Geographic Information System Resources Research Articles

Spatial Analysis of COVID-19 cases and intensive care beds in the State of Ceará, Brazil.

The geographical distribution of COVID-19 through Geographic Information Systems resources is hardly explored. We aimed to analyze the distribution of COVID-19 cases and the exclusive intensive care beds in the state of Ceará, Brazil. This is an ecological study with the geographic distribution of the case detection coefficient in 184 municipalities. Maps of crude and estimated values (global and local Bayesian method) were developed, calculating the Moran index and using BoxMap and MoranMap. Intensive care beds were distributed through geolocalized points. In total, 3,000 cases and 459 beds were studied. The highest rates were found in the capital Fortaleza, the Metropolitan Region (MR), and the south of this region. A positive spatial autocorrelation has been identified in the local Bayesian rate (I = 0.66). The distribution of beds superimposed on the BoxMap shows clusters with a High-High pattern of number of beds (capital, MR, northwestern part). However, a similar pattern is found in the far east or transition areas with insufficient beds. The MoranMap shows clusters statistically significant in the state. COVID-19 interiorization in Ceará requires contingency measures geared to the distribution of specific intensive care beds for COVID-19 cases in order to meet the demand.

Dynamic Monitoring of RS and GIS Resources and Ecological Environment Based on High Temperature Materials

The dynamic monitoring and analysis of regional ecological environment is an important part of land use research, which can provide support for regional ecological environment and macro regulation of government departments. With the support of remote sensing technology (RS) and geographic information system (GIS), a land use dynamic monitoring system is established to obtain land use change information quickly, accurately and economically. In order to reduce the influence of thermal radiation, noise and vibration of high temperature material machinery on the measurement results in high temperature measurement environment, the paper proposed the measurement method of ultraviolet light high humidity thermal deformation and gray average method. In this paper, the algorithm of digital image correlation method and the establishment of high temperature measurement system are studied. A set of high temperature material mechanical digital image correlation system suitable for high humidity environment measurement is independently established and applied to the high humidity test of materials. The results show that the above comprehensive method can effectively improve the influence of thermal flow disturbance on system imaging in high humidity environment. Comprehensive analysis of regional ecological environment data shows that environmental quality is closely related to regional ecological environment. Meteorological conditions are one of the important factors affecting the environment, and the project of returning farmland to forest plays a vital role in improving the environment.

Integrating police reports with geographic information system resources for uncovering patterns of pedestrian crashes in Denmark

Promoting walking goes a long way in contributing to the sustainability and health of future cities and regions, and improving pedestrian safety is essential for building more sustainable and healthier communities. As the problem is multifaceted in nature, this study looks at patterns of pedestrian crashes from a perspective that goes beyond the traditional investigation of pedestrian characteristics and behaviour by analysing the contribution of built environment, land use, and traffic conditions. Moreover, this study goes beyond the traditional analysis of traditional police reports by integrating them with rich geographic information system resources. This study analysed a sample of 7469 crashes between a pedestrian and another road user that occurred in Denmark between 2006 and 2015. The crash locations were geocoded and matched to a detailed traffic network, a transport planning model, and several resources detailing building and land use composition. Latent class analysis uncovered patterns of pedestrian crashes for both the fully identified records and the substantial amount of hit-and-run records. Findings from this study reveal a major red thread in the lack of hazard awareness for both pedestrians and road users and suggest solutions from both the behavioural and the infrastructure perspectives. Major needs are (i) educating pedestrians about the risks related to drinking and then walking along major roads in the darkness, (ii) making crossings for pedestrians and approaches for road users easier to understand and to access in order to reduce unnecessary conflicts, and (iii) designing traffic calming solutions around major shopping and leisure locations in dense city centres.

