GIS Laboratory/Weather Observation Station
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory is a research facility funded, maintained, and supported by the Centre to promote and facilitate the applications of Geographic Information Systems, Remote sensing, Cartography, Spatial analysis to research in alternative energy technologies and the environment. The GIS Laboratory provides support to the Centre’s research staff and members of the University of Benin Academia. The Unit is staffed with senior GIS staff of the Centre.
Services & Support
The GIS Center offers a wide range of services to researchers, students, faculties in the University and staff of the Centre. These services range from the provision of large-format prints, Data Visualization, Study Area Delineations to Spatial Analysis and Other GIS analytical procedures. The GIS Unit also provides consultation services to both staff and students of the University of Benin community on GIS related projects.
Equipment
The Laboratory is equipped with a range of specialized hardware to aid input, analysis and display of spatial data.
Hardware & Peripherals
Computers:
High-end Windows Desktop System Unit with Intel Pentium Processor.
Printers
HP DesignJet T1500 Large Format Plotter
Standard 320 GB Internal Storage Memory,
Color: Up to 2400 x 1200 optimized dpi from 1200 x 1200 input dpi
Black: Up to 2400 x 1200 optimized dpi from 1200 x 1200 input dpi and Optimization for Photo Paper selected
Large Format coloured/black and white printouts are available in sizes ranging from A0 - A4 formats. Documents for printing can be in jpeg or pdf file format. Our quotes for various print sizes can be downloaded at this link.
We recommend using MS Publisher, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe InDesign to make your posters.
Patrons desiring support for their GIS projects are expected to already have a basic understanding of mapping concepts as Laboratory Services do not include teaching this. GIS staff will however provide assistance where dimmed necessary.
The Weather observation Laboratory generates timely and accurate weather data for monitoring and predicting environmental changes. Data is recorded and archived in a database at intervals of 5 minutes, hourly, daily and monthly basis to enhance accuracy. Since installation in 2011, data recording has been consistent.
The Weather database serves as a knowledge base for research in areas of Climate Change, Hydrology, Solar/Wind Energy, Agriculture, Environmental Modeling etc. Data generated by the Centre’s Station is consistent with data from global weather observatory services (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Centre, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET)).
The Weather Laboratory provides data to students and staff of the University of Benin for various research activities. In addition, Our services extend to Ministries and Public institutions, farmers and other Stakeholders in Edo State and its environs.
Data for the following weather parameters are obtainable from the weather station:
| Parameters | Units of Measurement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Celsius(oC) |
| Relative Humidity | Percent (%) |
| Rainfall | Millimeter(mm) |
| Rainfall Rate | Millimeter per hour (mm/hr) |
| Barometric pressure | Millibars(mb) |
| Wind Direction | Degree(o) (N,S,E,W) |
| Wind Speed | Meter per seconds (m/s) |
| Solar Radiation/ Intensity | Watt per square meter(W/m2) |
| Solar Energy | Watt-hour per square meter(Wh/m2) |
| UV Index | Index |
| UV Dose | Minimum Erythemal Dose(MED) |
| Wind Chill | Celsius(oC) |
| Heat Index (Apparent Temperature) | Celsius(oC) |
| Dew Point | Celsius(oC) |
| THSW Index(Apparent Temperature) | Celsius(oC) |
| Evapotranspiration(ET) | Millimeter(mm) |