buffer analysis of 1000m (1km) distance was conducted to check for clustering of the markets within the urban area. Further analysis revealed the importance of good access routes to the Markets. However, the study recommends equitable distribution of infrastructure and continuous inclusion of new Markets in the database for future planning for economic development.

Keywords
Geospatial Mapping GIS Local Markets Owerri Urban Urban Planning Market Clustering
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