Spatial Pattern Analysis of Lecture Halls in the University of Calabar, Nigeria: A GIS and Nearest Neighbour Statistics Approach

The strategic location of educational infrastructure plays an important role in efficient academic administration and effective distribution of learning facilities on a university campus. This research work utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and methodologies in the analysis of the distribution pattern of lectures on the University of Calabar’s campus. The main focus of this research was to identify the randomness or otherwise of the distribution of the learning facilities. The data collected included the geographical locations of all forty-eight (48) identified lectures. The data was collected using a Garmin 625 GPS device. The data was analyzed by merging it with the University of Calabar’s google earth image. The methodology involved the use of the Nearest Neighborhood Analysis (NNA) to determine the hypothesis of randomness or otherwise of the distribution. The findings showed a Nearest Neighborhood Ratio (Rn) of 0.01, the observed mean was 62.79 meters, the average mean distance was calculated to be 94.97 meters, while the highly significant Z score was − 4.49 (p < .001). The analysis shows clear evidence of not following the criteria of proper distribution of learning facilities outlined in the Central Place Theory. The research work concludes that Geographic Information System tools and methodologies offer useful platforms in campus planning. The tools offer valuable guides in development planning on campus.