GGH2603
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
DUE 2 APRIL 2025
SEMESTER 1 2025
, GGH2603ASSIGNMENT 1
UNIQUE NO: 158312
DUE 2 APRIL 2025
Question 1: Essay question (Choose only one)
1.1 Using spatial reasoning (where, what, and why), identify one spatial problem
within the African continent and critically discuss how GIS was used/will be used
to solve the problem.
Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to significant spatial problems,
particularly urban sprawl. This phenomenon occurs when cities expand uncontrollably
into surrounding rural areas, causing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Using spatial reasoning—where, what, and why this paper explores urban sprawl in
Africa, analyzes its causes, and discusses potential solutions through Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), maps, and other spatial tools.
Spatial Analysis of Urban Sprawl
Where does urban sprawl occur?Urban sprawl is most evident in major African cities
such as Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Cairo (Egypt), and Johannesburg (South
Africa). These cities have experienced uncontrolled growth due to high rural-to-urban
migration and inadequate urban planning.
What are the characteristics of urban sprawl?
Low-density expansion into peri-urban areas
Increased reliance on private transport, leading to traffic congestion
Environmental degradation due to deforestation and loss of agricultural land
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
DUE 2 APRIL 2025
SEMESTER 1 2025
, GGH2603ASSIGNMENT 1
UNIQUE NO: 158312
DUE 2 APRIL 2025
Question 1: Essay question (Choose only one)
1.1 Using spatial reasoning (where, what, and why), identify one spatial problem
within the African continent and critically discuss how GIS was used/will be used
to solve the problem.
Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to significant spatial problems,
particularly urban sprawl. This phenomenon occurs when cities expand uncontrollably
into surrounding rural areas, causing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Using spatial reasoning—where, what, and why this paper explores urban sprawl in
Africa, analyzes its causes, and discusses potential solutions through Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), maps, and other spatial tools.
Spatial Analysis of Urban Sprawl
Where does urban sprawl occur?Urban sprawl is most evident in major African cities
such as Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Cairo (Egypt), and Johannesburg (South
Africa). These cities have experienced uncontrolled growth due to high rural-to-urban
migration and inadequate urban planning.
What are the characteristics of urban sprawl?
Low-density expansion into peri-urban areas
Increased reliance on private transport, leading to traffic congestion
Environmental degradation due to deforestation and loss of agricultural land
