INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )
E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 9 NO. 8 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/ijssmr.v9.no8.2023.pg18.28
Critical Issues in the Methods of Data Collection in
Geoinformatics and Environmental Sciences
Innocent E. Bello
Abstract
A successful geographic or environmental research is partly dependent on the sources and
methods of data collection, data analysis and result presentation. This study examined two
broad sources of data collection to include (i) primary: direct field or in-situ measurements,
count, observation, administration of questionnaire, use of check list and Focus Group
Discussions, and (ii) secondary: documented materials (including published and unpublished
statistics/materials) residents in government and Non-Governmental Agencies (such as World
Health and Food and Agricultural organizations), and private geoinformation organizations.
Other sources of secondary data collection identified include research institutes such as the
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for the provision of Satellite
Images for landuse and environmental studies, and Universities that deals with science and
technology issues such as the Departments of Geography, Environmental Sciences, Urban and
Regional Planning and Surveying/Geoinformatics. The
evaluated major
materials/tools/equipment used for data collections. The findings revealed that although
primary data seems more reliable because of the close watch and methods of their collection,
the cost and time it takes to generate them are very expensive hence, most people tend to rely
on secondary sources of data for their use. The secondary sources may be relatively cheap but
may be fraught with Spatial Data Quality issues. The study demonstrated that both primary
and secondary datasets proved very useful in geographic and environmental change studies. A
review of an empirical study of ‘urbanization impact on climate change in West Africa city of
Warri, Delta State, Nigeria’ was used to validate this study.
keywords: Data Collection, Field, Geographic Data, Primary data, Secondary Data
References:
Akinbode A. (1996): Research Methods in Geography. Ekpoma: Edo State University
Publishing House.
Bello, I. E. & Omoyajowo, A. O. (2015): Geospatial Modeling and Analysis of Environmental
Quality Indicators in Sub-Saharan African Mining Community of Evbonogbon,
Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Sustainability (Japan), 4(4): 381-
397. (Online): available at http://isdsnet.com/ijds-v4n4-3.pdf
Bello, I. E. & Ikhuoria, I. A. (2015). 3D Cartographic Model and Animation of As-built
Educational landuse of UNIBEN, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Research
in Science and Technology, 1(5), 204-212 (Online): available at
DOI:15.11/IJSRST151540
Bello, I. E., Ufuah, M.E., Rilwani, M.L. & Ogah,A.T. (2020): A Paradigm Synthesis Of The
Relevance Of Fieldwork In Geographic Research. American Journal of Geographical
Research and Reviews, 2020; 3(16), 1-12. (Online): available at
https://escipub.com/ajgrr-2019-09-2705/
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