Geographic Information System Methodology Research Articles

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purposes of Malda District, India: Using WQI and GIS technique

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purposes of Malda District, India: Using WQI and GIS technique

From contested spaces to choice-centered places: using geographic interviews to understand young adults’ experiences in permanent supportive housing

ABSTRACT Young adults who have endured chronic housing instability have often been failed by settings which have inadequately supported them – such as home and school settings. As such, young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability are seeking supportive settings. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a burgeoning supportive intervention in the youth homelessness services landscape. Our study used the geographic interview methodology, a novel qualitative geographic information systems methodology, to understand how young adult residents (N = 15) in PSH experience the physical setting. Residents experienced the common spaces in PSH as contested spaces; meanwhile, they sought choice-centered spaces – where there are choices of what to do, who to spend time with, and how to spend time. PSH settings for young adults may embrace choice-centered principles and practices when building trauma-informed PSH for young adults. Future research should explore these findings across demographic and geographic differences.

Exploring GIS Techniques in Sea Level Change Studies: A Comprehensive Review

Sea level change, a consequence of climate change, poses a global threat with escalating impacts on coastal regions. Since 1880, global mean sea level has risen by 8–9 inches (21–24 cm), reaching a record high in 2021. Projections by NOAA suggest an additional 10–12-inch increase by 2050. This paper explores research methodologies for studying sea level change, focusing on Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. GIS has become a powerful tool in sea level change research, allowing the integration of spatial data, coastal process modeling, and impact assessment. This paper sets the link with sustainability and reviews key factors influencing sea level change, such as thermal expansion and ice-mass loss, and examines how GIS is applied. It also highlights the importance of using different scenarios, like Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), for accurate predictions. The paper discusses data sources, index variables like the Coastal Vulnerability Index, and GIS solutions for modeling sea level rise impacts. By synthesizing findings from previous research, it contributes to a better understanding of GIS methodologies in sea level change studies. This knowledge aids policymakers and researchers in developing strategies to address sea level change challenges and enhance coastal resilience. Furthermore, global analysis highlights the pivotal roles of the United States and China in sea level change (SLC) and GIS research. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, rising temperatures have substantial impacts on local sea levels and extreme weather events, particularly affecting vulnerable coastal areas.

Will gated community affect public transit service coverage?

The proliferation of gated communities (GC) has prompted researchers worldwide to investigate its causes and consequences. The phenomenon has been extensively discussed as a significant residential form in the world, but most of the studies are primarily concerned with non-technical issues such as inequality and segregation, while technical issues such as urban transit (PT) systems have not been fully discussed. The significance of accessibility-focused PT planning to establish a sustainable urban transportation system makes this issue a crucial topic to explore. PT is a public good expected to be accessible to everyone, and this means the distance between people and the system needs to be minimized to maximize the service coverage, but the GC design is observed to be increasing the distance of its residents willing to use this service. Therefore, this study analyzed the impact of GC on the PT system using Bogor Municipality as a case study through GIS (Geographical Information System) methodologies and spatial data. The quantitative evidence showed that GC has a relatively strong negative correlation with PT service coverage (r (66) = from -0.611 to -0.631, p <.001). This means PT service coverage tends to be low in areas with a high GC ratio and vice versa. It was also discovered that an increase in GC ratio is likely to cause a reduction in PT service coverage in the study area (Beta = -0.48, t(67) = -5.17, p =.000). This article concludes with a discussion of a few potential ideas based on the observations to alleviate the negative impact of GC.

Site Selection for Wind Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy in Bonny, Nigeria

Power derived via the wind stands out as an appealing form of renewable energy due to its minimal operational, maintenance, and production expenses, coupled with its limited environmental footprint. This investigation focuses on employing geospatial methods to establish a wind farm on Bonny Island, Nigeria. The primary objectives include furnishing data and a spatial wind distribution map for Bonny Island, evaluating the significance of factors crucial for wind farm development in the area, and generating a wind energy suitability map. The study utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodologies to scrutinize five critical parameters influencing location suitability. The findings indicate that Bonny Island possesses potential for wind farm installation, with 3,549.8 hectares, 10,219.6 hectares, and 424.6 hectares categorized as highly suitable, suitable, and unsuitable, respectively. Moreover, wind speed, land use/land cover, distance from the road, distance from the river, and land slope each carry a substantial priority weight of 50%, 25%, 10%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. These weights contribute to the creation of a wind energy suitability map for the study area. This research recommends amongst other things the investment and installation of a wind energy farm in Bonny Island, owing to the comparative advantage over other sources of energy in Nigeria.

