Arc Geographic Information System Research Articles

Feasibility assessment of SHP potential using GIS-enhanced RS approach in poorly gauged river basin in Nigeria

• Combination of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System and Natural Resources Conservation Service – Curve Number model is helpful in effective planning and management of watershed in the absence of information on hydrological, topographical and geological characteristics • Run of river (ROR) hydropower plants , utilizing instantaneous river flow were suggested for the identified sites in the study area. • 11 points out of the 58 points examine at 2 km interval were classified as a feasible potential site for hydropower development . In this paper, we present the result obtained by application of Remote Sensing (RS) data & Geographic Information System (GIS) procedure in the identification and selection of feasible sites for small hydropower (SHP) projects in Oyanmi River in the Benin-Owena drainage Basin in Nigeria, using Natural Resource Conservation Service-Curve Number (NRCS-CN) model. Catchment delineation, Sub-basin Area size, slope, Curve Number (CN), Land Use Land Cover (LULC), Digital Elevation Model (DEM), rainfall intensity, etc. were obtained by RS and Arc GIS tools. Data on rainfall were obtained from Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR) for the year 2018 and validated using Nigerian Meteorological Services Agency (NIMET) Lokoja synoptic station data and then utilized for the computation of simulated discharge. The simulated discharge were correlated with observed data obtained from a gauging station in the study area. The correlation between observed and simulated data yielded a good correlation result of 65% and 63% for rainfall and discharge respectively with good statistical significance P-value. Elevation values extracted from the DEM were used in calculating the available head utilized in evaluating the hydropower potentials across the 58 hydrometric mapped-out points. Based on the criteria that a viable SHP should have a minimum slope of 2% and 10 m available head, 11 points were identified in Oyanmi sub-basin with feasible power potential ranging from 393.849 kW to 16038.194 kW at 92% annual flow exceedance which if developed would improve access to energy and socio-economic development of the study area.

Multiple thematic spatial integration technique to identify the groundwater recharge potential zones—a case study along the Courtallam region, Tamil Nadu, India

The irregular monsoonal rainfall and overexploitation of groundwater have resulted in the sharp decline of water resources in different parts across India. Various factors like geology, terrain morphology, hydrology, and hydrometeorology influence the recharge potentiality of a region. Application of remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) tools might be effective in the delineation of groundwater recharge potential zones and help towards the sustainability of groundwater resources. In this study, it was attempted to identify the groundwater recharge potential zones in the Courtallam region located at Tamil Nadu state of South India by integrating multiple thematic layers involving lithology, geomorphology, land use/land cover, slope, lineament density, drainage density, and the spatial distribution of groundwater level and rainfall through weighted overlay analysis in Arc GIS. The recharge potential was compared with the electrical conductivity of groundwater for evaluating the water quality. It was characterized the groundwater recharge potential of the study area as very poor (8.7%), poor (32.5%), moderate (37%), good (16.3%), and very good (5.5%). one-third of this area has moderate groundwater recharge potentiality and the southeastern part of the study area with good quality of water is feasible for new bore-well construction.

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN TEHSIL GOJRA BY USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Groundwater is imperative for the continuance of life and sustainability of ecosystem. Contamination of the water is the well-recognized danger to the public health in Pakistan. Hence, this study was conducted to assess and map the spatial variation of groundwater quality in the surroundings of Dijkot Branch Drain by using the Geographical Information System(GIS). For this purpose, sixty samples of groundwater, ten samples of wastewater and five samples of sludge were collected along with their coordinates from the study area. The collected samples were analyzed for chemical parameters and heavy metals, such as pH, EC, TDS, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Arsenic, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Zinc. The results obtained from the study were compared with WHO guidelines. Then, the values of these water quality parameters were mapped by using GIS software. Arc GIS V 10.2 was used for raster interpolation. To exhibit the spatial variation of groundwater quality scenario of the study area, Kriging method was adopted. on. It was generally observed that none of the parameters in the wastewater samples was found to be within the permissible limit. The research study resulted that the groundwater of the study area is deteriorated by Dijkot Branch Drain and is not fit for drinking purpose.

