The Application of Geospatial Information Technology in Heritage Tourism in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Having a database is an essential aspect of heritage management. It guides managers in making important decisions. Also, the lack of sufficient information on tourist locations discourages intending tourists from visiting tourist sites. Being among the world’s largest industries, tourism contributes a lot to many nations’ GDP. Geographic Information Technology (GIT) has to do with the use of computer-based tools to capture, store, transform, and display information related to the surface of the earth. This technology was applied in the creation of a GIS database of heritage resources in Plateau State, Nigeria. This was achieved by acquiring on-ground coordinates of some heritage sites using modern GPS equipment and, as well, acquired satellite imageries and other secondary GIS data such as DEMs and TIN. The GIS database was created using ArcGIS Geodatabase, which provided a well-structured descriptive and analytical tool of the spatial distribution of tourist locations and tourist facilities such as accommodation, nearby restaurants, shopping centres, relaxation spots, and banking facilities. The expected effect is increased patronage, and the overall advantage of heritage tourism is increased revenue and, at the same time, preservation of heritage for the future generation.