Spatial Mapping of Polling Units using Open-Source Software

Abstract

The feasibility for adopting emerging Open-Source software and free mobile GIS data collection tools for Polling Unit mapping (PUs) and inventory was tested. The dynamism of KOBO COLLECT and QGIS Open-Source technologies were used in mapping and analyzing the spatial distribution of polling units in Eket Local Government Area. The study maximized the potentials of Open-Source technologies to provide a graphical inventory of polling units and area coverage for information management in the electioneering process. Spatial analysis tool of QGIS was used for solving shortest path problem centered around emergency response routing scenarios based on travel time and distance impedance from an origin to a destination. It also helped to portray the distribution within the study area in a bid to reveal pattern and accessibility to the populace. Results obtained will allow citizens and electorates access information on the locations of various polling units, which ultimately serve as a decision supporting system that would enhance their participation. The maps are also useful for future distribution of polling booths, security personnel, for solving transportation issues and in service delivery during election periods.

Keywords

• Open-Source Software
• Polling Units
• QGIS
• KOBO Toolbox

References

1. Abubakar, T., Alhassan, I. (2017). Mapping and evaluation of polling units for optimum election process in Damaturu Metropolis, Yobe State Nigeria. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology and Sciences, 32 (1), 33-40.
2. ACE, (2015). GIS/GPS mapping of polling stations in Sierra Leone. Bala, A., Pirasteh, S., Aliyu, Y. S., Aliyu,A. O., Bawa, S., Abdulwahab, I. (2022). Mapping and suitability analysis of existing electoral polling units in Katsina local government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Survey Review, (2022), 1-10.
3. Çelik, O. İ., Gazioğlu, C. (2020). Coastline Difference Measurement (CDM) Method. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 7(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.706792.
4. Fisher, R. P., Myers, A. B. (2011). Free and simple GIS as appropriate for health mapping in a low resource setting: a case study in eastern Indonesia. International Journal of Health Geographics, 10 (15), 1-11.
5. Graziuso, G., Francavilla, A. B., Mancini, S., Guarnaccia, C. (2022). Open-source software tools for strategic noise mapping: a case study. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2162 (2022) 012014.
6. Herbert, T., Lateef, L. O., Salami, A. O. and Morakinyo, A. D. (2021). Mapping and spatial analysis of polling units to enhance voting in Akure South, Nigeria. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(3), 31-42. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC (2021). The state of voter access to polling units in Nigeria. Discussion Paper No. 1/2021.
7. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (2015). The election management System (EMS). A project report prepared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Abuja.
8. Kesselman, A. (2014). Open source and electronic voting: A new strategy toward technical procurement for voting systems (Senior Theses). Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California.

9. Leh, M., Aung, Y. M., Moet, P. M., De Silva, S. (2019). Introduction to QGIS and KoBoToolbox for Mapping Flood Based Farming Systems. Yangon - Myanmar, International Water Management Institute. Lutheran World Relief (LWR) (No date). Mobile data collection platforms.
10. Moses, A. E., Chinemerem, S. N. (2017). GIS in spatial distribution of polling units within Afikpo, South-Eastern Nigeria: a tool for a successful poll. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, 11(4), 1-7, 2017.
11. Mtembenuzeni, A. (2021). 10 best tools for building and deploying mobile data collection projects. Muslim. O. and Maduekwe. N. (2017). The use of Geospatial technologies for managing elections in Nigeria: The issues and challenges. International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences, 4 (4), 2349–5219.
12. Okosun S.O. (2016). Application of geospatial techniques in locating Polling Units in Esan West LGA, Edo State. Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and social science 4(4b), 402-408. Oswal, N. (2020). 14 Free/Open Source GIS Software: Map the world.
13. Sandhya, M. C. (2020). Exploring opportunities with open source GIS. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, 9 (05), 731 – 736.
14. Satya, P.M., Anurag, O., Sachin, M. (2015, October 9-10). Review of open source GIS Paper presentation]. Proceedings on national conference on open source GIS: Opportunities and Challenges, Department of Civil Engineering, Varanansi (India).
15. Sobechi, L., Omolaoye, S. (2021). INEC unveils 176,846 polling units for 2023 elections. The Guardian Newspaper of 17 June 2021
16. Source GIS Applications.
17. University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL) (2022). GIS and data resources: open source GIS software. University of Southern California (USC) (2022). Southern California (USC) (2022). Open Source GIS Applications.