Geographical vulnerability to respiratory infections using GIS technique- micro analysis study in the Himalayan region-India

The study appraised the role of geo physical and socio-economic factors in the causation of respiratory infections in Geographic Information System (GIS). Altitude zonation along with superimposition of human settlements was extracted using Digital Elevation Mode of 30 m resolution and SOI toposheets 1971 in Arc GIS software 10.2. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) was generated through Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer. Wind Chill Factor the cooling sensation caused by the combination of air temperature °C and wind speed was also calculated using recommended formula of National Weather Services United States of America (US). Geographical vulnerability index were gauged by calculating incidence rate per thousand of population, relative risk rate, odds ratio, normal standard score (Z value) of respiratory cases obtained through medical records and field survey carried under the medical supervision. Kendal ranking method and composite index techniques were used to estimate the intensity of respiratory diseases, medical block analysis to identify hotspot areas by generating disease index map in GIS using SOI toposheets 1971. With non availability of data related to socio-economic and behavioral attitudes, the desired information were carried through semi structured questionnaire. With longitudinal depression valley characterized with high ecological sensitive zone makes the habitants more vulnerable to respiratory infections through exposure to evaded chilly winter months, exposure to pollutants, poor socio-economic and behavioral environment increases the degree of vulnerability. Identifying the hotspot areas in GIS environment will be useful in formulating and executing plans at the ground level more effectively and efficiently.

Monitoring of airborne asbestos fibers in an urban ambient air of Mashhad City, Iran: levels, spatial distribution and seasonal variations.

Asbestos, as with other pollutants in the air, has adverse effects on the health of human beings and animals. Today, the relationship between presence of asbestos fibers in the air breathed by humans and developing serious diseases such as lung cancer (asbestosis) and mesothelioma has been proven. The objectives of this study were to monitor the levels of asbestos fibers in ambient air of Mashhad, Iran during 2018, and to draw its Geographic Information System (GIS) distribution map for the city. In this descriptive study, 13 sampling points in Mashhad city were chosen. Sampling of asbestos was carried out for 3 hour during summer and winter at 2018. Sampling of asbestos was performed using MCE (Mixed Cellulose Ester) membrane filters (pour size 0.45µm; diameter: 25mm) and cassette holder and peripheral pump. The samples were the analyzed by the phase contrast microscopy (PCM) method (NIOSH7400). Also, to investigate the type of asbestos and for more accurate counting of fibers, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was utilized. Meteorological parameter were recorded through portable devices. To draw the graphs, Excel, R and Arc GIS software were used. Results showed that the mean asbestos fiber concentrations were equal to 11.40 ± 2.14 and 14.38 ± 2.52 f/L in summer and winter, respectively. The maximum level of asbestos fiber was detected in the station of Baitolmoghaddas square by 26.64 ± 2.14 and 19.3 SEM f/L in winter and summer, respectively. High concentration of asbestos fiber observed in this study can be attributed to the heavy traffic, the presence of prominent industries in the vicinity of the study area, and topographic features. The results from this research recommends that suitable controlling policies should be regulated to reduce both ambient air asbestos and its adverse health endpoints in Mashhad.

Spatial distribution of vaccine-preventable diseases in central Iran in 2015–2018: A GIS-based study

