A PROPOSED DRONE-BASED GEOSPATIAL MAPPING AND HOLISTIC PLANNING OF AKPO COMMUNITY IS A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT
Akpo Community is experiencing rapid development, which necessitates a structured and scientifically guided planning approach. To ensure sustainable growth, reduce land disputes, and establish a well-organized spatial framework, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive drone-based mapping exercise of Akpo town.
Drone mapping of the Akpo community is essential for achieving a comprehensive and well-structured town planning system. One of the key reasons for undertaking this exercise is to accurately define and verify the community’s boundaries. Although there are claims that a map of Akpo exists at the Ministry of Lands, it is important to question its accuracy and determine whether it truly reflects our current boundary conditions, especially in relation to neighboring communities.
By deploying drone technology, we can capture high-resolution spatial data of the entire land area. This will enable us to properly delineate boundaries, identify discrepancies, and provide a reliable geospatial foundation for planning. With this accurate base map, we can proceed to design a functional road network that adheres to standard classifications—Trunk A (primary roads=18–24 m), Trunk B (secondary roads=12–15 m), and Trunk C (tertiary roads=6–9 m).
Furthermore, this process will allow us to enforce proper planning regulations. Road widths can be standardized, and appropriate setbacks and buffers can be clearly defined and implemented as stated earlier. On this note, I am suggesting that even with or without the plan, ADA must henceforth enforce that every village will be using the least road hierarchy of 6–9 m in developing their access road. This ensures that future developments align with approved planning standards and prevents issues such as violation of building development law or encroachment into buffer zone setaside for other utilties.
In addition, drone mapping enables detailed digitization of existing structures. Unlike previous efforts by me that relied on satellite imagery, drone data allows for precise identification and mapping of individual buildings and land parcels. This supports both individual and collective land administration, improves transparency, and significantly reduces land disputes.
Overall, adopting drone-based mapping will provide Akpo community with an accurate, modern, and legally defensible framework for sustainable development, effective land management, and long-term rural /urban planning. The concerns raised by Ogirisigbo are valid, and this initiative is a necessary step toward addressing them.
Contribution from
*Surveyor, Innocent C. Ezeomedo,PhD*
Akpo
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