DEVELOPMENT OF A WEB BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR UNIVERSITY OF

ILORIN WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

(Approved Final Year Project Proposal)

By

Victor Oluwadamilola OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)

Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Advisor:
Dr Olayinka Okeola
Department of Water Resources &
Environmental Engineering
University of Ilorin, Nigeria

May 2021
 DEVELOPING A WEB BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN WATER SUPPLY
INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

BY

Victor Oluwadamilola OYEDEPO

1.0. INTRODUCTION
A decision support system (DSS) is concerned with visualizing data and information on a map or dashboard
to better understand organizational activities, project and operations. It is a computerized information
system used to help in decision making activities in an organization or a business by analyzing large datasets
and compiling the information which can be used to solve problems and make better decisions. One of the
tools used for supporting decision making in an organization is the geospatial information system (GIS) which
is interactive and computer based. They help to prioritize dataset development and information gathering
and place spatial geographical information in such a way that the decision of an organization will be
supported with a map or graph. A geospatial information system aids decision making by integrating and
displaying data in an understandable form. Geospatial information system is used to analyze relationship
among different kinds of data such as infrastructures. Geospatial information system is a digital database in
which information is stored by its spatial coordinate system which allows for data input, storage, retrieval,
management, transformation, analysis, reporting and other activities (Peter, 2009).

A decision support system is categorized based on the information. They are communication, data,
document, knowledge and model driven system. Data driven decision support systems are used to query a
database or data warehouse to seek specific purposes. It is deployed via a main frame system, client/server
link, or via the web. A data driven decision support system includes file drawer systems, data analytics
system, analytical information systems, data storage systems and emphasizes access and manipulation of
large structured data databases (Musbah and Omah, 2019).

Water supply is the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organizations, community endeavors
or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes. Water supply infrastructure consists of what is
built to pump, divert, transport, store, treat and deliver water for consumption (Ahmed et al. 2016). Water
supply infrastructures directly affects the public health in the sense that if properly managed is important in
the provision of an improved quality drinking water to consumers and if they are not, it can lead to
contamination of the water which can lead to water borne diseases. Therefore there is a need to manage
this infrastructure to prevent these consequences.

In Nigeria, the demand for water supply by the public has been a challenge for the Government. The
government has not been successful in meeting more than a small portion of the demand of water needed
by the masses. The service delivery to the masses is critically short taking for example in urban and semi-
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Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
urban areas. The people living in these areas are over 80 million and less than half of them have access to
reliable water supply (Oyebode, et al., 2015). Therefore the need for water supply information accessibility
cannot be over-emphasized, such as location and status of infrastructure. The information obtained is made
accessible to assist decision making when there is a need for repair and replacement of these infrastructures.
This project is aimed at creating an information system platform for water supply infrastructures in University
of Ilorin which will be accessible over the internet for the management of water Supply.

1.1. Aim and Objectives

The project aims at developing a web-based water supply infrastructure decision support system for
University of Ilorin

The objectives to achieve the study aim are:

1. To obtain water supply infrastructures status and attributes

2. To develop geo-database bank for water supply infrastructures and facilities served
3. To create a website for item 2 above
4. To develop codes for publishing the geo-database into the website
5. To create a homepage domain for the developed website

1.2. Scope and Limitation of the Study

This project will be limited to developing a website for geo-database of University of Ilorin water supply
infrastructure to aid water supply management.

1.3. Problem Statement

The University of Ilorin is faced with the challenge in the effective management of water supply. Water supply
is rationed among the various facilities i.e. academic areas such as Hostels, Banks, Laboratories, lecture
theatres, offices, Shops etc. Several part of the university finds it very difficult to get constant water supply.
The problem of water rationing is also due to the physical development in the University for new faculties
among others. The ever increasing population in the university has also contributed to the challenge.

Some of the water supply infrastructure in the university are aged which compounded maintenance
management. The ageing infrastructures pose threat of pipe burst and leakages which leads to water wastage
if not dealt with in time. The University has little or no source of information concerning water supply and its
infrastructures such as pipe layout, valves location and subsidiary sources. This information is therefore in
dire need.