Vaccination is the second most effective health measure to maintain public health and prevent diseases after providing safe drinking water. This study aimed to determine the geographical distribution of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in Qom Province in four years (2015–2018) using Geographic Information System (GIS). In this cross-sectional study, the indicators of VPDs surveillance were extracted from the VPDs surveillance system at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Qom University of Medical Sciences. They were further evaluated, and the incidences of VPDs in the study years were investigated. Finally, the spatial distribution map of VPDs was provided for surveillance quality in each Qom district by Arc GIS 10.3 software. The annual incidence rate (AIR) was estimated to be 18.47 for hepatitis B, 0.29 for measles, 0.13 for rubella, 0.09 for pertussis, 0.29 for diphtheria and 0.91 for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). The highest incidences of AFP, rubella and measles were observed in Markazi district. Salafchegan was a district with the highest incidence of diphtheria, and the highest incidence rate of hepatitis B was observed in Khalajestan district. In addition, all pertussis cases were reported from Qom city. According to thematic maps of GIS, the annual incidence rate of VPDs in Qom Province was lower than the mean rate in Iran. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that a high immunization coverage should be done in the childhood and good surveillance indicators such as non-disease discarded rate, and the proportion of suspected cases with an adequate investigation should be used to monitor VPDs.

Documentation of construction project using integration of BIM and GIS technique

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are important technologies in spatial information management. Several efforts have been made to utilize BIM information and use it in the GIS, but there is no fixed or standard basis. The need to study the integration of BIM and GIS to solve various problems in the construction industry has emerged, include the Revit software as a BIM tool, can deal with specific building or project meanwhile, GIS can deal with an entire city as an environment for planning and designing. The process of exporting data from Revit to GIS or vice versa is not possible and the authors were forced to find external software. The purpose of this paper is to link GIS and BIM data using a smart platform called Autodesk InfraWorks for creating the digital representation of the real world. The study included modeling the case studies of 16 projects within the site of Diyala University campus in Revit software, creating a database in Arc GIS based on raster data, and collect data to document the case studies. The results showed the visualization process in the models (3D), as well as calling the files in different formats using the (tooltip) tool in InfraWorks to compile all these case studies within one environment.

تحليل المعطيات المورفومترية لأحواض التصريف بمدينة حفر الباطن - شمال شرق المملكة العربية السعودية باستخدام نظم المعلومات الجغرافية (GIS)

تقدم هذه الدراسة تحليلا جيومورفولوجياً لخصائص الأودية الداخلة على مدينة حفر الباطن باستخدام تقنيات نظم المعلومات الجغرافية التي ساعدت على استخلاص الخصائص التضاريسية والخصائص المورفومترية المستخدمة في تطبيق نموذج SCS Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph لحساب تدفق الذروة لكل وادٍ. ولقد أظهرت نتائج تطبيق هذا النموذج أن سيول الأودية المدروسة تتدفق خلال فترات تتباين من حوض مائي لآخر بين 4.38 ساعات بالحوض (1) و26.44 ساعة بالحوض (9) وبحجم يتراوح بين 30.04 م3/ثانية بالحوض (1) و257.58 م3/ثانية بالحوض (10)، وبسرعة تتراوح بين 1.50 م/ثانية بالحوضين (2) و(5) و2.37 م/ثانية بالحوض (9). كما ساعدت مخرجات التحليل المكاني لبرنامج Arc GIS في استخلاص 12 متغيرات مورفومتريو 11 متغير تضاريسي ساعدت في تصنيف أحواض الروافد المدروسة حسب كل متغير.

Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping of Ondo State Using Multi-criteria Technique and Hydrogeophysics

The delineation of groundwater potential zones in Ondo State was carried out using Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Hydrogeophysics. In this study, various thematic maps such as: soil map, slope, drainage map, land use/Land cover map, geological map, rainfall map, lineaments map were obtained from enhanced satellite imagery. These maps were overlaid in terms of weighed overlay method using Spatial Analysis tool in Arc GIS 10.5. During weighed overlay analysis, different ranks were given to each individual parameter of each thematic map and weights were assigned according to their influence. Results showed that spatial distribution of the most promising sites for groundwater exploration was dependent on the interrelated factors of lithology, topography and geologic structure. The groundwater potential map obtained from the study area showed that 17.5% of the total study area lie within the “very high” potential zone, 12.0% of the area falls within the “high”, 39.5% lies within the “moderate” zone, 25.7% lies within the “low “potential zone while 5.3% lies within the very low potential zone. The very high potential areas lie within the sedimentary zone in the southern part of the study area with high alluvial deposits, while the “very low” prospect zone lies majorly within the basement complex zone in the northern part of the study area. The query results on Ijapo Vertical electric sounding (VES) data analysis shows the presence of four lithology: top soil, sand (which contains the fresh water), sand clay (which contains the brackish water) and the clay (which contains the saline water). The boreholes susceptible to salt water intrusion were identified and the best drilling point with respect to depth were also determined.

