Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping of Noise Pollution in Bosso Local Government Council, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed and executed such that a full noise pollution profile for Bosso Local Government Council of Niger State would be successfully presented. The core objective of this project is the preparation of a framework for a noise pollution database for the nearest developed environs of Minna. Data collection was facilitated by both the use of the hand-held GPS units and the sound level meter. Stations of interest that were identified were appropriately geo-referenced and marked in the conventional way. The stations were re-visited with the noise level equipment whence information about the sources of environmental noise, the corresponding values of noise, and the status of noise pollution were logged progressively from one point to the next. Further, by use of the Geographical Information System (GIS) platform, a noise pollution layer for Bosso Local Government Council has been created, a novelty in itself. It can be deduced from the pollution map produced for this project work that, overall, the noise level regime over Tudun Fulani, Maikunkele, Bosso, Maitumbi, and Chanchaga neighbourhoods are quite high because a significant number of households and business locations use alternative power sources when the central power supply is cut. This GIS pollution layer map could now serve as a veritable urban development tool that would assist public health officials and town planners recommend appropriate actions to be taken to safeguard the health of the citizenry.