Geographic Information System Technology Research Articles

Spatial Data Handling System in The Nasai Village Area, South Papua

Merauke Regency is one of the districts in the South Papua Province, geographically located between 1370 - 1410 East Longitude and 50 - 90 South Latitude. With an area of ​​up to 45,013.35 km2 or 38.2 percent of the total area of ​​South Papua Province, making Merauke Regency the largest district not only in South Papua Province but also among other districts in Indonesia. Administratively, Merauke Regency has 22 districts. With the expansion of new provincial territories, Merauke Regency became part of South Papua Province along with Boven Digoel, Asmat and Mappi Regencies. This expansion is based on Law No. 14 of 2022. Merauke has 22 districts/sub-districts and 190 villages. The existence of 190 villages means that spatial data collection is still considered a normal thing, even though spatial data collection in an area is very important, especially with current technological advances. Accurate and integrated management of spatial data is important in planning and decision making in a region, especially in the Nasai Village area, South Papua. This research aims to examine a comprehensive spatial data handling system in this area, using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology as a tool. The methods used in this research include identifying needs and problems related to spatial data, collecting spatial and non-spatial data, as well as designing an integrated geographic information system. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide an overview of the current condition of spatial data management in Nasai Village and provide system recommendations that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of geographic information management in the area.

Ideologies in Geospatial Futurism: A Computational and Critical Discourse Inquiry Into the ArcGIS and ESRI-Blogs

Geographic information systems (GIS) are ubiquitous building blocks of geosurveillance environments embedded in everyday social practices. This article builds on the literature on geomedia, the criticisms of GIS, and communicative spaces, to delve into the realm of GIS software and spatial analytics. The data corpus consists of ArcGIS and ESRI blogs on the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) site, which defines itself as the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. This project assesses the impact of their discursive representations of the future and the societal implications of these views through an iterative process of computational and critical interpretive analyses—extending from LDA topic modelling to critical discourse analysis—to unveil the ideological underpinnings of a corporate-prescribed understanding of (GIS) future. The analysis reveals that representations of the future in the main blogs of the geospatial industry are deeply embedded in ideological principles that emphasise perceived indispensability and technosolutionism as the inherent belief that complex social, political, and economic issues can be solved primarily or exclusively through technological means. The article identifies the rhetorical and structural operations in a discourse that ultimately kidnaps any alternative futures. The geospatial industry’s representations of the future serve as ideological tools that shape perceptions about societal development and democratic conditions. The critical engagement with these representations contributes to understanding the role of GIS technology in the shaping of fair futures built on democratic public spheres in the digital age.

SIGFIS: a Geographic Information System for Monitoring the Use of Water Resources in the State of Pernambuco

Objective: The objective is to develop a Geographic Information System for Monitoring (SIGFIS) for the oversight of water resource use in the State of Pernambuco, aiming to improve the efficiency of monitoring operations and water sustainability. Literature Review: The study is based on theories and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in water resource management. Method: The methodology includes an applied and descriptive study, with data collection from sources such as APAC, IBGE, and CPRM. Documental research methods and field surveys were used, along with geoprocessing. The data were standardized and integrated into a geographic database, with the creation of thematic maps and spatial analyses. Results and Discussion: The results include an improvement in the real-time monitoring capacity of water resources, allowing for a faster response to irregularities and optimization of monitoring resources. Research Implications: Practical implications include improving the efficiency of monitoring operations and APAC's response capacity, while theoretical implications reinforce the importance of GIS in water resource management. It is expected that SIGFIS will contribute to the formulation of more robust and scientifically-based public policies. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by developing a specific GIS for the monitoring of water resources in Pernambuco, demonstrating the relevance of GIS technology in promoting water sustainability and improving environmental governance.

Mapping EU Member States’ Quality of Life during COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

This study proposes an integrated methodology for the assessment and mapping of quality of life (QoL) among European Union member states in the period before and after the pandemic crisis of COVID-19. The assessment of quality of life was based on the development of composite criteria and Geographical Information Systems or GIS technology, using variables that assess quality of life. The composite criteria relate to the socioeconomic environment, employment conditions, economic conditions and health services. Each criterion was evaluated by a set of variables, and each variable was weighted based on relevant research by Greek experts. Criteria were also weighted and combined to assess overall quality of life. The methodology was applied in 27 EU member countries, and mapping led to the identification of countries with low and high quality of life. The results showed a change in the level of overall quality of life in the EU countries before and after the pandemic period, although on a limited scale, since there is a slight reclassification of the countries’ positions. The analysis also revealed the highest level of quality of life in four EU countries [Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Luxembourg] that show an increased GDP per capita, combining a low level of arrears and a low level of inability to make ends meet, whereas four countries showed the lowest level of quality of life [Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia] in both periods.