Considering built environment and spatial correlation in modeling pedestrian injury severity

ABSTRACTObjective: This study looks at mitigating and aggravating factors that are associated with the injury severity of pedestrians when they have crashes with another road user and overcomes existing limitations in the literature by focusing attention on the built environment and considering spatial correlation across crashes.Method: Reports for 6,539 pedestrian crashes occurred in Denmark between 2006 and 2015 were merged with geographic information system resources containing detailed information about the built environment and exposure at the crash locations. A linearized spatial logit model estimated the probability of pedestrians sustaining a severe or fatal injury conditional on the occurrence of a crash with another road user.Results: This study confirms previous findings about older pedestrians and intoxicated pedestrians being the most vulnerable road users and crashes with heavy vehicles and in roads with higher speed limits being related to the most severe outcomes. This study provides novel perspectives by showing positive spatial correlations of crashes with the same severity outcomes and emphasizing the role of the built environment in the proximity of the crash.Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for thinking about traffic calming measures, illumination solutions, road maintenance programs, and speed limit reductions. Moreover, this study emphasizes the role of the built environment, because shopping areas, residential areas, and walking traffic density are positively related to a reduction in pedestrian injury severity. Often, these areas have in common a larger pedestrian mass that is more likely to make other road users more aware and attentive, whereas the same does not seem to apply to areas with lower pedestrian density.

Web-Based Geographic Information Systems: Experience and Perspectives of Planners and the Implications for Extension

Web-based geographic information system (GIS) technology, or web-based GIS, offers many opportunities for public planners and Extension educators who have limited GIS backgrounds or resources. However, investigation of its use in planning has been limited. The study described here examined the use of web-based GIS by public planning agencies. A 2013 web-based survey of 274 public planning agency staff throughout Wisconsin revealed that use of web-based GIS for planning tasks lags behind use of software-based GIS and that agency use is hampered by a number of barriers. The findings suggest that Extension professionals can help practitioners become more familiar and proficient with web-based GIS applications.

The Interactive-GIS-Tutor (IGIST): an option for GIS teaching in resource-poor South African schools

This paper reports findings from a study that examined geographic information system (GIS) knowledge development after the introduction of an Interactive-GIS-Tutor (IGIST) as a multimedia teaching tool. Although GIS has been included in the curriculum over the past decade, the majority of teachers continue to lack formal GIS training, resources, and support. As a potential solution to this problem, the IGIST offers teachers the option of using either a computer connected to a digital projector or a computer laboratory within the same application. Nine classes of grade 11 geography learners (n = 215) were selected and separated into three groups: a projector group (IP), a computer group (IC) and a textbook group (C), which also acted as the control group. After the IGIST intervention, the IP group revealed a statistically significant effect with regard to knowledge development, whereas the IC group demonstrated a significant practical effect. Participant interviews confirmed that the use of IGIST in combination with a digital projector, or within a computer laboratory, is a workable GIS teaching and learning option. Future IGIST development recommendations include providing multi-language options and more video clips with exploratory activities in Quantum GIS. This work provides a foundation upon which to expand dialogue among GIS developers, academia, teachers and the Department of Basic Education on the development of workable GIS teaching options.

Geographic information systems (GIS) and libraries: concepts, services and resources

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an introduction to core geographic information systems (GIS) concepts, prominent GIS software, the role of libraries in providing GIS services and support and resources for professional library staff to increase GIS knowledge and skills to fulfill the mission of serving the information needs of library patrons. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides an overview of GISs core concepts and terminologies, Library GIS services and resources for library staff development. Findings – As GISs are being used by researchers in an ever-growing number of disciplines, librarians must increase their proficiency with geospatial technologies. Originality/value – While GISs have been used by certain researcher populations for some time, the increased use of such geospatial technologies creates a need for librarians who possess the skills and knowledge to assist patrons with their GIS needs. This paper introduces professional library staff to important GIS concepts, potential GIS services and resources to increase library staff’s competence with GISs.

Spatial Access to Faith-based Diabetes Intervention for Guyanese Adults in Schenectady, New York.

The purpose of this study is to examine whether travel distance would pose a barrier to participation in proposed diabetes intervention programs for Guyanese immigrants at faith-based organizations (FBOs). This study also suggests the most collectively accessible set of FBOs that could serve as intervention sites. Data were extracted from a cross-sectional health interview survey conducted in Schenectady, New York, in 2011. The shortest driving distances from homes to FBOs and to the city's only diabetes education center (DEC) were analyzed among Guyanese and non-Guyanese adults with diabetes and prediabetes (n = 238), using spatial algorithms and Geographic Information System resources. The Guyanese were more likely to belong to a FBO than the non-Guyanese (77.8% vs 61.2%). The mean driving distance to FBO was 1.19 miles (95% CI, 0.98-1.39) for the Guyanese, which was significantly shorter than that for the non-Guyanese (2.87 miles, 95% CI, 1.93-3.82). The Guyanese had uniformly shorter mean and median driving distances in all sociodemographic and health status subcategories as well. Moreover, a higher percentage of the Guyanese lived closer to FBO than to DEC compared to non-Guyanese (52.2% vs 34.7%). It was found that having diabetes intervention at the 4 most popular FBOs (2 Hindu temples and 2 Christian churches) and DEC would provide the most collectively accessible arrangement for the Guyanese. The results suggest that the short driving distance to FBO is a likely enabler that can encourage regular utilization of the faith-based intervention for the Guyanese.

