Mapping the Infrastructure of the NASPW Campus Using QGIS

Abstract
This study proposes a GIS-based platform for mapping the infrastructure of the NASPW
campus, utilizing free and open-source digital mapping techniques to facilitate faster, easier,
and more cost-effective map development. A survey method was employed to collect GIS
data from both the campus and online resources, with application development carried out
using Quantum Geographic Iinformation Systems (QGIS).

The research focused on mapping infrastructural amenities through multiple stages of

evaluation and monitoring. Geometric data was obtained from satellite imagery sources such
as OSM, NASA, Google Earth, and Google Maps, while attribute data was collected via
physical observation. Georeferencing and digitizing were used to update existing maps, and a
relational database management strategy alongside buffering operations supported the
infrastructure database design.

Spatial analysis and visualization were conducted in QGIS 3.22 (Białowieża) and JOSM,
while Landsat ETM images were processed to identify settlement patterns, drainage, and road
networks. The classified 2024 Landsat imagery revealed distinct coverage areas for built-up
infrastructure, vegetation, and roads. The resulting utilities map provides a clearer and more
precise view of the campus’ spatial organization.

QGIS, as a user-friendly open-source software available on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux,

proved invaluable to this study. With constant contributions from the global QGIS
community, it offers a sustainable, low-cost solution for infrastructure management and
planning at NASPW campus.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methodology
2.1 Data Acquisition
2.2 Reconnaissance and Planning
2.3 Validation of Data
2.4 Acquisition of Satellite Imagery
2.5 GIS Database and Methodology
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 Distribution of NASPW Campus Infrastructure
3.2 GIS Data Layer Processing
3.3 Uploading to QGIS Cloud
3.4 Querying the Data
3.5 Patterns and Planning Insights
3.6 Use of GIS Tools for Campus Management
3.7 Recommendations
4. Conclusion
 1. Introduction
Infrastructure mapping is the surveying of all utilities, both above and below ground, as well
as related structures situated within the project boundary. It is the mapping of the
fundamental systems and services required for a nation or organization, such as buildings,
transportation networks, administrative systems, water and power supplies, solar energy
installations, electrical power systems, hospitals, and so forth. But generally speaking,
mapping is the process of creating maps using cartographic, photogrammetric, or land
surveying techniques. As a result, the end result of infrastructure mapping is an infrastructure
map that depicts the locations of utilities as they are found on Earth.

Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a
society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function. It
can be generally defined as the set of interconnected structural elements that provide
framework supporting an entire structure of development. It is an important term for judging
a country or region’s development. The term typically refers to the technical structures that
support a society, such as roads, schools, water supply, electrical grids, telecommunications,
public transportation, fire station, airports, hospitals and public space. The physical
components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to enable,
sustain, or enhance societal living conditions.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become integral across diverse sectors such as
healthcare, crime analysis, elections, and urban planning. With rapid advancements in GIS
and cartography, digital map creation has become increasingly accessible, particularly
through free and open-source platforms like QGIS. These tools provide cost-effective
solutions for institutions operating under constrained budgets.

This study applies GIS techniques to map the infrastructure of the NASPW campus in
Yaoundé, addressing challenges posed by urban growth and infrastructure management. As
the campus expands, GIS offers critical support for visualizing and managing the spatial
distribution of buildings, roads, utilities, and green spaces.

By leveraging these technologies, stakeholders can gather comprehensive data on

infrastructural assets, visualize spatial relationships, and derive actionable insights to inform
evidence-based planning and decision-making processes. One of the primary advantages of
GIS lies in its ability to integrate diverse spatial datasets, ranging from satellite imagery and
aerial photographs to ground-based surveys and census data. Through this integrative
approach, GIS facilitates the creation of comprehensive infrastructure inventories that capture
the spatial distribution, attributes, and interconnectivity of various elements such as roads,
buildings, utilities, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. These datasets serve as
invaluable resources for urban planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders seeking
to understand the dynamics of urban infrastructure and formulate effective strategies for its
development, for improved resource allocation, campus management, and decision-making.
Chen, Sun, & Yang, (2018).
 2. Materials and Methodology
I- Case study
The National Advanced School of Public Works (NASPW) is one of the prominent
engineering schools in Cameroon in the field of Building and Public Works. Located in the
south-eastern part of Yaounde, Mfoundi division of the Centre region of Cameroon. It was
created the year 1970 as l’Ecole Nationale de Technologie (ENAT) and later changed to the
National Advanced School of Public Works in the year 1982. The school campus is wedged
in the Elig-Effa neighborhood between the settlements of the inhabitants of the locality. It lies
between latitudes 3.8684° and 3.8706° north of the Equator, and 11.4964° and 11.4975° east
of the Greenwich Meridian. According to texts of the school’s land title, the NASPW campus
has a total Land area of 43,171.05m². According to the National Population Census result,
NASPW has a total population of over 1600 persons out of which 87.89 percent constitutes
students’ population while 12.11 percent forms the staff.

