The Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, has concluded preparations to unveil the Centre for Geospatial Information Science (CGIS), a research and teaching unit that will utilize computer software and tools such as geographic information systems among others, to gather information for use in mining, agriculture, urban planning and health care.
CGIS will provide training and consulting services in the area of geographic information system (GIS) and other remote aerial technology sensors to gather geographic information.
The rector of the institution, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, unveiled, during an interview, that CGIS will train specialists to produce maps, tables, reports and other such materials using GIS technology. It will also offer extended courses on deployment of advanced technology in mapping and managing geographic information organizations and short introductory programmes for secondary school students..
During the 3rd Public Lecture of the Institution, Dr. Bello, an expert in satellite data management at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), host of the UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office in Nigeria, said that the setting up of CGIS at this critical time is a step in the right direction for governments as many lack understanding of geospatial data value and importance within the context of the sustainable development agenda.
