Geographic Information Software Research Articles

Imaging VOC distribution and tracing emission sources in surface water by a mobile shipborne spray inlet proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry

Volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution in surface water can affect the growth of microorganisms and even cause damage to human health. Quickly obtaining VOC distribution and tracing emission sources are of great significance to ensure the security of water quality. In this study, we developed a mobile shipborne spray inlet proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (S-SI-PTR-MS) instrument for rapid and on-line detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in surface water. It mainly consists of a shipborne platform, a spray inlet system, a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer, and geographic information software (GIS). During the navigation, VOCs in water can be quickly extracted to gaseous state by the SI system and transferred into the proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) for detection. The GIS can receive VOC and longitude-latitude data at the same time. And then the identification and concentration information can be shown on an electronic map in real time. The limit of detection and response time were 1.32 μg/L∼9.43 μg/L and 56 s∼114 s, respectively. The spatial resolution is 0.14 m in a common navigation experiment (5 km/h, dwell time=0.1 s), allowing for high-resolution monitoring of VOCs in water. Finally, field experiments were performed on the lower Nanfeihe River and some surfaces of Chaohu Lake in China. During tracing pollution in Nanfeihe River, two VOC emission sources in the downstream were located, nearing a sewage outlet and a wharf, respectively. During imaging VOC distribution in the Chaohu Lake, we found the areas with high-concentration VOCs were mainly along the ship channel. The newly developed S-SI-PTR-MS can monitor water quality in surface water in real time and has the potential to assist environmental protection enforcement.

Methodology for determining coordinate points using automated software and aircraft

Engineers are currently facing questions about the use of geographic information systems or software to implement projects in a short time. The problem with using geographic information systems in construction is the relevance of the available data. An example is open sources with satellite images. This problem appeared even before satellite-positioning systems emerged. In this connection, the purpose of this article is to find the deviation of source points when performing photogrammetry with marker detection in Agisoft PhotoScan software. This method of determining coordinates using a single point and its correlation on the ground is applicable in the case of rapid calculations, where the volumes of earth masses are large enough and do not require increased accuracy at the stage of approximate calculations. As a result of the comparison of traditional and automated methods of definition of coordinates on the ground has been found an essential distinction, both in total values and in time spent for the definition of points of coordinates. The considerable difference revealed by the results of the comparison of coordinates is presented in the table as a color gradation. The average deviation between known coordinates and coordinates obtained in Agisoft PhotoScan by axes was: X=0.87%, Y=0.45%, Z=0.12%.

Debris Flow Hazard Mapping Along Linear Infrastructure: An Agent Based Model and GIS Approach

Often linear infrastructure, including rail, highways, and pipelines, span large geographic areas intersecting a variety of terrain, predisposing infrastructure to a higher likelihood of geohazard interaction. Debris flow models can be particularly advantageous in remote hazard and risk mapping along linear infrastructure as runout from susceptible slopes may extend considerable distance downslope to a receptor. In this sentiment, a method is developed using an agent-based model, DebrisFlow Predictor, in combination with geographic information software (GIS), to produce regional debris flow hazard and risk profiles along widespread corridors. Thousands of debris flows upslope of a receptor(s) are simulated in the model environment (i.e., model scenarios). Outputs of the modelled scenarios provide probabilistic spatial attributes of debris flow runout and depth across a digital elevation model at a 5m resolution. The outputs of multiple scenarios are mosaiced and corrected to in-situ temporal and spatial debris flow initiation conditions in GIS. The corrected scenario outputs provide a comprehensive hazard profile along the infrastructure alignment, that in turn can facilitate quantified vulnerability and risk calculations. Thousands of modelled debris flows throughout several physiographic regions of Canada and the United States of America, calibrated to local conditions, provide substantive support for a novel methodology to identify key hazard and risk locations to major linear infrastructure.

Dying to Get There: Patients Who Reside at Increased Distance from Tertiary Center Experience Increased Mortality Following Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture

Centralization of vascular surgery care for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (RAAAs) to high-volume tertiary centers may hinder access to timely surgical intervention for patients in remote areas. The objective of this study was to determine the association between distance from vascular care and mortality from RAAAs in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. A retrospective cohort study of all RAAAs in Nova Scotia between 2005 and 2015 was performed through linkage of administrative databases. Patients were divided into groups by estimated travel time from their place of residence to the tertiary center (<1hr and ≥1hr) using geographic information software. Baseline and operative characteristics were identified for all patients through available databases and completed through chart review. Mortality at home, during transfer to the vascular center, and overall 30-day mortality were compared between groups using t-test and chi-squared test, as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the independent effect of travel time on survival outcomes. A total of 567 patients with RAAA were identified from 2005-2015, of which 250 (44%) resided <1hr travel time to the tertiary center and 317 (56%) resided ≥1hr. On multivariable analysis, travel time ≥1hr from vascular care was an independent predictor of mortality at home (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.63, P=0.02), mortality prior to operation (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.81-3.83, P<0.001), and overall 30-day mortality (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.10-2.37, P=0.02). In patients who received an operation (n=294), there was no association between increased travel time and mortality (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.60-1.73, P=0.94). Travel time ≥1hr to the tertiary center is associated with significantly higher mortality from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, there was no difference in overall chance of survival between groups for patients that underwent AAA repair. Therefore, strategies to facilitate early detection, and timely transfer to a vascular surgery center may improve outcomes for patients with RAAA.

Planning of electric vehicle fast-charging station based on POI interest point division, functional area, and multiple temporal and spatial characteristics

There are some problems with the fast-charging station of urban electric vehicles (EV), including blind construction, unreasonable planning location, and neglect of user requirements. This paper presents a planning method considering functional zoning and traffic influencing factors. Firstly, the planning area’s POI points and road network information are processed based on the geographic information software ArcGIS, and the urban functional zoning is divided. Then, two factors that affect the user’s time-consuming cost are studied, such as regional traffic congestion and signal waiting time. Secondly, according to the initial location of the user, the road network adjacency matrix, and the probability function of the user selecting the fast-charging station, the Floyd algorithm is used to calculate the time-consuming cost of the user to the fast-charging station. In order to reflect the profitability of the fast-charging station, the payback period function is also introduced. Finally, the MOSAPSO algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective function composed of the investment cost, operation, and maintenance cost, payback period, and user time-consuming cost of the fast-charging station. The optimized site selection and management layout of fast charging stations provide a certain reference for urban EV fast charging stations.

Exploring the Relationship between Hog Farm Exposure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and related conditions continue to be a major public health concern. The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoking; however, other risk factors include air pollution, work environment, infectious diseases and genetic predispositions. Related human studies have suggested that air quality and environment surrounding hog farms, specifically within low-middle income counties, have the potential to induce lung dysfunction. AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between hog farming practices and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . METHODS: Geographical Information Software (GIS) was used to determine the association between state-wide hog farm location density and COPD. A retrospective (2000-2016) partial ecological study of 14 major Arkansas hog farm cities was conducted using the International Classification Code of Diseases- 10. Seven case cities (as those containing a hog farm) and seven control cities (as those without a hog farm) were identified. RESULTS: Hog farm density was positively correlated with state-wide COPD prevalence and low median income. Further analysis, after controlling for county level race, gender, ethnicity, establishment year, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, smoking, obesity, and chronic neurological conditions, resulted in a protective association between hog farm exposure and COPD 0.78 (0.734, 0.840). CONCLUSIONS: Given the study&amp;#x27;s results, city-wide hog farm exposure is not positively associated with county-level COPD prevalence. However, farm location density was determined to be correlated with state-wide COPD prevalence and low median income. A follow-up study using individual data, should be conducted to provide further insight in this exposure, outcome relationship. KEYWORDS: FARMING COPD CHEMICALS RESPIRATORY LUNG

A Faster Approach to Quantify Large Wood Using UAVs

Large wood (LW, log at least 1 m-long and 0.1 m in diameter) in river channels has great relevance in fluvial environments. Historically, the most used approach to estimate the volume of LW has been through field surveys, measuring all the pieces of wood, both as single elements and those forming accumulation. Lately, the use of aerial photographs and data obtained from remote sensors has increased in the study of the amount, distribution, and dynamics of LW. The growing development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology allows for acquisition of high-resolution data. By applying the structure from motion approach, it is possible to reconstruct the 3D geometry through the acquisition of point clouds and then generate high-resolution digital elevation models of the same area. In this short communication, the aim was to improve a recently developed procedure using aerial photo and geographic information software to analyze LW wood stored in wood jams (WJ), shortening the entire process. Digital measurement was simplified using only AgiSoft Metashape® software, greatly speeding up the entire process. The proposed improvement is more than five times faster in terms of measuring LW stored in jams.