The above illustration clearly indicated the need for necessary information made accessible to aid the
decision making for the management of the University water supply infrastructure and subsequently the
service delivery.
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1.4. Study Area
University of Ilorin is located in the city of Ilorin, Nigeria. The University was established by the decree of the
federal military Government in the year 1975. It is located at about 10km north east of the Ilorin Township,
Ilorin-south Local Government Area. It lies between latitude 8⁰ and 10⁰ and longitude 2⁰24' and 6⁰15’ of the
equator of the north central part of Nigeria. The main campus presently has 15 faculties which includes Arts,
Education, Engineering & Technology, Agriculture, Law, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences
Communication and Information Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmaceutical Science, and Life Science;
Physical Science; Environmental Science; Management Sciences; and Social Sciences. The listed faculties also
comprises of different departments.

Fig 1 University of Ilorin Campus (GISCLERIC Inc. 2019)

Water is distributed to the entire University community through pumping from the treatment plant to the
reservoir, which is located at the highest topography in the university and then distributed under the
influence of gravity. The distribution of water starts from the dam where raw water is screened and pumped
through a 12” pipe to the rising main of the treatment plants where water undergo several water treatment
processed. The treated water is supplied into three (3) concrete reservoirs for storage and distribution to the
University Community with an 8” pipe. Water is distributed to areas of high topography such as
communication and information science, Management Science and environmental science until the water
reaches the lowest topography in the University which is the faculty of Education. Areas of very low
topography such as staff quarters are provided with water through direct pumping from the treatment plant
and kwara state water corporation to its own reservoir and then distributed for consumption through the
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influence of gravity to the main campus Oyewola, (2018). Figure 1 shows the digitized map of university of
Ilorin.

2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Water Supply Infrastructure

Water supply infrastructures (fig 2) are intricately linked with the economic well being, security, and social
fabric of the communities. In the last two decades significant advancement in new seismic assessment of
water supplies have occurred (O”Rouke et al., 2004). A water supply system consists of three basic
components namely: the source of supply, the treatment and the distribution of water to the consumers.
The source of water can be surface water or ground water. The surface water are drawn from large rivers or
lake and sometimes even streams while the ground water is obtained by sinking wells into the saturated
zones beneath the water table. The distribution of water is the last component where water is distributed
through the use of distribution networks to consumers. Water distribution networks consist of storage
facilities e.g reservoir, interconnecting mains or pipes, valves, fire hydrant, service connection to user
facilities and pumping facilities.

Fig 2. A water supply infrastructures schematic diagram (Brady and Gray, 2010).

2.2. Water Distribution System

Water distribution system is used to describe the collective facilities in water supply network with
components that carry potable water from a centralized treatment plant to consumers for adequate service
delivery. They serve the purpose of delivering water to consumers with appropriate quality, quantity and
pressure. Water distribution system is classified into two types namely (figure 3):

2.2.1. Looped System

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This refers to the interconnection of pipes in such a way that water can move through the entire system back
and forth depending on the point of largest demand. Here, because of more than one path for water, the
system capacity is greater and it improves hydraulic of distribution system. In case of repairs, loop system
can be repaired leaving no impact on customers outside the repair area. Figure 3 shows the configuration of
a loop system in water distribution.

Fig 3. Water distribution system types (A) branched (B) looped (The national research council, 2006)
2.2.2. Branched System

This is a water distribution system type in which water flow through one path, from the source to the
consumers. They are applicable for water suppliers with little capacity because of its numerous dead ends,
Stagnation of water in pipes is one of the disadvantages of branched system which is cause due to the dead
ends therefore, the application of scouring valves is needed to prevent this challenges. Figure 4 shows the
configuration of a branched system in water distribution.

2.3. Water Distribution Network

Water distribution network are components that distributes water from the source to the consumers. They
includes elevated tanks, underground reservoirs, booster stations, valves of different types, meters, pipes,
house connections, various types of fittings, fire and public hydrants etc. they are infrastructures that are
placed at certain parts of service area which ensures the delivery of water for consumption. They are
interconnection of links at endpoints called nodes.

