Geospatial Analysis of the Terrain of Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria, for Military Operations

Abstract

The basis of this study is to analyze the terrain of Kachia LGA (the home of military institutions in Nigeria) for military operations. ArcGIS 10.0, in complimentary with Google Earth Pro and Suffer 10 were integrated with remotely sensed data such as SRTM Digital Elevation Models data, satellite imageries in conjunction with secondary data such as topographical and thematic map to analyze the terrain of kachia LGA. Relevant existing data were also acquired and processed to generate DEM, slope, contours, 3D-view and flow accumulations which were used for general reconnaissance and the analysis of the terrain, that is, the topography, landuse and landcover, drainage and some cultural features such as roads and settlements of the LGA. Viewshed analysis, Lines of Sight and 3D view were used to model the best avenue of approach by the military into the LGA. Moreover, the most suitable site for “release point” during military advance which were based on some criteria were also modeled and determined using geospatial techniques. Other military operations such as axis of advance and obstacle crossing were all demonstrated, while the scenario of the real battle ground were modeled and analyzed. The study revealed that only four out of the ten routes into Kachia LGA are suitable for advance, while the best release point was found to be located in the southern part of Kaja settlement with area coverage of 18.09km2. Bonds such as villages like Atara, Akwana, Ungwan Kanrara, Bika and Adage as well as Rivers Katera, Awon and Bika which all lie along the axis of advance between the Release Point and Kachia were also detected geospatially as the Report Lines. Rivers Atara, Akwana and Bika were discovered to be possible obstacles along the axis of advance. Nigeria military should as a matter of priority establish units for geospatial analysis in all the military institutions.