SOFTWARE ANALYSIS IN THE FIELD OF GEODESY

In connection with the development of modern geodetic technologies, there is a need to quickly and efficiently perform automated processing of source data. Today, the market for surveying software is diverse and is divided into common products and specialized software packages. Geodetic works are not possible without the use of geographic information technologies and software. Therefore, the purpose of this article is a detailed analysis of the software packages used in Ukraine, as well as an analysis of their capabilities, accessibility, clarity and additional functions in the field of geodesy. Geodetic works belong to the tasks of geoinformation analysis, and with the help of modern electronic geodetic equipment increases the accuracy of work, the processing of which is carried out by computer-aided design (CAD). After analyzing the functionality of software products, we can conclude that most of them are not fully functioning automated products of full-scale systems. An important factor when choosing a software package is the ability to use for free or the low cost of a license to use. But, in addition to cost, when choosing a product, considerable attention is paid to the complexity of implementation and operation of such CAD. Among the most famous representatives that have proven themselves in Ukraine, we can highlight such packages as CREDO III, Digitals, and software packages created on the CAD platform. In general, such programs are set up by companies that have direct links with Western firms to facilitate data resolution. Other products can only be used to solve specific tasks of a narrower direction. When choosing a software, it is important that the program meets the objectives and processes all types of topographic and geodetic works. The application and implementation of new software packages in the field of geodesy provides greater accuracy and quality of topographic and geodetic works. When choosing software, many Ukrainian business leaders, as experience shows, focus on CREDO III, Digitals and CAD software packages to be able to work in a single information space at different stages of project development.

ГЕОІНФОРМАЦІЙНА ПІДСИСТЕМИ АСУ ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛ УКРАЇНИ ЯК ІНСТРУМЕНТ ІНТЕРОПЕРАБЕЛЬНОСТІ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-АНАЛІТИЧНИХ СИСТЕМ ВІЙСЬКОВОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ

To solve the multi-vector tasks of military management it is necessary to use technologies that effectively combine space and time with significant accompanying data in the form of attributive information about operational facilities, background information about the theater (area) of hostilities, climatic conditions, intelligence and etc. It is for this purpose that the armies of many countries around the world use geographic information technology. To date, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have implemented a number of information and analytical systems that solve the problems of automation of mobilization deployment, defense planning, logistics, personnel, financial support, and all of them should be integrated into the Unified Automated Command and Control System (UACCS). Information in such information-analytical systems is processed at all levels of management according to the rules and algorithms developed in these systems. In the process of planning the use of troops (forces) involved a number of people responsible for certain areas of support. It is clear that the requirements for the submission of information to perform the tasks of a particular activity are different. In this situation, geographic information support is required to be able to create the necessary information environment for each individual official, without losing the properties of the management system for consistency and synchronization of all its elements. The implementation of this requirement is achieved by using a single core of geographic information software, which provides software developers and users with basic geographic information services and tools for their joint use in performing specialized tasks. In this case, the specified core should operate in a spatially distributed environment, be protected from external interference and be as accessible as possible to internal users in accordance with the established distribution of powers. The article considers the geo-information subsystem of the UACCS of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a tool to ensure interoperability with existing information and analytical systems in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and new ones planned for deployment, using other hardware and software. The service-oriented architecture of the geoinformation support subsystem of the military management system, which should consist of separate subject-oriented modules within the general system, uses functional components that are built into an open, extensible software and hardware platform to achieve interoperability using spatially distributed information. rules within the framework of basic services that support the exchange of messages, conversion of data for further dissemination (distribution) by publishing and subscribing to standard and specially designed design templates.

Population and capital flows in metropolitan Beijing, China: Empirical evidence from the past 30 years

This study is an empirical demonstration of David Harvey's critical analysis of the urban process based on the Marxist political economy in the context of Beijing, the capital of China. Using data from the Beijing Municipal Statistical Bureau (1978-2019) and the geographic information software package ArcGIS, we show that migrant workers in Beijing moved to the inner city during the 1990s, and since 2000, the population, while expanding, has been moving outward towards suburban areas. Furthermore, we find that during most of the studied period, the movement of the population, especially of migrant workers, was mainly driven by capital flows, while since 2015, such movement has increasingly been determined by population control policies enforced by local authorities. Finally, targeted measures are suggested for the government to safeguard the rights of migrants against the impact of capital under China's political system.