2.4. University of Ilorin Water Supply Infrastructures

The University of Ilorin water supply infrastructures comprises of a Dam, two treatment plants (old and new)
and water distribution network. The University of Ilorin dam was commissioned in 2007 and started
operating along side with the treatment plants in 2008 with a capacity of 1.8 million m3. The dam is a zoned
earth filled embankment with crest length 178m and height of 10.3m. The treatment of water starts from
the dam where two intake pumps are placed (one duty and stand by) used for pumping water to the
treatment plants of 100m3 capacity for each. Where alum and lime are dosed into the water depending on
the season period. The water is then made to pass through processes of treatments such as flocculation,
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aeration, sedimentation, chlorination and coagulation. The water is transported to a reservoir (three
reservoirs with 3000 litres each) at the University highest topography for storage and distributed to
University community through gravity.

The new treatment plant which was commissioned on 23rd October 2019 comprises of two filtration tanks,
two filtration pumps, sedimentation tank, two tanks for alum and limes dosing, chlorine tank and two
backwashing pump and an elevated backwashing tank serving both old and new treatment plants. Figure 3
shows the two filtration tanks in the new treatment plant. The process of the pumps in the new water
treatment plant is computerized. The water treated by the plants are pumped into underground tanks and
allowed to flow under gravity into another underground tank in which water is pumped through four (4)
centrifugal pumps (two duty, two stand by) to three (3) concrete reservoirs of one (1) million litres capacity
each.

Fig 4. New treatment plant filtration tank

Valves of ranging sizes are placed at specific areas in the university, three gate valves located at CIS faculty
which are used to control water going to department of works and pharmacy, academic areas and post-
graduate hostels linking up with the critical point in the school (point 19) which is opposite the school
auditorium, three gate valves are available in this area which control water going to village 1 hostel and along
the academic areas. A non-return valve is placed outside the treatment plant to prevent water from flowing
to Quarters. Pipes of different sizes are also used for the distribution of water to consumers in the university,
a 12” inch pipe is used to transport water from the dam the treatment plants and to the reservoirs. Other
pipe sizes such as 8”, 6” and 4” inch pipe are used to distribute water to both the academic areas and non-
academic areas (Oyewole, 2018).
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2.5. Web Application
Web Application is defined as a client-software application run by the client in a browser. The browser’s
function here is to show information received from a server and then sends the user’s data back. That is it’s
an information medium in which the users of information can have access to the information via connection
to the internet. The emergence of new technologies such as World Wide Web allows users from all over the
world to access information from different sources easily as long as they have internet connection (United
Nations, 2011). For the development of the internet, web applications are of great importance because they
improve the quality of a browser’s work and enable the entire internet function plainly.

The web maps are tools that reference a set of maps on a web application. It is the process of using maps
delivered by geographical information system. This is known as webGIS. Web mapping usually involves a web
browser or other user agent capable of client-server interaction. Web maps can easily deliver up to date
information. Maps generated automatically from databases can display information in almost real time. Web
maps distribute either logic or data request and therefore update can happen every time the web user
reloads the application. Web maps remove the burden for individual organizations to maintain copies of the
same datasets, through the use of centralized data sources (Kresse and Danko, 2012).

2.5.1. Types of Web Application

1. Static Web Application

This is the most basic form of web application. This web application is created using cascading style sheet
(CSS) and hyper text markup language (HTML) and can handle animated contents such as GIFs and videos.
They require the use of codes in developing them.

2. Dynamic Web Application

This web application is in place to hold databases or forums with a constant ability to update or change the
available information as a result of “content management system” (CMS). Content management system is
also a web application that is accompanied with a dynamic web application to enable administrators or users
updates or edit contents. Web languages such as hypertext preprocessor (PHP) and active server page (ASP)
are commonly used in dynamic web application.

3. Portal Web Application

This is an application which many sections or categories are accessible by way of a homepage. This homepage
can range from forums, chats, emails and browser page.

4. Animated Web Application

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This is a web application used to visualize various steps in a complex process or idea to illustrate a simple
marketing message or move things on a web page in a natural and fluid way. It allows the simulation of
movements created by series of pictures.

5. E-Commerce Application

This web application is in form of a store or shop. They are developed for the core purpose of commercial
businesses. The application development process requires a way of collecting electronic payments, orders,
posting and deleting items all embedded in the web application.

