Assignment Task Introduction
This class project is aimed at exploring spatial distribution and patterns of education facilities in Bloemfontein, capital of South Africa using GIS based spatial analysis.
This will be done by creating and delivering GIS products and a report to researchers that are exploring different issues of availability of education facilities in the city. These researchers are not necessarily GIS-experts and are seeking your assistance in exploring how GIS can be used to address their need for spatial data and spatial analysis.
The mapping of educational institutes falls under facilities management area of GIS applications. Your task as the GIS Analyst is to help UNDP researchers to understand the spatial patterns of educational facilities in Bloemfontein, capital of South Africa.
Project scope
The outcome of the project should at least answer the following key questions, however you are encouraged to perform extra analysis by applying your critical spatial thinking and literature review.
What is the proportional pattern of population density and distribution of schools with respect to variables e.g. Public; independent; Primary; Secondary; Combined; Intermediate; Comprehensive; Ordinary; Technical; Fee Paying, No Fee?
Which areas have high, and low concentration of schools? Required Outcome: A density map to highlight the high and low concentrated regions in the study area.
How many schools are in the closed vicinity of minimum 750 meters from one another? Required Outcome: A map of the schools that fulfills the proximity criteria.
Road infrastructure is an important factor as the school should be located in an area that would reduce the commute time to the school for parents and students.
Is there a requirement of new school in the area? If yes, then what should be the location of new school(s) considering the existing given population, proximity to nearest schools and access through roads?
Provided Dataset
Bloemfontein (Study area Shapefile) Road Network (Shapefile) Population (Shapefile) Schools Information (Excel File) Project Report Structure
