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INTRODUCTION
We have pleasure in proposing to you
a training programme on the above topic. Nearly all
data collected for planning purposes relate to geographical
location in some way. Indeed, it is estimated that 85%
of all databases contain some sort of geographical information
such as states, cities, street addresses, telephone
numbers, postal codes, etc.
For the wealth of generated data to
be meaningfully interpreted, the modern trend is data
integration within a geographical information systems
framework.
A GIS is a computer - based system for
storing, retrieving, analyzing and displaying geographically
referenced data. Storing data in database organizes
your data and makes accessing easier. Nevertheless,
data management through a GIS is more advantageous.
Unlike conventional database management system (DBMS),
a GIS turns a computer from a mere data processor into
data visualizer, letting you see pattern and meanings
in the mass of information. GIS also shows special relationship
through visual display of your data on maps. Patterns
and meanings that are hidden in the databases could
be visualized in a single glance. It is therefore not
surprising that planning agencies, government establishments,
corporation and so on use Geographic Information System
(GIS) to manage the wealth of data for effective functioning.
Evidence our track
record of performance abounds. We have provided
consultancy and Management Information System (MIS)
training services to many organizations including the
World Bank, UNDP,
NNPC, Federal and State Government Agencies.
For instance, in 1996, Computer and
Information Management Centre (COINMAC) in collaboration
with University of Ibadan Consultancy Service Unit was
commissioned by Fed. Office of Statistics (FOS) and
UNDP to organize an intensive training workshop on Research
Methodology, Statistical Analysis of Data Using Computer
Software under the National Statistical and Information
System Programme (NSIS). One hundred and six participants
were drawn from the State Statistical Agencies, the
Federal/State Planning Research and Statistics Department
and the Federal Office of Statistics.
Please find at the concluding part of
this proposal the details of our experience/resume.
COURSE RATIONALE
It is becoming increasingly clear that
the locational settings within which statistical data
is displayed can no longer be ignored in interpreting
such data. Indeed, a spatial dimension introduces more
meaning to data interpretation. This is because relationships
that are not obvious become clear when examined in their
locational contexts. Thus pattern and processes in the
social and economic arenas become more meaningful. We
are aware that the statistics collected by the Federal
Office of Statistics (FOS) have spatial component.
Available examples include data pertaining
to cities (e.g. Consumer Price Index for twons and cities
in Nigeria); data pertaining to state (e.g. Revenue
and Expenditure by States, Population Characteristics
by States) and such like. This wealth of data would
be more useful in terms of ease of interpretation when
viewed within the framework of GIS in conjunction with
the conventional methods of statistical analysis. Such
an approach offers the twin advantages of preserving
the traditional methods of statistical data analysis
while also bringing out patterns and processes that
may be hidden in statistical data. Thus, this approach
is needed to review the past, access the present and
project into the future regarding statistical data analysis,
visualization and display for decision making and planning
purposes. Middle and senior level officers in both private
and public statistical functionaries need to learn this
innovative approach to understanding statistical data
to improve their job performance and efficiency. These
are the raison deter for this course.
COURSE
CONTENT AND COURSE RATIONALE
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