Resolving Potential Chaos Associated with Spatial Distribution of Gas Filling Stations in Urban Centres for Sustainable Planning

Abstract

The study aims at assessing the spatial distribution of petrol filling stations in Ilaro , Ogun state, with a view to expand the frontiers of knowledge in the provision of nonexistent spatial data in respect of gas filling stations and ultimately make recommendations for their sustainable planning. The objectives are to identify and map all the petrol filling stations in the study area; `assess their conformity with planning standards; and determine the distributional pattern of the petrol filling stations. The research adopted field surveys and remote sensing, especially the instrumentality of Geographic Information System(GIS), in identifying the existing petrol filling stations as well as conducting queries to assess the level of compliance of the petrol filling stations with extant planning standards. Nearest Neighbour Analysis was equally employed in determining the distribution pattern of the facilities. With a Rn value of 0.36, the study amongst others, pointedly reveal that the locational pattern of gas filling stations in the study area tends towards clustering. The study, inter alia, recommends the need for more proactiveness and effectiveness in the development control activities of the planning authority, under whose jurisdiction, the study area falls into.