Feasibility and effects of GIS-based municipal solid waste vehicle routing for Bahrain

&lt;p&gt;In the realm of waste management, efficient route optimisation for municipal solid waste (MSW) collection is becoming increasingly crucial, particularly for developing nations with budgetary considerations. This study leverages the capabilities of the geographic information system (GIS) and integrates the Dijkstra algorithm to enhance route optimisation for MSW vehicles in Bahrain. Utilising comprehensive local vehicle routing data from Urbaser and applying GIS methodologies, three distinct areas in Bahrain were methodically analysed. The results revealed a notable 55% reduction in travel distance, a 17% decrease in time, and a yearly fuel cost saving of 6405 BHD (16,974 USD) in the optimal scenario. Given these findings, the potential applicability of this optimisation algorithm extends beyond Bahrain, suggesting significant benefits for regions with similar challenges. To further refine this approach, the integration of real-time traffic data into the routing algorithm is recommended. Other additions to the optimization process could include additional parameters such as safety.&lt;/p&gt;

Assessment of Disparity in Accessing Railway Stations in Thailand: an Application Geographic Information System Network Analysis

Ensuring that people from all regions in a country can easily access railway stations is a crucial objective in the development of transportation and mobility systems and is essential for the convenient travel within the country. Furthermore, accurately assessing accessibility in disadvantaged areas is pivotal in designing and implementing development policies for equitable and sustainable transportation systems. Although various methods and tools are available for measuring accessibility, interpreting local-level data remains challenging. This study was conducted in Thailand, a country with severe accessibility disparities but undergoing considerable development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate accessibility disparities to analyze accessibility capabilities and inequality of railway stations. The objective of the study was to aid the development of inequality and railway services to cover all areas. The geographic information system methodology with network analysis tools was used to visualize and analyze spatial accessibility data and identify regional disparities. The results of this study indicate inequality in accessing railway services, which revealed that densely populated areas have superior access to railway stations compared with districts with a lower population density. Additionally, over 41% of the study area’s population resides more than half an hour away from access to a railway station. This study highlights regional inequality in accessing railway station services. Furthermore, strategies to alleviate this inequality are presented, and the findings will aid government agencies and railway planners in designing critical strategies or formulating policies for improving accessibility to rail transportation systems and reducing inequality in accessing railway services.

GIS-Based Assessments of Neighborhood Food Environments and Chronic Conditions: An Overview of Methodologies

The industrial revolution and urbanization fundamentally restructured populations’ living circumstances, often with poor impacts on health. As an example, unhealthy food establishments may concentrate in some neighborhoods and, mediated by social and commercial drivers, increase local health risks. To understand the connections between neighborhood food environments and public health, researchers often use geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial statistics to analyze place-based evidence, but such tools require careful application and interpretation. In this article, we summarize the factors shaping neighborhood health in relation to local food environments and outline the use of GIS methodologies to assess associations between the two. We provide an overview of available data sources, analytical approaches, and their strengths and weaknesses. We postulate next steps in GIS integration with forecasting, prediction, and simulation measures to frame implications for local health policies. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 45 is April 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Utilising Geospatial Multi Criteria Technique in Jakholi Block of a Himalayan District, Rudraprayag, India

Groundwater mapping is critical for satisfying people’s water needs. An attempt has been made to delineate the groundwater potential zone for Jakholi block in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. An innovation in groundwater research that aids in evaluating, observing, and sustaining groundwater resources is the coalscence of remote sensing data with the Geographical Information System (GIS) in order to groundwater resources. Several groundwater potential zones for assessing groundwater availability in Jakholi block have been identified in this article utilizing remote sensing and GIS methodologies. Throughout the study, nine thematic layers were evaluated for designating groundwater potential zones: geomorphology, geology, lineament density, drainage density, slope, soil texture, precipitation, relief and land use/land cover. Thematic layers were then transformed to raster using a GIS platform. After giving weights and score to individual layer, overlay analysis has been practised to identify five zones: very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor. The majority of the territory is in a zone with poor groundwater prospect. The outcome illustrates groundwater potential zones in the research region and has been shown to be useful in improving ground water resource planning and management.

Assessment of Reservoir Sedimentation Using RS and GIS Techniques: A Case Study of Singda Dam, Manipur, India

Through the use of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS), the study sought to evaluate the reservoir sedimentation at the Singda Dam in Manipur, India. The sedimentation assessment was performed using the SWAT (Soil &amp; Water Assessment Tool) model. In order to determine the LULC (Land Use Land Cover) of the Singda watershed between 2011 and 2020, this study also used RS and GIS methodologies. Datasets from Landsat-7 (ETM+) and Landsat-8 (OLI) were used for the chosen time period. According to the results, the proportions of the various LULC kinds in the study region between 2011 and 2020 were found to have significantly changed. The SWAT model was successfully executed, according to several outputs. Sediment yield and discharge were considered to be relevant factors for this project and are the subject of analysis. The Singda Watershed produces and discharges sediment at an average yearly rate of 2014095.53 tons and 635.92 cumecs, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.82, or 82% for sediment loss. According to the study, this model provides satisfactory results and can be used in reservoir areas with comparable geology.

