Spatial Analysis of Faith Based Locations in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines spatial distribution of faith based locations in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Data used for the study were collected through questionnaire administration, the use of GPS and satellite imageries. Using accidental sampling technique, 321 questionnaires were administered. The data were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.2 software. There were 36 faith based locations in Ota, consisting of 24 churches, 8 mosques and 4 shrines/temples. The study showed that faith based locations is unevenly distributed. It was noted that the distributional pattern caused traffic congestion on worship days. Patrons travelled an average distance of a kilometer and above. It was discovered that the most important factors influencing the distributional pattern of faith based locations were cost of land and ease of getting transport. Influencing factor with the least FLDFI was traditions and culture. Concentric zone analysis shows that faith based locations were concentrated within the city centre and decreases inversely with distance from the city centre. Average Nearest Neighbor Analysis revealed that the pattern of faith based locations from the ANNA is clustered. The study revealed that large number of patrons, on-street parking, disobedience to traffic law and reckless driving of public transporter was asserted to be the major cause of traffic congestion on worship days. The study therefore recommends decentralization of faith base location.