Assessment of Filling Station in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria Using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

The level of noncompliance associated with filling stations in respect to the guidelines of the regulating bodies has become pervert. The study uses geospatial techniques to determine the distribution pattern and assess the level of conformity of the filling stations against the physical planning standards by the regulating bodies. Primary and secondary data were used as data sources. Roads were digitized from high resolution image of the area and a handheld Germin (GPSmap® 78) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver was used to capture the coordinates of Filling stations. Analysis was done using analyzing pattern of the spatial statistic tools to determine the pattern of distribution and proximity (Buffering) Analysis to determine the level of conformity. The finding shows 225 filling stations in the study area with a clustered pattern of distribution. 71.6% of the filling station met the 15m distance from the edge of the road and 28.4% violation. Also, 97.3% of the filling stations violate the 400m apart with only 2.7% in compliance. 98.7% deviate from the 2km radius of four stations with 1.3% in compliance. However, all the stations ensured that the drainage from their site does not flow into a river and does not lie within pipeline or high tension cable Right Of Way. The study therefore concludes and recommended that the regulating bodies be firm in discharging their duties diligently in enforcing compliance at all level of the guidelines for the safety of the hosting communities and even distribution across the study area.