GIS-based MCDM dual optimization approach for territorial-scale offshore wind power plants

Despite the relevant potential of offshore resource to substantially mitigate the effects of climate change through the generation of renewable electricity, the full exploitation of such wind resource currently remains incomplete. To promote offshore wind energy projects, it is crucial to engage in comprehensive planning processes that encompass technical, social, environmental, stakeholder, and political considerations. Within this framework, this paper presents a combined approach based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology to optimize the selection of offshore wind farm locations. The proposed methodology includes annual net electricity production as a critical factor in the decision-making process, which has been previously optimized with regard to the wake effect. Subsequently, the determination of potential locations involves key criteria such as technical feasibility, environmental impact, economic viability, and power generation potential. This MCDM-GIS approach was applied and evaluated in a case study along the Spanish coastline, considering 92 initial alternatives. The results indicate that the offshore wind energy targets established for Spain in 2030 and 2050 should be reevaluated, as the optimal utilization of the available area represents only 16% of the total potential area. Based on the aforementioned criteria, a suitability map was generated by integrating all relevant map layers, including their respective buffer zones.

Tectonically-determined distribution of monogenetic volcanoes in a compressive tectonic regime: An example from the Pannonian continental back-arc system (Central Europe)

This paper presents the results from a geographic information systems (GIS) workflow, which was used to analyze the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of volcanoes in the Mio-Pleistocene monogenetic Bakony-Balaton Highland Volcanic Field (BBHVF), located in the Pannonian Basin, Hungary. Volcanism occurred during the tectonic inversion in a back-arc setting and a compressive/transpressive tectonic regime on the hottest and thinnest lithosphere of continental Europe. The main goal of this study is to clarify the effect of the pre-existing structure of the upper lithosphere in the distribution of the volcanic centers across the volcanic field using an innovative GIS methodology. Orientation of the volcanic field was compared to the orientation of the faults in the BBHVF, and in its larger vicinity, which resulted in correspondence, suggesting the dominance of the SW-NE direction. The directions of the volcanic lineaments fit well to the two main fault directions. The fault-volcano proximity analysis suggests that the fault plane of a thrust fault was an important structural feature during the lifespan of the volcanism. All results suggest that the fault plane of a regionally significant Cretaceous thrust fault (Litér Fault) might have served as a temporary pathway for the ascending magma, whereby (similarly to other, smaller faults) redirecting the magmas causing clustering of the volcanoes. This highlights the importance of major upper crustal structural heterogeneities for magma transport in a compressive tectonic system, especially in the case of active, monogenetic volcanic fields from a volcanic hazard perspective. The present GIS workflow can be effective in analyzing the spatial patterns of the volcanism and its connection with crustal structures at monogenetic volcanic fields worldwide.

A Sustainable Evaluation Study Based on Emergy–Geographic Information System (GIS) Methodology in Hangzhou City from 2010 to 2035

Sustainability studies are vital for the long-term development of ecological cities. For cities, single qualitative or quantitative evaluation studies cannot effectively illustrate the ecological and sustainable status of a city. This study employs the emergy–geographic information system (GIS) method to conduct a sustainability evaluation of a city, so as to effectively verify the evaluation results. The emergy method and GIS are both commonly used approaches to address urban issues, but their synergistic effect has rarely been considered, explored, and utilized in urban planning. This study aims to investigate this effect on Hangzhou city through comparative analysis. The results show that rain (geopotential energy) and rain (chemical potential energy) have the highest emergy values from 2000 to 2035, followed by solar emergy, wind emergy, and geothermal heat emergy. These findings are also supported by the GIS map that shows a similar pattern with renewable emergy. Using the five plots (cropland, woodland, grassland, water area, and built-up land) on the GIS map as examples, the accuracy of emergy calculation results for Hangzhou city can be verified, demonstrating the effectiveness of the emergy–GIS methodology. This research provides practical recommendations for city designers and professionals worldwide on urban sustainability. By incorporating both emergy and GIS methods, cities can make informed decisions toward achieving environmentally sustainable development.