Assessment of Potential Suitable Surface Irrigation Area in Borkena River Catchment, Awash Basin, Ethiopia

Although Ethiopia has abundant land for irrigation, only a fraction of its potential land is being utilized and the economy of the country subjected to a direct impact of climate change. So, assessment of land suitability for irrigation purpose is important to utilize the land resources efficiently and for the sustainable production of crops and food security of the ever increasing people in the country especially the study area. This study was initiated to assess the land resources which is potentially suitable for surface irrigation in Borkena watershed by using Geographic Information System (GIS). To identify the land which is suitable for irrigation purpose, the following factors such as soil type, slope, land use/cover and distance from water supply (sources) were taken into account and classified based on the FAO guideline for land evaluation in to S1, S2, S3 and N suitability classes independently. The final existing and potentially irrigable land was identified by weighting overlay these factors of suitability. The suitability analysis of the parameters indicates that 90.65% of slope, 72.03% of soil depth, 94.73% distance from a water source of the study area, 100% soil drainages and 100% of soil texture were identified in the range of highly suitable (S1) to marginal suitable (S3) for surface irrigation. But, when all the above physical suitable area determination factors were weighted together using weighted overlay in Arc GIS software by restricted other land use/cover for irrigation development without agricultural land indicates only 16.13% highly suitable (S1), 47.12% moderately suitable (S2), 31.58 marginally suitable (S3) and 5.17% non-suitable (N) area for surface irrigation development.

Road Network Analysis for Ambulance Transportation Service Using Geographical Information System (GIS): A Case of Arada Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Optimum utilization of time after an accident which is golden hour serves as a measure of effectiveness of ambulance service management system to reduce the loss of life and property. This paper presents a case study on Arada sub-city which is the oldest of all sub-cities located in the central part of the capital Addis Ababa with 11.56 Km² area wide. Its population, which is around 212,009, is highly dense and its spread of population density is about 18340 people per Km². In the study area, the existing road network condition is not developing in line with the population growth. Accordingly, at time of disaster, the responsiveness rate of efficient ambulance transportation services to the right target area is low and unsatisfactory to level of customer’s satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct road network analysis in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment for the betterment of ambulance transportation service in the sub city. A detail GIS database of the road network, ambulance location, accident locations and hospitals was prepared using Arc GIS software with the extension of network analyst. In this study, one ambulance station, three accident locations and six hospitals were used to compute 1, 2 & 4 minutes service area and best route analyses. The impedance value 1, 2 & 4 minute corresponds to very urgent, moderate urgent and low urgent service areas respectively. In very urgent service area domain about 33% of health centres are found whereas in moderate and low urgent service area domains about 65% and 100% of health centers are found respectively. This implies that, the current option increases health center service area domains by 34% from the existing approach. Besides, the selected sample best routes of ambulance transportation service are computed in terms of travelling time in minutes and its fuel consumption in litters. Accordingly, the estimated travelling time of the selected sample best route is about 870/30482.20 and 1138.5/3772.16 minutes/ birrs annually. This implies that, the proposed study decreases a total travelling duration and cost by 268.5/723.96 minutes/ birr from the existing one. As a result, GIS-based ambulance transportation service proto type model was developed.