Fig1: Map of Cameroon showing the Centre region

 Fig 2: Map of Yaounde, Cameroon

Fig 3: Satelite view of the National Advanced School of Public Works. (Source Google Earth)
 Data source

Primary source Secondary source

Downloaded Attribute Data Oral Interviews

Satellite Imagery Collection

Layer Collection

Digitizing

Creation of Database

Field Compilation

Infrastructure Map of NASPW

Fig 4: Methodology Flow chart

The study area is the NASPW campus in Yaoundé, located between latitudes 3.8684°N and
3.8706°N and longitudes 11.4964°E and 11.4975°E. The campus covers approximately
43,171.05 m² with a perimeter of 888.05 m, serving around 1,720 students and staff.

Key features include:

 Buildings: 11,467.6 m² in surface area

 Roads: Tarred and paved networks of approximately 3,195.22m
 Green spaces: Covering around 10623.2 m²
 Figures 5 illustrate the study area and the methodological framework. Data was processed using QGIS 3.22.2
Białowieża on Windows 11 Pro and supplemented by interviews with facility operators.

2.1 Data Acquisition

Infrastructure was listed and mapped from satellite imagery (Google Earth Pro,
OpenStreetMap) and verified via questionnaires. Attribute data included building names and
categories (academic, administrative, residential, recreational), road names, lengths and
others. Where satellite clarity was low, questionnaire feedback provided confirmation. In a
case where a building, footpath leading to an infrastructure could not be generated by the
QuickOSM tool on QGIS, editions using the editing option on the interface of the web
version of the OSM platform for the purpose of updating the map, which was then imported
into QGIS software as a vector image (cases corrected were Batiment D and F, the footpath
from the “Formation Continue” to the library building and the path leading to the gym
passing through the tenis court from the parking area) as shown in Figure 3.

Secondary Data

The following are the secondary data to be used:

 Satellite imagery of Google Earth Pro and Google Map

 Open Street Map
 Soft copy Topographical maps

Software Packages

 Google Earth Pro Application software

 JAVA Open Street Map Application software
 QGIS 3.22 (Białowieża) Application software

Instruments
  Computer work station
 Digital camera

2.2 Reconnaissance and Planning

Reconnaissance is one of the important preliminaries of research study of this nature. It

involved taking into account the method to be used, instrumentation, procedure to follow, and
the software to be used for presentation. Field reconnaissance carried out involved the
validation of the boundary data extracted from the googgles image, determined appropriate
tools and methods, verified campus boundaries, and identified relevant features. A social
survey gathered additional attribute data.

2.3 Validation of Data

The validation of extracted data was necessary to check the reliability of the extracted
boundary data before their use. This was done mainly by interview…….

2.4 Acquisition of Satellite Imagery

Satellite images were downloaded from Google Earth Pro and OSM. With this online-based
software, rectified satellite imagery of any area of interest can be downloaded to even a zoom
level of 5m. The data were exported and imported to QGIS as a vector layer where it was
georeferenced and digitized. Layers were built for roads, buildings, and green spaces The
satellite imagery of the study area was downloaded using this software as shown in Figure

2.5 GIS Database and Methodology

The GIS database contained spatial layers (roads, green spaces, buildings) enriched with
attribute data. Analysis in QGIS produced thematic maps showing the spatial distribution of
infrastructure.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Distribution of NASPW Campus Infrastructure

 27 buildings, covering 11,467.6 m²

 Road network of 3,195.22m
 Green spaces of [insert area] m²

Academic and administrative buildings are almost evenly istributed over the campus surface,
though a majority of the buildings lie at the periphery notably around the north and west
bounds. This arrangement enhances accessibility but reveals gaps such as limited service
facilities and underdeveloped green areas.

Name category N of Surface Perimeter % cover Length

floors area (road)
3.2 GIS Data Layer Processing

Three main data layers—buildings, roads, and green spaces—were digitized and styled in
QGIS, overlaid on base maps ( OSM, Google Satellite). This proved that free GIS tools can
produce high-quality, visually accurate campus maps.

3.3 Querying the Data

Attribute tables allowed queries such as identifying building names, roads section lengths
amongst others. These queries demonstrate GIS as a practical planning tool.

3.4 Patterns and Planning Insights

The academic core is well-organized, but peripheral areas lack sufficient facilities. Green

4. Conclusion
This study demonstrates the successful application of open-source GIS tools in mapping and
managing campus infrastructure. The resulting spatial database and maps provide critical
insights for sustainable campus planning, efficient facility management, and future
development.
Thanks for sharing your document — I reviewed your project report on the cartography of ENSTP
Yaoundé’s campus infrastructures. It’s well-structured, technically solid, and clearly written.
However, there are a few key areas where it could be strengthened to make it more complete and
academically rigorous.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s lacking or could be improved:

🧱 1. Problem Statement and Objectives

 The introduction provides good context but lacks a clear problem definition — why was this
mapping needed (e.g., outdated maps, planning challenges, lack of digital infrastructure
data)?

