Unlocking Urban Dynamics Using GIS to Explore Property Use Conversions in Port Harcourt for Detailed Property Record.

Abstract:

Rapid urban growth, shifting market demand, and weak development control are intensifying property use conversions in many African cities, reshaping neighbourhood structure and challenging planning systems. In Port Harcourt, areas originally planned with clear residential–commercial separation, particularly Government Reserved Area (GRA) Phases 1, 2, and 3, are experiencing increasing conversion of residential properties into commercial and mixed-use functions. This study applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial pattern and intensity of property use conversions across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas. A mixed-method approach combining field observation, GPS-based mapping, and cadastral and zoning records was integrated within a GIS environment. Spatial analyses reveal that conversions are strongly corridor-driven and spatially clustered along major routes such as Woji Road, Evo Road, King Perekule Street, and Tombia Extension. A total of 604 commercial properties were identified, dominated by retail, office, and hospitality uses. The findings align with bid-rent, uneven development, and rent-gap theories, highlighting infrastructure pressure and zoning conflicts. The study demonstrates GIS as a critical tool for monitoring conversions, strengthening property records, and supporting sustainable urban management.