THE ROLE OF GIS-INTEGRATED MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN ENHANCING ARTISAN SERVICE DELIVERY (A CASE STUDY OF AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS IN SHENDAM LGA)

ABSTRACT In recent years, the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with mobile technologies has emerged as a powerful tool for improving service delivery across different sectors. This study examines the role of GIS-integrated mobile applications in enhancing artisan service delivery, with a specific focus on automobile mechanics in Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. The purpose of the research is to investigate how location-based mobile systems can support better access to mechanical services, reduce service delays, improve customer experience, and promote operational efficiency among artisans. A descriptive survey research design is adopted to collect data from automobile mechanics and vehicle owners within Shendam LGA. Data is obtained through questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study also evaluates the performance of a prototype GIS-based mobile application capable of enabling customers to easily locate available automobile mechanics, view their service details, estimate proximity, communicate seamlessly, and request urgent repairs. The findings are expected to reveal that GIS-integrated mobile applications significantly improve accessibility to artisan services, promote real-time location tracking, reduce search time, and enhance customer satisfaction. The study will further identify major challenges affecting the adoption of such technologies, such as limited digital literacy and inadequate mobile internet coverage This research contributes to existing knowledge on the application of GIS in service delivery and highlights its potential to transform the informal artisan sector. It finally recommends strategies for improving the digital capacity of mechanics and enhancing the adoption of location-based mobile solutions in rural and semi-urban communities.