Sammy Mulei Musyoka

Market segmentation using geographic information systems (GIS): A case study of the soft drink industry in Kenya

Purpose – To show how the analytical and visualization capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS) can enhance the communication, understanding and utility of data and information to be used in marketing planning, as compared with their conventional presentation as text and tables.Design/methodology/approach – A digital map of the study area was generated and a set of market zones. A multiple regression model for predicting sale of the product under study was then developed, taking into account sales figures from specific distribution outlets and the demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of the population served by the distribution outlets in the identified market zones. Optimum routes and times between the manufacturing plant and the distribution outlets were derived.Findings – Combining geospatial methods with conventional marketing techniques enables users to visualize the spatial distribution of data in maps, complemented by various statistical graphs and diagrams. This form of prese...

Microwave Path Survey Using Differential GPS

Abstract A microwave path survey is critical before any wireless communication infrastructure can be put into place. It is on the basis of this that the line of sight possibility between any pair of stations is established. This survey can also be used to determine whether there is sufficient space available on existing telecommunication towers, where additional telecommunication facilities can be hosted. This study has demonstrated that differential GPS techniques can successfully be used in microwave path surveys within the framework of telegeoinformatics. The adopted methodology simulated a levelling circuit for the defined observation network. This resulted in an acceptable misclosure of 0.039m which was distributed among the various stations in proportion to the relative length of each link. Natural and man-made obstacles (critical points) along the various telecommunication links were also determined.

Using Geoinformatics to Identify Suitable Middle to Long Distance Athletics' Training Sites in Kenya

Kenyan athletes have continued to dominate middle and long distance running in the global arena for a very long time now. In this study the use of geoinformation in selecting suitable training sites for endurance running was investigated. The study area chosen was Keiyo district within the Rift Valley province in Kenya, where a considerable number of the top Kenyan athletes reside and train. Different geospatial data sources were used and relevant criteria selected. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was employed as the basic tool for modeling and analysis. For each of the 11 regions within the study area, weights were allocated to each of the multiple criteria identified. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the overall suitability-ranking index. From the results and analysis performed the regions of Iten, Tambach, Kaptarakwa and Kapkenda respectively were ranked as suitable areas for High-Low training. Kamwosor, Chepkorio, Iten and Kaptarakwa respectively were identified as ideal regions for altitude training. Nyaru and Metkei were determined to be unsuitable for both High-Low and altitude training regimens. The approach formulated in this study can be applied to other areas to enable athletes and coaches to identify suitable training sites.