Pharmacist provider status: Geoprocessing analysis of pharmacy locations, medically underserved areas, populations, and health professional shortage areas

BackgroundPayment reform for pharmacists is both an important and urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Objective(s)The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of medically underserved areas, medically underserved populations, and primary care health professional shortage areas in The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act; and provide policy recommendations for national pharmacy associations to achieve provider status. MethodsPharmacy location addresses were determined using public domain data from the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) National Provider Identifier (NPI) Registry. Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUAs/MUPs) and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) were gathered through public data provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration as Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files. Addresses and KML files were analyzed and mapped using the geographic information software, QGIS. A series of maps depicting the location of all MUAs/MUPs, HPSAs, HPSA facility locations, and community pharmacy locations in the U.S. were then created. These maps were overlayed, and geoprocessing tools were used to create the analysis. ResultsAfter analyzing all community pharmacy locations in the United States, we found that only 56% are located within a current MUA/MUP or HPSA. The percentage of pharmacies in healthcare underserved areas differs widely between states from the lowest in New Jersey of 18.26% of pharmacies to the highest of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands with 100% of pharmacies. ConclusionsAligning the pharmacist business model to be comparable to other health care professionals will ensure patients receive access to pharmacist-provided cognitive patient care services, which have higher value than product-centered services. Future attempts to recognize pharmacists as providers and allow for their reimbursement under Medicare Part B should consider strategies to increase the number of pharmacists that are eligible to participate in order to exemplify value to the public and elected leaders.

Geographical mapping of road traffic injuries in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying injury hotspots are valuable for introducing preventive measures. This is usually accomplished by using police data, but these are often unreliable in low-income countries. This study aimed to identify hotspots for injuries by collecting geographical data in the emergency room. This was a cross-sectional study of adult road traffic injury patients presenting to the Casualty Department in the central hospital in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. An electronic tablet with downloaded maps and satellite photos was used to establish the exact location of the injuries. The geographical data were analyzed with geographic information software. We included 1244 road traffic injured patients, of which 23.9% were car passengers or drivers, 18.6% were motorcyclists, 17.8% were pedestrians and 18.0% were cyclists or bicycle passengers. Heatmaps of the injuries identified 5 locations where the incidence of injuries was especially high, and 148 patients were injured in these hotspots during the 90 days of inclusion. Four of these hotspots were along the main road through the capital. Age over 55, rural setting, alcohol use before the injury, high speed limit at the site of injury and being a pedestrian or motorcyclist were significantly associated with a higher degree of injury severity. Around half of the patients that were injured in a four-wheeled vehicle did not use a seat belt, and these patients had a much higher risk of getting a more severe injury. We have identified specific locations with a high incidence of road traffic injuries in Lilongwe, Malawi, with a simple methodology and within a short time frame. The study demonstrates the feasibility of collecting geographical data at admission to hospital.

Proposed Cleaning Potential Gradient Based on a Study of Coals from Three Exploration Areas in Shanxi Province, China.

The cleaning potential of selected Chinese bituminous coals during coal preparation was evaluated in terms of coal quality, cleaning grade, and cleanability. The cleaning potentials were determined for coals sampled from a total of six seams, two each in three different general exploration areas in southern Shanxi, China. Distribution maps of resources with different cleaning potential characteristics were prepared using mapping and geographical information software. In each case, the area and calculated reserves for coals having different classifications of cleaning potentials were determined. The total areal extent of the six coals studied is about 410 million m2, and the total reserves of these coals amount to about 1460 million tonnes, which include coals of poor, fair, good, and proficient cleanabilities. The proportion of high-quality coals is about 28.9%. Coals that can be processed into high-quality coals account for about 69.2%. A cleaning potential gradient is proposed for indicating the cleaning potential level, and an equation for calculating it is established. The necessity of processing raw coal of good quality is also to be considered in terms of economics. It does not make economic sense to process coal with an organic sulfur content more than 1.5%, even though it may have a good cleanability.

Application of GIS in Land Evaluation and Development of Suitability Map for Capsicum Production in Nairobi Peri-Urban Counties

This study was carried out to determine the areas which are best suited for capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) production in the peri-urban counties of Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a multi-criteria evaluation approach by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Soil (pH, drainage, texture, and electrical conductivity), climate (temperature and rainfall), and topography (slope and elevation) were the main criteria selected from literature for the study. The AHP was used to determine the relevance of a criterion based on its cumulative weights as per the Saaty’s table. The cumulative weights were used to construct output maps using Quantum Geographic Information Software (QGIS) software. Crop suitability map was produced through overlaying of the different thematic maps and suitability levels were based on Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) land suitability classification. The results showed that about 50% of land in Kiambu County, 8% in Kajiado County and 12% in Machakos County is suitable for capsicum production. The remaining areas were reported unsuitable for the production of the crop due to the presence of some limitations such as soil texture, soil pH, drainage and climate. The findings of this study will be useful to decision making and planning and for further studies./

Predicting the future growth depending on GIS and IDRISI program, city of Najaf-Iraq