2.6. Decision Support System (DSS)

A Decision Support System is an information system that supports decision making activities. It serves the
management, operations and planning levels of an organization and help people make decisions about
problems that may be structured or semi-structured. Decision support systems can be computerized or
human powered or sometimes both. It presents information on a dashboard either in form of a graph or
map. They are used to collect, organize and analyze data to facilitate quality decision making for
management, operation and planning. It compiles a variety of data from many sources. The analysis done by
decision support system helps to identify and solve problems. An application that support decisions making
are sometimes referred to as common operating pictures (COP), operational dashboard whose main purpose
is to provide accessibility into relevant information (ESRI, 2016). Decision Support System are classified based
on the type of information they analyze (Power, 2004).

2.6.1 Data Driven DSS

This type of Decision Support System is targeted at manipulating large database. This database contains time
series and structured data either from internal or from external sources. Data driven DSS support decision
makers through analysis of large data.

2.6.2. Communication Driven DSS

This are targeted at internal teams including partners of an organization. Its purpose is to help conduct a
meeting or users to collaborate. The most common technology used to deploy the DSS is a web or client
server. Example is an online collaboration and net meeting system. They enhance user capabilities by
supporting communications between people working on the same task.

2.6.3. Document Driven DSS

They are targeted at a broad base of user groups. The purpose of such a DSS is to search the web pages and
find documents on specific set of keywords or search terms. They support decision maker by supporting
documents and web pages retrieval and management.
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2.6.4. Knowledge Driven DSS
They are broad range of systems covering users within the organization setting it up, but may also include
other interacting with the organization. It is essentially used to provide management advice. They provide
support to the decision makers by suggesting appropriate solution for a problem through its problem solving
expertise. Artificial intelligence enhances the problem solving capabilities of this DSS.

2.6.5. Model Driven DSS

They are complex system that helps to analyze decisions or choose between different options. These are
used by managers and staff members of a business or people who interact with the organization, for a
number of purposes depending on how the model is set up. They provide different models in solving different
problems and they focus on model access and manipulations.

2.7. Geographical Information System (GIS)

A geographical information system is a system of software that allows a user to query and analyze spatial
information. Geographical information system made multi-layering mapping possible and each layer of the
map represent different type of information. GIS has the ability to relate unrelated information by using their
location as key to identifying them. GIS often creates new information from existing information data
resources which can lead to improved management and useful for decision making (Kropla, 2006).
Geographical information has four capabilities (Shamsi, 2005):

2.7.1 Data Manipulation

The process of data manipulation involves the ability of geographical information system to maintain and
query database. This function is known as database management. GIS also have the ability to import data
format and integrate data from multiple sources into spatial database and vice versa.

2.7.2. Analytical Capabilities

This is the whole essence of GIS application, which give the ability of users to ask questions about geographic
relationships such as coordinates and elevations between data element which includes buildings or other
infrastructures.

2.7.3. Spatial Referencing

This is the process of assigning real world coordinates to features such as a building. This is also known as
geo-referencing. It is done by rectification of distorted maps or aerial photographs.

2.7.4. Graphical Input and Output Capability

These refer to the function of a GIS to be able to import and display geo-referenced map and end up with an
output which are tabular or graphical. The graphical output from GIS consist of maps generated based on a
selection of attributes.
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2.8. Review of Earlier Works

The analyses of spatial data are often done by using a decision support system known as geographical or
geospatial information system. This system helps in enhancing or supporting an organization decision. This
analysis can be made accessible through the web or internet. Abdelhalim et al., (2016) developed a webGIS
to manage and monitor the urban planning process in the city of Batna. Mapserver also known as Geoserver
was used as an open system and the Tomcat Apache was used as Java application in designing and developing
the web system. This was done by establishing a connection between the internet and the Geoserver through
sending an HTTP request to the Geoserver. The Geoserver then receives the request which was analysed by
defined concept and by logical restriction. The results in the geographical database are sent back to the
Geoserver in which returns the result to the end server are displayed in the form of tables and maps. User
friendly desktop internet GIS (UDIG) was used as the geographical user interface making the webGIS user
friendly that is having properties in which the system will be able to interact with the user and also the user
will be able to interact with the system also. These properties include zoom in, zoom out and pan. The webGIS
for the city of Batna was subsequently developed based on eight (8) alternative interfaces which included
homepage, improved spatial analysis, gallery of maps, supplementary data incorporation, downloading and
uploading statistics, sophisticated page modeling approach provision and contact page.