Study on epidemiological status, spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province during 2011–2017

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common diseases between humans and livestock. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and determine the risk factors related to spatial distribution of human brucellosis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study, in which 741 brucellosis patients were entered in the study during 7 years. Arc geographic information system version 10.2 software was used to create a spatial distribution map. The analysis of this study was performed using the SPSS software version 24 using Chi-square, independent t-test and ANOVA with a statistical significance level of P = 0.05. Results: Seasonal pattern of brucellosis was observed in this province with significant increase in spring and summer (P

Suitability of Nutmeg Plant Habitats in Three Nutmeg Production Centers using the Geographic Information System and Aster DEM in West Java, Indonesia

Nutmeg plant (Myristica sp.) produces seeds and mace as the main commodities of world spice trade. Nutmeg plant habitats in West Java are distributed mainly in Bogor, Sukabumi and Cianjur Regencies. This study aimed to determine the suitability of nutmeg habitats in three nutmeg production centers in West Java based on soil type and slope using the Geographic Information System (GIS) approach and Aster DEM (Digital Elevation Model) analysis. The study was conducted from August to December 2018, by collecting data of: a) The coordinates of the area planted with nutmeg using GPS (Global Positioning System), b) Field documentation in the form of descriptions around the data collection point, c) Soil analysis data, d) Land area data, e) Map of the earth scale of 1:50,000 scale from the Geospatial Information Agency, and f) Landsystem map of West Java scale of 1:250,000. Data were analyzed using Arc GIS 9.3. The results of land suitability analysis based on rainfall data for Bogor region was classified in the category of marginally suitable (S3), while the regions of Sukabumi and Cianjur were sufficiently suitable (S2). Temperature of Bogor region was categorized as the most suitable (S1), while Sukabumi and Cianjur regions were sufficiently suitable (S2) for nutmeg development. The distribution of nutmeg was in Latosol and Regosol soils, with soil pH of rather acidic (pH 4.78-5.98), clay texture, low to high C-organic content (1.5-4.5%) and moderate to high N-Total (0.2-0.5%). Cation exchange capacity ranged from 25-30 cmol(+)/kg with a base saturation level of around 55-60%. Based on slope, the distribution of nutmeg in the West Java region was in the range of slope with a flat (<8%) to sloping (8-15%) category, with altitudes between 400-900 m above sea level classified as suitable to very suitable for nutmeg development. The overall agroecological suitability of nutmeg plants in three nutmeg production centers in the West Java region was classified as suitable to be managed and developed.

Quantitative mapping of desertification risk using the modified MEDALUS model: a case study in the Mazayejan Plain, Southwest Iran

This paper presents the Modified MEDALUS (MMEDALUS) approach, a quantitative assessment of desertification, in the case study area located in the Southern part of Iran. Six main factors of desertification including: soil, climate, plant cover, management, erosion state and ground water situation were considered for the model approach. Then several sub-factors determining the quality of each main factor were quantified according to their quality and weighted on a scale between 1.0 and 2.0. We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) software to analyze and prepare the spatial distribution of the factor layers. Subsequently, the final desertification hazard map was prepared by combining the different MEDALUS factors in Arc GIS 10.3 in order to define the final hazard classes on the basis of hazard scores based on the geometric mean of the main factors. The MEDALUS and MMEDALUS models show the "Desertification Potential" that in turn was validated with the current state of desertification observed in the field. The results show that the applied MMEDALUS approach yield significantly better results than the MEDALUS model in the study area. The results also show that the areas under severe and very severe hazard are the most extensive classes in the desertification map. Thus, we illustrate that most of the study area is sensitive to desertification. However, we highlight that management, climate and water table qualities were the most important indicators affecting the desertification processes, while soil quality seems to play a minor role in our study area.

Evaluation of Groundwater Potential by GIS-Based Multicriteria Decision Making as a Spatial Prediction Tool: Case Study in the Tigris River Batman-Hasankeyf Sub-Basin, Turkey

The Tigris River Batman-Hasankeyf region sub-basin drainage area is in the Upper Tigris basin and lies between the area where the Batman stream joins the river and the Yanarsu stream flows into the river. Intensive agricultural activities are carried out in this region, and irrigation is generally obtained from groundwater just as it moves away from the riverfront. The study area is a valuable basin for both Turkey and the Middle East. In this study, the effectiveness of the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a spatial prediction tool was utilized in exploring the groundwater potential of the drainage area. In the analysis, eight hydrological and hydrogeological criteria were considered as influencing factors, namely, geomorphology, geology, rainfall, drainage density, slope, lineament density, land use, and soil properties. The weights of these criteria were determined through the AHP method; the Arc GIS 10.2.2 program and its submodules were used. The major findings of the study were that groundwater-potential index values of the basin were derived. Groundwater-potential-zone evaluation of the basin was obtained as follows: very poor (19%), poor (17%), moderate (34%), good (17%), very good (13%); and groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) maps of the sub-basin were created.