This study aims to employ modern spatial simulation models to predict the future growth of Al-Najaf city for the year 2036 by studying the change in land use for the time period (1986-2016) because of its importance in shaping future policy for the planning process and decision-making process and ensuring a sustainable urban future, using Geographical information software programs and remote sensing (GIS, IDRISI Selva) as they are appropriate tools for exploring spatial temporal changes from the local level to the global scale. The application of the Markov chain model, which is a popular model that calculates the probability of future change based on the past, and the Cellular Automata (CA) model determines the spatial location of the change. CA-Markov is known as a more effective way to model simulation of temporal and spatial change. Space images have been relied upon by applying models for the information they provide on the reality of the state of land uses, which can help in understanding the engines and dynamics of land transformation and forecasting future economic and environmental impacts.

Heat Islands in the city of San Francisco de Campeche: Detection and solution

This paper presents the identification of heat islands in the city of San Francisco de Campeche, period 1990 - 2020 and their relationship with changes in the vegetation cover areas. To identify the heat islands in the city, 6 Landsat 5 (TM), 7 (TM) and 8 (OIL) images were obtained from the USGS database (http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/). In geographic information software, soil temperature was calculated from a mathematical algorithm applied to thermal infrared bands 6 and 10, in addition, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated, in order to find a relationship between changes in temperature and vegetation cover. It was found that the green areas have reduced their surface by more than 50% and the soil temperature has increased up to 7 ° C

Approaches and Solutions for Creating Atlases in Geographic Information Systems

The features, advantages and disadvantages of using QGIS, ArcGIS and MapInfo Pro when creating atlases of various types (geographic, complex and thematic) are considered in this paper. Schemes for their potential organization are presented and technological schemes for their automated creation in these geographic information systems are proposed. As a result, approaches and solutions for improving geographic information software can be formulated. Algorithms and modules were developed, primarily aimed at formalizing the structure of atlases and automating the design process of their mathematical basis. The development of functionality was implemented using built-in developer tools implemented in MapInfo as the MapBasic language, and in ArcGIS and QGIS in the Python programming language. A summary table was compiled, which presents the basic functionalities required to create atlases in GIS and their implementation in the appropriate software. These proposals will ensure the fulfillment of all requirements necessary for atlas design, primarily at the regional mapping level.

The Economic Feasibility of Floating Offshore Wave Energy Farms in the North of Spain

A technique to analyse the economic viability of offshore farms composed of wave energy converters is proposed. Firstly, the inputs, whose value will be considered afterwards in the economic step, was calculated using geographic information software. Secondly, the energy produced by each wave converter was calculated. Then the economic factors were computed. Finally, the restriction that considers the depth of the region (bathymetry) was put together with the economic outputs, whose value depends on the floating Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The method proposed was applied to the Cantabric and Atlantic coasts in the north of Spain, a region with a good offshore wave energy resource. In addition, three representative WECs were studied: Pelamis, AquaBuoy and Wave Dragon; and five options for electric tariffs were analysed. Results show the Wave Energy Converter that has the best results regarding its LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy), IRR (Internal Rate of Return) and NPV (Net Present Value), and which area is best for the development of a wave farm.

Cleaning Potential of Selected Coals in Shanxi Province, China: Evaluation of Geological Factors Affecting the Cleaning Potential

The effects of geological factors on the cleaning potential of Chinese bituminous coals from Anping, Xizhuang, and Yitang exploration areas were studied. The cleaning potential was evaluated in terms of coal quality and cleanability. Distribution maps of resources with different cleaning potentials were prepared using mapping and geographical information software. To identify the geological factors responsible for the cleaning potentials of coal resources, the distribution of coal resources with different cleaning potentials was summarized with regard to the geological setting of the three exploration areas. The results are as follows: The depositional environment may have a large role in affecting the cleanabilities of coals, but it may not be the only factor. Coal which formed in an environment prone to producing pyrite can have a better cleanability than coal formed in a depositional environment that is more prone to producing organic sulfur. In contrast to the effects of depositional environment, the local structures (e.g., folds, faults, and collapse columns), where present, are generally considered to have little, if any, effect on the distribution of the coal with different cleaning potential characteristics.

Quality of Nursing Home: Spatial Patterns in Southwestern United States

Information systems, as well as applications of geographic information software and large databases, can draw light to issues apparent in the health care business. The purpose of this study was to explore the geographic trends in nursing home quality in Southwestern states, using the Nursing Home Compare dataset. Using Geographic Information Systems to evaluate nursing homes addresses quality of care in the context of payer expansion and the geographic dispersion of beneficiaries.