10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

This study investigates the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in optimizing transportation networks within Edo State, Nigeria, with the aim of improving mobility efficiency, reducing travel costs, and enhancing regional accessibility. The research integrates spatial datasets, including road network shapefiles, traffic volume data, and satellite imagery, to develop a comprehensive geospatial model of the existing transportation system. Using advanced GIS tools such as network analysis, shortest path algorithms, and service area modeling, the study evaluates the structural and functional performance of the road network under both peak and off-peak traffic conditions. The findings reveal significant inefficiencies in the current transportation network, particularly in high density urban centers such as Benin City, where congestion substantially increases travel time. Through GIS based optimization, alternative routing strategies were identified, leading to an average reduction of approximately 12% in travel distance and 18% in travel time across major origin–destination routes. Additionally, service area analysis demonstrated that accessibility to essential services declines notably during peak periods, indicating spatial and temporal disparities in transportation efficiency. The model validation results show a high level of accuracy, with a mean error margin of 6.4% between predicted and observed travel times, confirming the reliability of GIS based approaches in transportation planning. The study highlights the critical role of GIS in supporting data driven decision-making for infrastructure development, traffic management, and urban planning in developing regions. It concludes that adopting GIS based optimization frameworks can significantly enhance transportation system performance, promote sustainable development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in Edo State.