Access to Trauma Care in a Rural State: A Descriptive Geographic and Demographic Analysis

BackgroundMontana is a rural state with limited access to higher-level trauma care; it also has higher injury fatality rates compared with the rest of the country. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to utilize Geographic Information System methodology to assess proximity to trauma care and identify the demographic characteristics of regions without trauma access. MethodsMaptitude® Geographic Information System software (Caliper Corporation, Newton, MA) was used to identify regions in Montana within 60 min of trauma care; this included access to a Level II or Level III trauma center with general surgery capabilities and access to any level of trauma care. Demographic characteristics are reported to identify population groups lacking access to trauma care. ResultsOf the 1.1 million residents of Montana, 63% of residents live within 60 driving min of a higher-level trauma center, and 83% of residents live within 60 driving min of any level of trauma center. Elderly residents over age 65 years of age and American Indians had reduced access to both higher-level trauma care and any level trauma care. ConclusionsPrompt access to trauma care is significantly lower in Montana than in other parts of the country, with dramatic disparities for American Indians. In a rural state, it is important to ensure that all hospitals are equipped to provide some level of trauma care to reduce these disparities.

Geological and archeological heritage resources assessment of the Najran Province; towards the 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia

The nascent state of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry belies its potential to ascend to a prominent position as a global tourist destination. Najran is poised to become an emerging and promising tourist destination due to its cultural and historical significance, which is exemplified by a variety of historical sites. This study's primary objective is to demonstrate that geoscience, geoeducation, and geotourism can all benefit from geological heritage (geo-heritage). When selecting geotourism resources in the province of Najran, the visibility of geoheritage is a crucial factor to consider. Numerous geomorphological landscapes and geomorphosites have been discerned as focal points. This investigation employs Geographical Information System (GIS) methodology in conjunction with on-site field research in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the study region. The evaluation of potential geoarchaeological heritage resources significantly contributes to geoconservation and efficient management strategies. By categorizing the geoarchaeological sites in the study area, it was discovered that the region is rich in geodiversity, particularly in areas where archaeologically significant sites and valuable geological features coexist. A substantial body of geoheritage knowledge pertinent to the study area already exists, as the current research has yielded fundamental insights. However, it is evident that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places a greater emphasis on other developmental initiatives, marginalizing the necessity of sustainable regional growth. It is concluded that the area's geoarchaeological heritage resources should play a role in the research agenda and sustainability plan. Therefore, additional research is required for the prudent and effective use of the available geoarchaeological heritage resources.

Assessment and Spatial Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Dynamics in the Black Volta Basin

The Black Volta Basin, a critical hydrological region, is experiencing rapid changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns due to diverse anthropogenic and environmental factors. This study employs a comprehensive Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology to assess and analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of LULC in the basin. Utilizing data from multiple remote sensing platforms, including optical and radar sensors, as well as historical GIS datasets, a detailed LULC classification is performed. The integration of multi-temporal satellite imagery enables the detection and quantification of changes across distinct land cover categories. Through rigorous spatial analysis and statistical techniques, the study reveals the extent and magnitude of LULC transformations over a defined period. Land cover transitions are identified, characterized, and linked to potential drivers such as urbanization, agricultural expansion, and natural processes. The outcomes of this research contribute to an enhanced understanding of the evolving LULC dynamics in the Black Volta Basin, shedding light on both natural and human-induced changes. The results underscore the significance of a multi-sensor approach in accurately capturing complex LULC changes and their implications for regional sustainability and resource management. This study's insights serve as valuable inputs for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders engaged in land-use planning, environmental conservation, and sustainable development within the Black Volta Basin and similar ecologically sensitive areas.

Using multi criteria decision analysis in a geographical information system framework to assess drought risk

In this study we use the Mun river basin to demonstrate how a Multi Criteria Decision Analysis – Geographical Information Systems (MCDA-GIS) methodology can be used to assess drought risk. This paper not only provides a step forward in considering other elements such as land use change, climate within drought risk but also splits annual risk across three seasons (wet, cool and hot), previously not done. We also investigate how land use change, in the form of a/reforestation and changing crop varieties could potentially mitigate future risk.MCDA rankings from experts found that climatic factors such as rainfall, evapotranspiration and maximum temperature were the most significant. By splitting up the seasons we have been able to observe the temporal and spatial changes in drought risk at an increased detail, an important step in mitigating water security issue in the future. Results for cool months found an increased risk in the north and east (Surin, Si Sa Ket and Rio Et). With hot months finding increased risk in the east (Surin and Si Sa Ket especially) and west in Nakon Ratchasima. Whereas the wet season risk was greatest in the West (Nakon Ratchima, Khon Kean and Mara Sarakham). Differences in future land use scenarios compared to 2017 found that if current trends continued (BAU), the areas at risk from drought will increase. However, by changing land use in the form of a/reforestation (COB) or changing crop types (PRO), drought risk will decrease. Thus, the MCDA-GIS methodology serves as a great starting point, providing a high flexibility in data, meaning the methodology can readily applied to other case studies across the world.