Mamai et al., (2017), developed a web system for water utilities information dissemination, extraction and
analysis through the internet. Using quantumGIS on screen digitiziation of hard copy maps were vectorised
into their shapefiles and then saved. PostgreSQL 9.2.3 was used for the database creation and attributes of
each shapefiles and a resultant table was created for them. Mapserver was used as an open source platform
which was used in publishing spatial data and interactive mapping application to the web. GeeMoose was
used as a geographical user interface (installed as a plug-in for mapserver) making the map user friendly with
functions like zoom in, out and pan.

Litoria et al., (2015), developed a webGIS for rural drinking water sources in Punjab using the combination of
pmapper and mapserver known as FOSS-GIS tool. In the study, the rural water supply source was
georeferenced and quality parameters were analyzed. The database with respect to location, scheme detail,
water level, aquifer and water quality was digitized and drainage were digitized using ArcGis. The village
boundary was digitized also and block and district boundaries were extracted from the digitized boundaries.
A web system is developed for the database created, using the combination of pmapper and mapserver
which pmapper is installed as a plug-in for mapper. The essence of the pmapper is to develop a user friendly
webGIS with functions like pan, zoom in and out. The mapserver is the open source platform used for the
research for publishing the spatial data into the web.

Asaolu et al., (2009) developed a decision support system for basin irrigation. The inadequacy of rainfall and
water resources as led to the development of a decision support system for solving surface irrigation design
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problems in northern part of Nigeria. Matlab was used as the decision support system tool to design a user
interface of the DSS through the use of Matlab graphical user interface development environment (GUIDE).
The output was used in the determination of the best configuration to estimate water requirement, irrigation
scheduling and highest efficiency. Evapotranspiration estimation was also carried out using climatological
data of the northern region. The inefficiency of water application arising from deep percolation and surface
runoff were addressed through the use of a decision support system.

Mushonga et al., (2017) developed a web based GIS for health facilities mapping, monitoring and reporting
in Zambia. mySQL was used as the database management system in which the web GIS was design and
implemented. An Apache server was used as the application server. The program was scripted using the
programming language of PHP which was used to program the server in other to manipulate the information
in the database. A water fall approach was used to enable a successful implementation of the health facilities
web based GIS. The waterfall approach was to allow the ease of managing the system development. The
research used the innovation of web GIS architecture for monitoring and evaluating health facilities and also
developed a portal for public interaction with health facilities spatial information.

The process of developing a web based decision support system is widely used due to its efficiency,
capabilities and ease of information accessibility. Other studies have adopted the use of web based decision
support system for information. Some of which includes water supply management, distribution and billing
(David et al., 2012), water recourses management (Carlo and Alexandra, 2013), rural drinking water sources
(Pradeep et al., 2015), monitoring and evaluation of Agricultural projects (Camilius et al., 2013), solving
environmental problem in an urban Nigeria for sustainable development (Ajadi et al., 2019), in manufacturing
sector (Muhammad et al., 2016), monitoring marine water quality (Siti, 2016) and watershed management
(Dejian et al., 2015).

3.0. METHODOLOGY
3.1. Preamble
The project work will involve both the field and office components. The field work involves a comprehensive
site survey which will enable data collection and site familiarization. The office work will involve processing
the collected data through geo-referencing, digitization, data attributing, and web design. Figure 6 shows the
schematic diagram of the project execution.
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 Database Web Homepage
Field Work
Creation Development Creation

Geo- repository Website

referencing Creation Hosting

Website Homepage
Digitization
Coding Content

pop up
Attributing
Creation

Fig 6. Schematic diagram of project Execution

3.2. Data Processing

Water distribution network layout and water supply infrastructure coordinates from Oyewola, (2018) will be
extracted. The data collected will be processed using ArcGIS in creating a geo-database for water supply
infrastructure.

3.2.1. Satellite Image Extraction

The satellite image of Unilorin will be extracted using “Google earth Application”. The extraction will be, by
zooming to a desirable extent in which the entire campus can be captured. The image will be saved in a PDF
format.

