Using Google Earth™ and Geographical Information System data as method to delineate sample domains for an urban household surveys: the case of Maroua (Far North Region-Cameroon)

Abstract

BackgroundGetting a random household sample during a survey can be expensive and very difficult especially in urban area and non-specialist. This study aimed to test an alternative method using freely available aerial imagery.MethodsA gridded map and random selection method was used to select households for interviews. A hundred numbered of points were put along the edges of an updated map of Maroua. Then two numbers were randomly draw at a time and a line was drawn between those two numbers. A lot of different kinds of shapes of different sizes obtained were numbered. Ten shapes were randomly draw and the one selected were considered as ‘neighbourhoods’. A grid of 30 m × 30 m was drawn over each and then numbered. 202 grids considered here as households were randomly selected from the ten neighbourhoods for interviews.ResultsOut of 202 households visited, only 4 were found to be something other than a house. In addition, 30 sampled households (14.85%) were abandoned or the occupants had relocated elsewhere. This method resulted in an accuracy level of 72%, its advantage is the ability to generate efficient random sample at relatively low cost as well the time required.ConclusionsThe method proposed in this study was efficient and cost-effective when compared to the infield generation of a household inventory or Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of households. It can then be used by researchers in low-incomes countries where funding for research is a challenge. However, this method needs to train the investigators on how to use the GPS.

Social Economy and Digital Mapping of Subak Sembung Ecotourism

“…A study done by Wang et al (2017) ,and Wei et al (2018), also employed GE imaging to collect data about road and its design with certain improvisation to improve the elevation precision. A similar study also conducted by Vougat et al (2019), in Maroua-Kamerun, found that the accuracy of the object imaging until the level of imaging a house was 72%. GE app was found to be more efficient in terms of the resource and cost needed in comparison with the Global Positioning System (GPS).…”

Human Health Risks Related to Penicillin G and Oxytetracycline Residues Intake Through Beef Consumption and Consumer Knowledge About Drug Residues in Maroua, Far North of Cameroon

“…The population of Maroua was 403,817 in 2013 (Report of the Far North Regional Delegation of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, 2013, not published). Geographically, the city of Maroua is located between latitude 10-13 • North of the Equator and longitude 13-15 • East of the Greenwich meridian (25).…”

“…The food consumption data used in this study were based on the existing and representative data of our previous study (6). During that study, 202 households selected using a gripped map and random selection method as described by Vougat Ngom et al (25) were surveyed. The number of households investigated was calculated and set, taking into consideration the economic feasibility of the study but also considering the results of the presurvey done in the city of Maroua.…”

UAV Implementations in Urban Planning and Related Sectors of Rapidly Developing Nations: A Review and Future Perspectives for Malaysia

“…One of its significant advantages is its ability to provide geographical data at various scales, from a global perspective to a detailed street-level view, making it an ideal platform for obtaining territorial information. Additionally, Google Earth is increasingly used in education to provide an interactive and immersive learning experience on topics such as environmental science and geography [16]. UAVs can be used to navigate over a region while carrying cameras or other sensors to take high-resolution pictures or gather information such as height, temperature, or vegetation indices.…”