Cost-efficient forest management for safeguarding Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) habitats in Central Finland

ABSTRACT Protection of vulnerable species often creates conflicts between land use and conservation management. Particularly challenging is the case of Siberian flying squirrel (SFS; Pteromys volans). SFS favours mature forest habitats, which are often the target for logging, and therefore its protection causes opportunity costs. In our analysis a regional case study was applied as a platform to create alternative forest management scenarios. These scenarios aimed to maintain and improve SFS habitats with varying magnitudes, from no action in SFS habitat improvement to increasing the amount of suitable habitat for SFS. Stand projections for each forest management scenario were modelled with the Motti stand simulator, and the simulated stand structures were further analyzed using specific indexes with Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies and tools to predict potential nesting and feeding habitats and connectivity for SFS. Connectivity between habitats was assessed with a Least Cost Path analysis. The results showed that some forest management scenarios were more cost-efficient than others in maintaining habitat suitability and connectivity for SFS. Further, with adjusted cutting removals (due to restrictions other than SFS habitat related, mainly recreation) an additional hectare suitable for SFS habitat was considerably more cost-efficient than without the adjustment.

Estimating of Photovoltaic Energy Saving Potential and Investment Energy Value in Malaysia based on GIS Technology

Creating environmentally friendly energy schemes that are sustainable is critical as a solution to the economic, ecological, and societal influences related to the energy sector. It should be noted that buildings utilize up to forty percent of global energy consumption. Furthermore, by 2030, it is anticipated to reach fifty percent. As a result, the world faces a significant dilemma in overcoming such worldwide energy generation issues. Concerning primary energy consumption, Malaysia is among Asia’s largest consumers. Malaysia’s immediate energy use in 2018 was 3.79 quadrillion Btu, growing at a 4.58% annualized rate. This article thoroughly reviewed past studies of global energy usage, particularly in Malaysia, and how the geographical information system (GIS) methodologies were employed for spatial evaluation of energy efficacy. Undoubtedly, effective energy strategies are critical in energy policy, and they can be developed through the application of a variety of methods for energy conservation in building structures. The findings of this study indicate that some GIS methods, such as machine learning, deep learning and multiple criteria decision analysis, are mainly employed for calculating energy consumption, researching renewable energy sources, and analyzing solar radiation. The results also show that the fuzzy_AHP and fuzzy_DS techniques have a higher capability and reliability in identifying the most suitable sites for photovoltaic (PV) farms. Due to the generation of a 3D model exportable to software tools through this technique, the 3D models are deemed efficient for calculating solar radiation. Furthermore, GIS and 3D can assist with various tasks, including access to sunlight in built structures and environments in urban areas, urban growth prediction models, and the habitability of public spaces analysis.

Current patterns of trauma center proliferation have not led to proportionate improvements in access to care or mortality after injury: An ecologic study.

Timely access to high-level (I/II) trauma centers (HLTCs) is essential to minimize mortality after injury. Over the last 15 years, there has been a proliferation of HLTC nationally. The current study evaluates the impact of additional HLTC on population access and injury mortality. A geocoded list of HLTC, with year designated, was obtained from the American Trauma Society, and 60-minute travel time polygons were created using OpenStreetMap data. Census block group population centroids, county population centroids, and American Communities Survey data from 2005 and 2020 were integrated. Age-adjusted nonoverdose injury mortality was obtained from CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Geographically weighted regression models were used to identify independent predictors of HLTC access and injury mortality. Over the 15-year (2005-2020) study period, the number of HLTC increased by 31.0% (445 to 583), while population access to HLTC increased by 6.9% (77.5-84.4%). Despite this increase, access was unchanged in 83.1% of counties, with a median change in access of 0.0% (interquartile range, 0.0-1.1%). Population-level age-adjusted injury mortality rates increased by 5.39 per 100,000 population during this time (60.72 to 66.11 per 100,000). Geographically weighted regression controlling for population demography and health indicators found higher median income and higher population density to be positively associated with majority (≥50%) HLTC population coverage and negatively associated with county-level nonoverdose mortality. Over the past 15 years, the number of HLTC increased 31%, while population access to HLTC increased only 6.9%. High-level (I/II) trauma center designation is likely driven by factors other than population need. To optimize efficiency and decrease potential oversupply, the designation process should include population level metrics. Geographic information system methodology can be an effective tool to assess optimal placement. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.