3.2.2. Geo-referencing
This is the process of interconnecting rectified image coordinate with the ground coordinates of the features
present on the satellite image of Unilorin map extracted from Google Earth Application. It is a process of
assigning accurate location data to align the map coordinate system. Geo-referencing vector data allows data
to be viewed, queried and analyzed with other geographic data. In Geo-referencing, physical structures such
as office blocks, stadium, and lecture theatres will be taken note. This will be done to ascertain that the same
location is referenced in vector and is aligned to the features on ground. For this project work, the map
extracted from Google earth application will be geo-referenced by taking note of some specific water supply
infrastructures with large coordinate differences and then assigning their coordinates into the map. Water
supply infrastructure coordinate which will be used for geo-referencing will include water infrastructure
having large distances between them such as the dam and the elevated tanks after works department.

Geo-referencing map is done using control point toolbox on ArcGIS desktop in which degree minute second
(DMS) coordinate system will be used. This is done by attaining coordinates of water supply infrastructures
specific locations in University of Ilorin such as dam. Four control points will be given to the rectified satellite
image and geo-referenced with coordinates collected for the elevated tanks and Dam.
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3.2.3. Digitization
This involves the process of applying geometries to features such as the water supply infrastructures on the
map. The extracted satellite image of Unilorin is then imported into ArcMap on ArcGIS for digitizing and layer
folder will be created. To digitize on arcGIS, the “editor’s toolbar” will be used in which each infrastructural
components will be represented with geometry types such as polygon, polyline and point. Infrastructure
components such as Dam, reservoir, treatment plants will be digitized using polygons, while distribution
network will be digitized using polyline and other infrastructures such as valves will be digitized using points.

In digitizing, a new shapefile will be created which will enable editing of the features into geometries. A
coordinate system will also be selected to allow spatial calculations of the created shapefile such as length,
longitude and latitude. For shapefiles created for point and polygons, the geographical coordinate system is
adopted in which WGS 1984 is selected and for the polyline shapefile, projected coordinate system is
adopted in which WGS 1984 UTM Zone 31N is selected. The geographical coordinate system allows
calculation of only longitude and latitude which is needed for the polygon and point shapefile. Projected
coordinate on the other hand allows calculation of length which will enable the determination of the pipe
length represented using polyline.

3.2.4. Data Attributing

Attributes such as the location, area of infrastructure, diameter of pipe, length of pipe will be attached to the
digitized map and physical structure such as dam, reservoirs, treatment plants and some building water is
supplied will be attributed with its names, capacity, age and location. This will be done by` creating a resultant
table for each component in which automatically is created by ArcMap which appears when the polygon
layer is right clicked on, and attributes table from the drop down menu is selected. The resultant table is then
edited and more fields are added to the available ones. The work is then saved and made ready for publishing
on the internet.

3.3. Web Design and Development

This involves the creation of website for publishing the processed data on ArcGIS. The website will be
designed to have a satellite image basemap and the digitized features will be imported into the website.
Attributes and status of each digitized features will also be included in the website which will be in form of a
pop up. The website will be created to be user friendly which will enable features like zoom, pan and find
widget. The features digitized include dam, reservoir, treatment plants, valves, fire hydrants, elevated tanks
and some of the infrastructures they serve.

3.3.1. Repository Creation

This is a process in which the URL for accessing the project website is developed by creating a repository
which will serve as a temporary website URL for opening the website. Github is adopted and has the
repository provider. To create the website repository, a Github account will be created which will enable
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access into the Github source code website and give access to other functions on the website such as hosting
of website, which will enable the creation of a new Github project.

The developed code for publishing the geo-database attributes and status of the water supply infrastructure
into the website will be placed inside the repository created on the Github account. A repository is a directory
or storage space in which a project (website codes) is saved for sharing. The URL for the accessing the created
repository will be given by Github.

3.3.2. Linking Website to a Code Editor

This process involves linking the hosted website provided on Github source code with the local machine or
code editor in which “sublime text” is adopted for this project. The edited codes on sublime appear directly
on the hosted website without publishing manually on the already created repository on Github. In other to
link the website with the local machine, the created repository on github will be cloned into the local machine
on command prompt by using “git clone” command, before which “Git” software will be downloaded and
installed on command prompt. The repository is then committed and then linked with Github on the remote
repository using a “git push” command. This is done in order to allow changes made on sublime text for the
codes be available on Github repository created when hosting the website in the process of publishing the
codes into the repository directly without copy and paste.