A GIS-Based Approach in Support of Spatial Planning for Renewable Energy: A Case Study of Fukushima, Japan

This paper presents an approach in support of spatial planning for renewable energy at the regional level. It aims to establish an elaborate and informative procedure, as well as integrated quantification and visualization, to support decision making. The proposed approach is composed of a set of sequential steps that include primary energy consumption estimation, renewable energy potential estimation, energy self-sufficiency analysis, and composite map preparation using Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is used to analyze solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydro-power potential within Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Potential sites are determined based on geographic, topographic, and land use constraints. Evacuees’ population and forest radiation levels are specifically considered in the context of consequent issues emanating from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis. Energy self-sufficiency analysis has been conducted for years 2020 and 2030. A composite map showing potential sites and their interrelation to the above renewable energy resources has also been presented. These results may support decision making in regional renewable energy planning, by providing information on regional potentials and restrictions to different energy stakeholders. This can help to build an energy developmental vision, which can drive regional energy development towards sustainability. The proposed approach can also be applied to other Japanese municipalities or regions. It provides an example on how to establish local GIS databases through the utilization of various online open GIS resources in Japan.

GIS: an annotated guide to selected resources

PurposeThis article aims to provide an annotated bibliography of some of the geographic information system (GIS) resources, specifically data sets, available to libraries and researchers. Drawing on the collective authors' experience working with the GIS resources, this article aims to help librarians interested in developing and building their GIS collection.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was performed using library databases, as well as consulting various library subject guides on the topic. Idaho State University is home to the GIS Training and Research Center and the university offers Master's degrees in Geographic Information Science and Historical Resources Management; the authors consulted graduate GIS students on resources used in the program.FindingsThere is a large body of literature on GIS. This annotated guide, while not comprehensive, is a solid start to a GIS resources collection.Originality/valueNo other annotated bibliography currently exists for those interested in building a library collection of GIS data sets.

Exploring a Web-Based Pedagogical Model to Enhance GIS Education

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are defined as: “An integrated collection of computer software and data used to view and manage information about geographic places, analyze spatial relationships, and model spatial processes.” (Wade & Sommer, 2006) Originally, GIS users were comprised primarily of scientists and engineers. In time, hardware and software advancements provided the catalyst for expanded use by the global community. In addition, the continued integration and access to information systems via the Internet and mobile devices has contributed to the success of GIS in society. Aside from commercial training, institutions of higher learning have played a major role in the technical training of GIS professionals. As with other technically orientated topics of study, pedagogical considerations exist that include: problem solving skills, information retention, and approaches towards learning. A pedagogical approach utilizing student generated and existing Internet GIS resources may provide an effective method of addressing GIS education.

A new approach to landslide geomorphological mapping using the Open Source software in the Olvera area (Cadiz, Spain)

This paper presents the preliminary results of a geomorphological survey of the Olvera area (Cadiz province, Betic Ranges, Spain) and the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) Open Source (OS) software plus Database Management System (DBMS) for making available and distributing the landslide data over the Web. In the geomorphologic survey, different landforms have been identified in the area, including structural, anthropogenic, fluvial, karst, and slope forms. In particular, the majority of the slope forms are complex (from topple to rotational slides and falls), but there are also minor forms like debris flows and mudslides. To manage geomorphological data, an Open Source GIS was used, which contained the following components: QuantumGIS, System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA), GIS and Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS), GIS for Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation. A key aim was to make the project-derived data available over the Web. This was achieved using MapServer which allows for the representation of the derived geospatial data with pMapper providing the graphical Web interface. Our study highlights the process dynamics of run-off erosion in Olvera derived through the use of advanced computer-based mapping tools. The resulting map products and interpretations are available via the Internet. To date, derivative maps have been produced to improve maintenance of roads and transport and of the construction of new infrastructure.

