Geospatial Mapping of Sawmills in the Wood Producing Rain Forest City, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- Adefisoye Emmanuel Adetayo1, Olubaju Ayomide Emmanuel2, Afolabi Adeniyi Samson3, Oladeji Peter Bolaji4, Azeez Abubakri A.5
- DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17073656
- ISA Journal of Multidisciplinary (ISAJM)
A sawmill is one of the major forest-based industries involved in processing and maximizing the efficient use of timber, and it requires proper monitoring to ensure optimal benefits. Therefore, this study focuses on geospatial mapping of sawmills in Ile-Ife with a view to providing information that could be relevant to policy makers. The study employed attribute data and spatial data with observation of geographical coordinates of existing sawmills. Study area google earth imagery was downloaded through ‘google earth pro’ for secondary data. Instrument check was performed for high accuracy and quality of data was ensured. A database was developed in ArcGIS 10.7.1, where attribute data were connected to geometric data. The Geographic Information System (GIS) application was then used to generate the necessary queries for different processes within the network. Maps were then produced using ArcGIS 10.7.1 and QGIS 3.12. Ninety-eight (98) sawmills were found to exist in the study area. Seven (7) of these were inactive leaving ninety-one (91) active. Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA) result of the study revealed a clustered (0.78) pattern of sawmills in term of distribution across space given a z-score of -4.31. The study therefore, concluded that relevant stakeholders and policy makers in environmental management are needed to plan, coordinate and regulate proliferation of sawmill industries with modern technology for the betterment of this environment.