3.3.3. Website Coding

This process involves writing of codes which will be the content of the website in which for this project is the
digitized map of university of Ilorin water supply infrastructure and with their properties. For this project
ArcGIS API (Application Programming Interface) for JavaScript will be used because it provides a readymade
layout of the website with widget such as zoom, search and pan for the website. Therefore with Arcgis API
for Javascript the code for the website is available on the ArcGIS for developers’ homepage on the internet
rather than writing the codes from scratch. ArcGIS API for javascript also gives basemap for the digitized
database making the website more suitable to visualize rather than having a website consisting of only
digitized geometries. This basemap can be edited to either two dimensional (2D) or three dimentional (3D)
forms by using either a scene view or a map view when coding. In a 3D map, tilting of the basemap is available
which will not be necessary for the project because of the extent to which the map will be zoomed. Therefore
a 2D map is adopted for this project.

To get the ArcGIS API for javascript for the spatial geo-database created on ArcGIS desktop, the geodatabase
is needed to be imported into ArcGIS online in which an account will be created in order to have access to
working with it. The geo-datebase will be imported into ArcGIS online in a feature layer. A feature layer is a
grouping of similar geographical features such as buildings, road, pipelines and valves. It can be represented
using points, lines or polygons which are appropriate for visualizing data on top of a basemap. ArcGIS online
recognizes feature layers therefore, the geo-database will be imported in ArcGIS online as a feature layer.
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Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
To get the feature layer into the website, the ArcGIS API for JavaScript codes which is already available on
sublime text for the basemap and other widgets such as zoom in and out will then be edited in order to get
the feature layer imported into ArcGIS online into the website. New code will be written which will reference
the feature layer ID provided on ArcGIS online. The browser tab will then be refreshed and the basemap and
feature layers should then be published on the website.

To get the attributes or properties of each water supply infrastructure digitized on ArcGIS desktop, a new
code will be written which will be for pop ups. The pop up will be enabled whenever the cursor of the device
is placed on the geometry used in digitizing the infrastructure on the map. The search widget code will also
be written to enable the locating of each water supply infrastructure on the website easy. The codes will be
saved on sublime text and the repository will also be saved and checked for verification if all infrastructures
are available on the website, digitized and attributed.

3.4. Homepage Creation

This homepage creation involves the creation of an introductory page for the developed website which will
serve as main page hyperlinked to the developed website.

3.4.1. Homepage Content

These are the contents which will be in the homepage such as map gallery and contact page. The map gallery
will be created to link to the geo-database created by referencing the code written for the geo-database. The
map gallery will be created to link to different water Infrastructures i.e. a map showing water distribution
network, dam, treatment plant and the reservoir in University of Ilorin with a pop up showing relevant
information such as capacity, status, age and commissioned date among others. Included in the homepage
is contact page which will serve for the purpose of inquiries.

3.4.2. Website Hosting

In this process the web system will be made available to the University of Ilorin during pilot study and this
will have certain restriction to the public. In this process, the website for the web system will be developed
and a hosting server will be selected in which a virtual private server (VPS) will be adopted. The domain name
system (DNS) is a distributed hierarchical database that translates IP addresses into human friendly domain
making it possible to use the internet without having to remember numbers. The VPS on the other hand is a
private server that uses virtualization software to partition physical server into multiple virtual servers, each
having the ability to run its own operating system and application address will be set up and the website will
be uploaded for accessibility by the University. The proposed name will be “Unilorin water supply
infrastructure” and a permanent URL for accessing the created website will be developed.
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Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
3.5. Methodological Tools

3.5.1. Google Earth Application

Google earth Application is a computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily
on satellite imagery. The program maps the earth by superimposing satellite images, aerial photography, and
GIS data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from various cardinal points. Cardinal
points are the main point of a compass which is north, south, west and east.

