Geospatial Modelling and Analysis of Electricity Distribution in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria

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Introduction

Electricity is one of the most important infrastructures supporting teaching, research, administration, and residential activities in tertiary institutions. The increasing dependence on electronic systems, digital laboratories, internet services, security infrastructure, and student accommodation facilities requires a reliable electricity distribution system. Traditionally, electricity infrastructure records are maintained using paper maps, engineering drawings, and textual descriptions. These methods often lead to challenges such as poor documentation, difficulty in locating facilities, delays in maintenance operations, and inefficient planning.

Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) provide a powerful platform for capturing, storing, managing, analyzing, and visualizing utility infrastructure. Through GIS, electrical facilities can be accurately mapped and linked to attribute information, creating an intelligent database that supports planning and decision-making. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, possesses a complex electricity distribution network comprising transformers, utility poles, distribution lines, generators, and solar grid plants. Proper documentation and spatial analysis of these facilities are essential for effective infrastructure management.

Study Area, Research Description and Methods

Study Area

Nnamdi Azikiwe University is located in Awka, Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. The university lies approximately between: Latitude: 6°11'N – 6°15'N and Longitude: 7°04'E – 7°08'E. The campus comprises of; Administrative areas, Academic buildings, Faculties, Hostels, Staff quarters, Health facilities, Commercial centers, Road networks.

The presence of these facilities necessitates a robust electricity distribution network.

Research Description and Methods The methodology adopted in adhering the general goal of this project included.

4. Geospatial Analysis and Query (Spatial Data Creation)

Planning Planning involves marking proper and necessary preparation and taking decision that will facilitate the realization or attainment of set of objective. Hence, the Hardware, software and other important materials needed for effective execution of the project were extensively considered.

Hardware • Android Smartphone • GNSS-enabled Mobile Device • Laptop Computer • Power Bank Software Global Mapper Mobile Used for: • Field data collection • Feature positioning • Attribute recording • GPS tracking Global Mapper Desktop and ArcMap 10.3 Used for: • Data processing • Geospatial database development • Spatial analysis • Map production Google Earth Pro Used for: • Satellite image extraction • Ground verification • Feature identification • Base map preparation Data Acquisition Primary Data Field survey was conducted to collect coordinates of: • Transformers • Electric poles • Solar grid plants • Power distribution units Using Global Mapper Mobile, each feature was recorded with: • Unique ID • Coordinates • Type • Condition • Capacity • Operational status Secondary Data Obtained from: • Google Earth Pro imagery Data Processing Step 1: Import Satellite Imagery Google Earth Pro imagery imported into Global Mapper Desktop.

Step 2: Georeferencing Imagery was georeferenced to the WGS84 coordinate system.

Step 3: Digitization Features digitized included: • Roads • Buildings • Utility corridors • Distribution lines • Electrical installations Step 4: Geospatial Analysis and Query (Database Creation)

The creation of a structured, digital database is the most important and complex task upon which the usefulness of the cadastral information system depends. Database design is the process of producing a detailed data model of a database (Hernandez, 2012) [2]. The design phase consists of three levels (Kufoniyi, 1998) [3]: • Conceptual Design • Logical Design • Physical design

1. Conceptual Design

This is a representation of human conceptualizing of reality of the entire information content of the database. Here decision on how the view of reality was presented in a simplified manner and to the satisfaction of the information

2. Logical Design

This is another stage of the database design in which all the real world entities conceptualized were modelled into the real world using logical design. It is the representation of the conceptual design to reflect the recording of the data in the computer system using a relational database management system (RDBMS) (Effiong and Alagbe, 2012) [1]. In this phase, the entities, their attributes and their relationships were represented in a single uniform manner inform of relation in such a way that would be no information loss and at the same time no unnecessary duplication of data. For this study, relational data model was used due to its easy implementation and management. The conceptual data model developed in this study was translated into the relational data structure. In the relational data model, data are separated into tables. They are found along rows and columns. The conceptual model was translated into a logical structure and the following relations were derived.

3. Physical Modeling Phase

This is the phase where the data structure is translated into built-in data of the chosen software. Nowadays, GIS software dictates most of the physical database design activities. The physical database design for each spatial entity has been completely defined by the vendor and the GIS designer does not have to do anything more for this part of data.

Results and Discussion

The geospatial model successfully integrated all mapped electrical infrastructure into a unified database. Major findings include: • Accurate locations of transformers were established. • Distribution lines were successfully mapped. • Service coverage gaps were identified. • Spatial relationships among infrastructure components were visualized. • Digital records replaced conventional paper-based documentation.

Fig 1: Geospatial Map Of Electricity Distribution In Nnamdi azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State The figure above shows that totality of the project. This is the end result of Geospatial Electricity Distribution in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State in which different information are display on the map which can be easily identified through the use of the map’s legend. Such information are the Transformers, transmission lines and solar grid plants. it also shows the coordinates system (WGS 84) in which the features in the map falls in. Graticule type of grid was used for easy identification. The study demonstrates that Google Earth Pro, Global Mapper Desktop, Global Mapper Mobile and ArcMap 10.3 provide efficient tools for utility mapping and management.

Fig 2: Attribute Query Result within the Study Area Fig 3: Proximity Analysis Query of Transformers within the Study Area.

A proximity analysis of 300meters around the transformer was also carried out. This process can also explain the fact that the electricity distribution in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka is a good one. With 300meters interval between transformers, one can deduce that the transformers for electricity distribution within the University premises can serve very well unlike areas (Institutions) with sparsely buffered transformers.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of geospatial technologies in modelling and analyzing electricity distribution within Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The integration of Global Mapper Mobile, Global Mapper Desktop, and Google Earth Pro enabled the development of a comprehensive electricity infrastructure database and facilitated advanced spatial analyses.

The resulting geospatial model provides a decision-support framework for infrastructure planning, maintenance scheduling, fault management, and future network expansion.