Geoinformatics Based Sprawl Dynamics Analysis of Berhampur Development Authority Area, Odisha, India

Urban and Regional planners need accurate and authentic spatio-temporal information of urban sprawls for efficient and sustainable planning of towns & cities worldwide. Geoinformatics powered with temporal high resolution satellite images, Geographic Information System (GIS), mobile technology, etc is now emerged as the most powerful tool for mapping and monitoring the sprawls of urban habitations. In this paper an attempt is made for analysing the dynamics of sprawls of three statutory towns of Berhampur Development Authority (BeDA) area of Ganjam District, Odisha state, India. The spatial information of urban sprawl of each town has been generated using openly available toposheets and multi -sensor & multi -temporal satellite images and the spatio temporal characteristics of sprawls has been analysed in Arc GIS software. The sprawl area as well as the population of the three towns have been analysed and the future scenario of sprawl-population dynamics has been forecasted for the years 2021 and 2031.The result of this paper highlights that sprawls of the three towns i.e Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur will expand their spatial dimension by 22,18 and 97 percent by 2031 whereas population of the three towns will increase by 43, 19 and 15 percent between 2011 -2031.Finally the result indicates that there will be decrease in population density in the three towns which will ultimately force the Development Authority to plan more basic infrastructures and transportation in the newly expanded urban areas.

Identification of groundwater potential zones in Mandavi River basin, Andhra Pradesh, India using remote sensing, GIS and MIF techniques

Identification of groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) in a crystalline rock terrain is a crucial task for sustainable groundwater resource management, through scientific knowledge and modern geospatial techniques. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) plays a key role in evaluating, conserving and monitoring various groundwater-related development programs. The present study integrates RS, GIS and multi influence factor (MIF) techniques for evaluating GWPZ in Mandavi River basin. In this connection IRS-R2 LISS IV satellite imagery, the Survey Of India (SOI) toposheets and various auxiliary data sets from different sources have been used in preparing thematic maps like drainage density, lineament density, geology, soil, geomorphology, slope, rainfall, soil texture, land use/land cover and groundwater levels. Then the thematic layers were changed into raster format in Arc GIS 10.4 environment. Weights and ratings have been statistically calculated and assigned to raster maps based on the technique named multi-influence factor. Finally, it is found that the GWPZ were classified into four type's viz. very poor, poor, good, and very good with spatial extents of 533 sq. km (36%), 510 sq. km (35%), 319 sq. km (21%) and 103 sq. km (7%) respectively. The end results were validated with the observation of well data. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficients were 72.8% and 0.63 respectively, which shows a good correlation between groundwater potential zones and the observed well data. These results will help hydrogeologists, decision-makers, planners and local authorities to formulate better groundwater resource planning in the Mandavi River Basin.

Creating forest management units with Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) over a forest affected by mixed-severity fires