3.5.2. ArcGIS
ArcGIS is useful for creating and using maps, compiling geographical data, analyzing mapped information,
using map and geographical information in a range of application and managing geographical information in
a database. ArcGIS comprises of ArcMap and ArcCatalogue. ArcMap is useful in working with the map,
printing maps, compile and editing GIS dataset, use geo-processing to automate work and perform analysis,
organize and manage geo-database. ArcGIS documents as map services using ArcGIS server, share maps,
layers, geo-processing models and geo-database with other users, document geographical information and
customize user experience. For ArcCatalogue, it is useful in organizing and managing and searching for
various types of geographical information. This information includes geo-datatbase, rasterfiles, map
documents and layers files, geo-processing, toolboxes, published GIS services, and standard- bases metadata.

4.0. EXPECTED RESULT

At the end of this study, a system that will help in the decision making process concerning water supply
infrastructure will be developed which will be accessible over the internet to improve water supply for service
delivery management. Web based platform will be developed which will advance the management of water
supply service delivery for university of Ilorin. This will be accomplished by facilitating proactive maintenance
of individual component of water supply infrastructures especially water distribution network. The system
will contain certain information includes attributes i.e. elevation, longitude and latitude, status, age, capacity
of dam, reservoir and treatment plant. In addition to the web based platform, real life update of new
infrastructures will be embedded via synchronization with Google Earth.

5.0. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This is essentially the steps to be taken to achieve the study aim and objectives and also the estimated time
to complete the project. Table 1 and 2 shows the expected budget and work breakdown structure
respectively. Figure 2 shows the garntt chart of time schedule to execute the project. The project commenced
on November 2019 and involves literature review, site survey and proposal documentation. The lockdown
of covid 19 and compulsory holiday by the government affect the project execution. The school was closed
at the early period of March 2020 and reopen January 2021 for virtual classes and February 2021 for physical
classes. The project execution resumed immediately after the reopening of the school for physical classes
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Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
towards the middle of February. Effort was made during the covid 19 lockdown to engage online acquisition
skill development for web design/development and ArcGIS.

Table 1: Expenses Budget

Activities Expenses (#)

1. ArcGIS Purchase (Student package) 22,000

2. Printing and binding 10,000
3. Transport 6,000
4. Miscellaneous (food and drinks) 4,000
TOTAL 42,000

Table 2: Project Work Breakdown Structure

Code Activity Duration (weeks) Milestone

F First Semester 16 weeks

F1 Project Topic Selection 1 week

F2 project Topic Discussion with Supervisor 3 days

F3 Literature Review 12 week

F4 Project proposal outline drafting 4 days Milestone 1

F5 Reconnaissance Survey 2 weeks

F6 Project Proposal documentation 8 weeks Milestone 2

F7 project Proposal Review 3 weeks

F8 Project Proposal Second Review 3 weeks

F9 Project Proposal third review 2 weeks

F10 ArcGIS Skill Acquisition 6 weeks

F11 Web Design Skill Acquisition 6 weeks Milestone 4

S Second Semester 16 weeks

S1.1 Skill Acquisition contd. 10 weeks

S1.2 Comprehensive Site Survey 10 weeks

S1.3 Geo-database Creation with ArcGIS 3 weeks Milestone 5

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Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
 S1.4 Web Design 4 weeks

S1.5 Homepage Creation 4 weeks Milestone 6

S1.6 Pilot testing 2 week

S2 Project Close out 4 weeks

S2.1 Project Report drafting 2 weeks Milestone 7

S2.2 Project Report Review 1 week

S2.3 Submission of Project Report 1 week

Total 8 months

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Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
Fig 7. Project Time Schedule

2019 2020 2021

Nov Dec Jan Feb Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Code Activities 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
F First Semester
F1 Selection of project Topic
F2 project Topic Discussion with Supervisor
F3 Literature Review
F4 Project proposal outline drafting
F5 Reconnaissance Survey
F6 Project Proposal Outline drafting
F7 Project Proposal
F8 project Proposal Review
F9 Project Proposal Second Review
F10 Project Proposal Third Review
F11 ArcGIS Skill Acquisition
F12 Web Design Skill Acquisition
S Second Semester
S1.1 Skill Acquisition contd.
S1.2 Comprehensive Site Survey
S1.3 Geo-database Creation with ArcGIS
S1.4 Web Design
S1.5 Homepage Creation
S1.6 Pilot testing
S2 Project Close out
S2.1 Project Report drafting
S2.2 Project Report Review
S2.3 Submission of Project Report

Final Year Project Proposal Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering V.O. OYEDEPO (15/30GQ056)
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