Using Model-Centered Instruction to Introduce GIS in Teacher Preparation Programs

The University of Toledo offered an introductory course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for teachers, the first of its kind taught in the College of Education. The course objectives sought to increase teachers' GIS skills, knowledge of geographic inquiry, application of the inquiry process to solving problems related to K-12 curricula, and ability to locate useful GIS resources. The course that met for four hours a day for two weeks, included seven graduate-level teachers in the areas of art, physical education, science, and math. Model-centered instruction focused on a geographic inquiry model served as a framework for course instruction, class activities, homework, and project designs. Final projects demonstrated that teachers learned to see relationships between geography and their respective disciplines, apply an inquiry model to solving problems, and think critically about geographic information when provided with steps from an established model. Course outcomes lend some evidence that even a very short course can be a very effective means of introducing GIS in a teacher education program.

Building a Mountain GIS Portal for Sustainable Mountain Development

abstractOnce a science of only a few insiders, Geographic Information System (GIS) has now become a mainstream IT application that affects our daily lives in many ways. The value of Geo-IT in addressing various issues on sustainable development has been well recognized. One of the reasons for the hindrance of the real Geo-IT applications is the lack of proper data infrastructure and sharing mechanisms in the developing world. Many countries are working on developing national spatial data infrastructures (NSDI) to deal with various components necessary to facilitate spatial data and its sharing to a broad user base. In this context, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has been working on spatial data infrastructure at a regional level in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region to develop a common framework for sharing data and knowledge for application of GIS in sustainable mountain development. A mountain GIS portal has been developed using the latest GIS and the Internet mapping technologies. The portal, developed to share GIS resources such as metadata, spatial data, maps, application methodologies, publications and training materials, will certainly reinforce the NSDI efforts in the countries of the HKH. ICIMOD in partnership with national institutions is developing country-based portals in a similar framework that will be a part of the larger network at the regional level. It is envisaged that the development of this distributed network with a building block approach will ultimately form spatial data infrastructure for both national and regional use. Visit http://www.icimod-gis.net.np.

Public health education and practice using geographic information system technology.

The use of geographic information system (GIS) technology allows public health practitioners to explore disparities in health, analyze disease outbreaks, and prioritize the use of limited resources for improving population health. Nursing students benefit from use of World Wide Web GIS resources as they develop knowledge and skill in assessing population health and planning interventions. This article identifies the benefits of GIS for public health practitioners, presents a communicable disease control application of GIS, and discusses a GIS module used in an undergraduate nursing education course. Uniform standards for making health data available for public use with GIS are discussed.

Linking GIS and water resources management models: an object-oriented method

Many challenges are associated with the integration of geographic information systems (GISs) with models in specific applications. One of them is adapting models to the environment of GISs. Unique aspects of water resource management problems require a special approach to development of GIS data structures. Expanded development of GIS applications for handling water resources management analysis can be assisted by use of an object oriented approach. In this paper, we model a river basin water allocation problem as a collection of spatial and thematic objects. A conceptual GIS data model is formulated to integrate the physical and logical components of the modeling problem into an operational framework, based on which, extended GIS functions are developed to implement a tight linkage between the GIS and the water resources management model. Through the object-oriented approach, data, models and users interfaces are integrated in the GIS environment, creating great flexibility for modeling and analysis. The concept and methodology described in this paper is also applicable to connecting GIS with models in other fields that have a spatial dimension and hence to which GIS can provide a powerful additional component of the modeler’s tool kit.

Resources for Computerized Crime Mapping

This report inventories geographic information systems resources for crime mapping, with a view to publicizing new research tools applicable to topics in sociology, public administration, criminology, and other social sciences.

Geographic Information Systems: The Case of Disaster Management

Disaster management, by its very nature, is spatially oriented, and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies promise to revolutionize the field. This analysis examines the major issues in the utilization of GIS in managing disasters and recommends strategies to facilitate and increase its use. The principal focus is on assuring that local GIS capabilities are expanded and maintained, that spatial data are available in forms useful to other users, and that local GIS resources be developed collaboratively. The experience with Hurricane Andrew is used to demonstrate both the importance of GIS to disaster management and the development of GIS capabilities. Keywords: Federal Geographic Data Committee, geographic information systems, National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, National Spatial Data Infrastructure, North Carolina Multi-Agency GIS Initiative, Spatial Data Transfer Standard.