ABSTRACTThe rehabilitation of degraded subtropical natural forests is a global concern. A detailed assessment of their structure is a challenging and costly prerequisite because diverse structures exist depending on the cause and degree of degradation. Recent remote sensing concepts and technologies provide a detailed picture of actual forest structure, even in difficult terrain. When it comes to planning and implementing rehabilitation measures on the ground, however, meaningful forest management units (FMUs) must be created that are large enough to allow technical implementation, but which are also homogenous in structure. To date, the delineation of FMUs has, in most cases, been achieved qualitatively based on expert knowledge. The aim of this contribution is to develop and demonstrate a method for creating and delineating meaningful FMUs based on quantitative information acquired from remote sensing and spatial statistics. Therefore, a case study was conducted in a 3940-ha fire-degraded forest area in the Argentinean cloud forest of Yungas Pedemontana. A plot-based field inventory and an aerial survey with an unmanned aerial vehicle were conducted. The Adjusted Canopy Coverage Index (ACCI), as a metric for stand structure, was formulated to predict basal area from canopy height models. A SPOT6 image of the area was object-based segmented and classified into four fire-severity strata by training it with the ACCI values. The resulting classification presented a mosaic pattern in which the stands are homogenous but far too small (average 3129 m2) for planning adaptive management. Therefore, features in close proximity with similar structure (i.e. ACCI values) were aggregated using the Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) tool from the Arc geographic information system environment to create FMUs. Clusters were calculated at four scales: 10, 20, 30 and 40 ha (resulting in threshold radii of 178, 252, 309 and 357 m, respectively), using ACCI values as the variable of aggregation. As a result, average cluster areas were obtained of 33.9 ha for the shortest threshold distance of analysis and 138.5 ha for the greatest threshold distance. The tool significantly aggregated between 30.7% and 60.8% of the area into either coldspots or hotspots of ACCI, facilitating the delineation of FMUs for the planning of adaptive rehabilitation measures. There is a trade-off, however, between the gain in area of the FMUs and the loss of homogeneity: for a 357 m distance threshold, 12% more of the area was misclassified, compared with a 178 m threshold.

Application of Remote Sensing, GIS and Hydrogeophysics to Groundwater Exploration in Ogun State: A case study of OGD-Sparklight Estate

With the increase in population of Ogun state, the necessity to provide water to the populace has become a disturbing problem. In this study, a systematic approach to delineate the groundwater potential zones of the state was carried out using Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Hydrogeophysics as a tool. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) observations were also carried out in OGD Sparklight Estate to validate the results obtained from the integrated remote sensing and GIS observation and also determine the aquifer depth and possible pollution. The various thematic maps such as: soil map, land use/Land, geological map, rainfall map, lineaments map were obtained from enhanced satellite imagery and Slope map was generated from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission elevation model (SRTM DEM). These maps were overlaid in terms of weighed overlay method using Spatial Analysis tool in Arc GIS 10.4. During weighed overlay analysis, different ranks were given to each individual parameter of each thematic map and weights were assigned according to their influence. The groundwater potential map obtained from the study area showed that 47% of the total study area (Ogun state) lie within the “very high” potential zone, 15% of the area falls within the “high”, 30% lies within the of “moderate” zone, 5% lies within the “low “potential zone while “2% “ lies within the very low potential zone. The very high potential areas lie within the sedimentary zone in the southern part of the study area with high alluvial deposits, while the “very low” prospect zone lies majorly within the basement complex zone in the northern part of the study area. The boreholes susceptible to salt water intrusion were identified and the best drilling point with respect to depth were also determined.

Mapping of morbidity pattern of respiratory diseases: medical block analysis in the northern belt of India

The present study aims to evaluate the burden of respiratory diseases in geographic information system (GIS)—a block level analysis. The study is based on retrospective analysis of data from medical records obtained from Directorate of health services Kashmir, integrated disease surveillance program, and clinically investigated data from one of the clinic (chest hospital) managing respiratory diseases in the summer capital of the state J&K—India from 2013 to 2017. Morbidity frequency measures were used to find the population at risk i.e. incidence rate per thousand of the total population and prevalence per hundred of the total population, with spatial temporal changes in the incidence rate from the year 2013 to 2017. Normal standard score or Z value was carried to estimate the average magnitude of respiratory diseases in the study area. Kendal’s ranking and composite index techniques were used to estimate the intensity of respiratory diseases both disease and area wise. The results obtained were shown in a GIS environment using Arc GIS software 10.2. The outcome of this research will be effectively used in epidemiological planning to lessen the burden of respiratory diseases.