 You could also list specific objectives, for example:

o Identifier et localiser toutes les infrastructures du campus.

o Concevoir une base de données SIG pour la gestion des infrastructures.

o Produire une carte numérique interactive.

o Proposer des recommandations pour la mise à jour continue.

🟢 Add a small section called “Objectifs de l’étude” before “Généralités.”

📊 2. Methodological Details

 The methodology section lists tools and data sources but doesn’t discuss data accuracy,
coordinate systems, projection used (e.g., WGS 84), or data quality control methods.

 It would be stronger if you briefly explained why QGIS and OSM were chosen compared to
other GIS tools.

 Include a flowchart (the organigramme is good, but lacks explanation of each step in text).

🟢 Add short sub-sections: “Système de coordonnées”, “Évaluation de la précision”, and “Limites

méthodologiques.”

3. Results Interpretation

 The results currently describe the maps and areas, but there’s little interpretation — what
do these spatial distributions mean?

o Are some areas overdeveloped or underutilized?

o How can this data guide future campus planning?

o Are there risks or inefficiencies revealed by the spatial analysis?

🟢 Add an interpretive discussion linking spatial data to real management or planning issues.
🔍 4. Data Visualization

 The maps (Figures 7–9) are referenced but not analyzed in detail. Each map should have a
clear legend, scale bar, orientation, and caption explaining its key findings.

 If possible, add a composite map summarizing all infrastructure layers.

💬 5. Literature Review / Context

 The report lacks a short review of related works — how similar campus mapping projects
have been conducted elsewhere (e.g., other universities in Africa).

 Including 2–3 academic references would improve the theoretical grounding.

🟢 Add a short “Revue de littérature” or “Contexte scientifique” section before the methodology.

🧮 6. Quantitative Analysis

 You have excellent tables with surface areas, but there’s no analysis of ratios or densities.

o Example: “Les bâtiments occupent 26.34 % de la superficie totale, les espaces verts
24.84 %.”

o How does this compare to standard campus design ratios or sustainability

benchmarks?

🟢 Add a paragraph interpreting these figures in context.

🧭 7. Recommendations and Future Work

 The conclusion summarizes results well but could add practical recommendations, such as:

o Creating a live GIS portal for ongoing updates.

o Conducting periodic drone surveys for better accuracy.

o Integrating asset management or maintenance tracking.

🟢 Add a section titled “Recommandations et perspectives” after the conclusion.

📚 8. Formatting and Language

 Minor grammar and syntax issues (e.g., “cartographier à partir” → cartographiées à partir,
“calcules” → calculs).

 English and French abstracts should be more concise and parallel in structure.

 Tables could include units (m², m, %) in headers for clarity.

Would you like me to revise and strengthen the report (e.g., add objectives, literature review, and
recommendations) directly in your Word document? I can rewrite or annotate it for improvement.

🎓 Cartographier pour mieux planifier : notre mini projet SIG à l’ENSTP 🌍

En tant que chef de groupe, j’ai eu le privilège de diriger notre mini projet de fin d’année au sein du
Département de Topographie et Cadastre de l’ENSTP.

Notre thème spécifique : « Cartographie des infrastructures du campus de l’ENSTP » 🏫.

À travers ce travail, nous avons utilisé les Systèmes d’Information Géographique (SIG) et des outils
open source comme QGIS et OpenStreetMap pour recenser, numériser et analyser les bâtiments,
routes, espaces verts et réseaux d’assainissement du campus.

💡 Ce projet nous a permis de :

 Concevoir une base de données géographique complète du campus ;

 Mettre en évidence les zones d’extension et d’optimisation possibles ;

 Illustrer la contribution des SIG à la gestion durable des infrastructures éducatives.

Cette expérience m’a permis de renforcer mes compétences en leadership, analyse spatiale et
planification de projet, tout en valorisant la géomatique open source au service du développement
durable.

🙏 Un grand merci à nos encadreurs Dr. ZANGUE et Ing. PLET MEJIOKEU, ainsi qu’à mes coéquipiers :
👉 @[Nom1] @[Nom2] @[Nom3] @[Nom4] — pour leur travail collaboratif et leur engagement.

📍Projet réalisé dans le cadre de l’année académique 2024–2025 à l’École Nationale Supérieure des
Travaux Publics (ENSTP).

#SIG #QGIS #Cartographie #Géomatique #ENSTP #OpenSource #Leadership #TravauxPublics

#Innovation #Teamwork