Spatial modeling of the occurrences of geogenic fluoride in groundwater systems in Tanzania: Implications for the provision of safe drinking water

Inadequate data and spatial dependence in the observations during geochemical studies are among the disturbing conditions when estimating environmental factors contributing to the local variability in the pollutants of interest. Usually, spatial dependence occurs due to the researcher's imperfection on the natural scale of occurrence which affects the sampling strategy. As a consequence, observations on the study variable are significantly correlated in space. In this study, the machine learning approach was developed and used to study the environmental factors controlling the local variability in fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources of northern Tanzania within the East African Rift Valley. The approach constituted the use of geographical information systems (GIS) technology, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) methods, and spatial regression modeling at a local level. The environmental variables used to study the local variation in fluoride concentration include topography, tectonic processes, water exchanges between hydrogeological layers during lateral movement, mineralization processes (EC), and water pH. The study was based on 20 local spatial regimes determined using GIS based on water sources density in the four hydrogeological environments. Specifically, the non-parametric (one-way Kruskal-Wallis sum ranks test and Multiple Comparisons Dunn Test), spatial statistics (Global Moran's I statistic), ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and spatial lag models were used to quantify the effects of topography, tectonic processes, water exchange between hydrogeological environments and water physiochemical parameters (pH and EC) on the spatial variability of fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources at a local scale. In order of significance, the local spatial variation in fluoride concentration is influenced by the EC, topography, tectonic processes, pH, and water exchange between hydrogeological layers during water movement. The results presented in this paper are crucial for safe water access planning in naturally contaminated aquifer systems.

Establishing a Geo-Database for Drinking Water and Its Delivery and Storage Components with an Object-Based Approach

Infrastructure facilities that serve the city as a whole and should be considered as a whole should be built in an orderly and planned manner, just as cities are. Infrastructure facilities become obsolete over time. Aging infrastructure facilities may become unserviceable over time. When the need for maintenance and repair arises, it is mandatory to renew or replace infrastructure facilities. In this case, necessary maintenance/repair and renovation works should be completed as soon as possible. These infrastructure facilities may not be transferred to maps in the digital environment and may often be managed with person-oriented information, not institutional. There is a problem for decision makers, namely, that the construction, maintenance, repair and governance of infrastructure facilities cannot be carried out systematically, on time and effectively. The only way to provide such a service is through the combined use of today’s informatics, Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies, unlike the classical methods of the past. The aim of the study is to effectively manage the scarce resource of drinking water and its facilities, which are an important component of infrastructure facilities, with a method that uses current mapping technologies and informatics facilities. Especially after Infrastructure for Spatial Information (INSPIRE) and the transformation of Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard, Turkish National Geographic Information System (TNGIS) studies and many academic studies carried out in Türkiye have been modelled with Unified Modelling Language (UML) diagrams in accordance with LADM. Similarly, within the scope of this study, UML diagrams were prepared, and then a GIS database was established. Thanks to field workers, chiefs, engineers and others working on water pipelines, all necessary data, classic, as-built and digital, were gathered. These were collected in different ways in order to conduct spatial and non-spatial analysis in the study area of Trabzon. The most important result from the study is that the entire drinking water infrastructure of Trabzon has been transferred to the system in a structure that allows spatial queries, ensuring that damage detection on water components, maintenance and repair processes are carried out in the shortest time and at the lowest cost. The investigation and application of a sensor-integrated GIS-aided system, making it possible to control and monitor the use of lost and illegal water to be controlled as well as inform consumers who will be affected by possible maintenance and repair, is recommended.

Spatio-temporal variations and influencing factors analysis of coastal wetlands in Tianjin, China

Coastal wetlands are one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems and the influences of climate change and anthropogenic factors on changes in coastal wetland distribution have been the subject of active research in recent years. However, the multi-year intergenerational trends in coastal wetland areas, and the factors influencing them in China have not been fully studied using geographic spatial data during the past 30 years. The relative contributions of climate change and anthropogenic factors to spatio-temporal variations in coastal wetland area also remain to be described. In this study, we discuss changes in the coastal wetland areas and the reasons behind them in Tianjin, which is one of China’s fastest developing regions, using remote sensing and geographic information system technology, Pearson correlation analysis, the relative weight method and the land expansion extraction module, the land expansion analysis strategy (LEAS) model of the Patch-generated Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model. The results showed that the total wetland area declined from 2233.59 km2 in 1984 to 1742.73 km2 in 2020. We conclude that the expansion of non-wetland land types is the main driver of natural wetland area decrease, with 830.86 km2 of natural wetlands having been converted to non-wetlands during this period. The large areas of shallow water and tidal marsh that have been converted to construction and bare land particularly emphasize the primary importance of urbanization and coastal reclamation in driving wetland reduction. The results showed that the temporal variation of natural wetlands area was correlated with population density (PD), total gross domestic product (GDP), annual mean temperature (AMT), average relative humidity (ARH), and primary (PI), secondary (SI), and tertiary industrial development (TI). PD, PI, TI, GDP, SI, AMT, and ARH contributed to 24.47 %, 18.21 %, 15.74 %, 14.16 %, 12.77 %, 7.09 %, and 4.86 % of the wetland area decrease, respectively. PD, distance to settlements (DS), distance to railways (DRW), AMT, distance to rivers (DR), and GDP contributed 17.61 %, 14.27 %, 13.83 %, 13.62 %, 12.07 %, and 10.92 % of the spatial variations of natural wetland area, respectively, which showing the predominant effects of anthropogenic variables on the spatio-temporal natural wetland areas. Our results are valuable in identifying the dynamic spatio-temporal variations in coastal wetlands to improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change and human activities on coastal wetlands to help in the future protection and restoration of wetlands.

Enhancing Geographic Information System Skills through Boundary Mapping Training at Pesantren Rahmatullah, Lempake, Samarinda

This program designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of students and teaching staff at Pesantren Rahmatullah (Islamic boarding school) regarding the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in boundary mapping. The initiative was launched recognizing the importance of understanding territorial boundaries in the context of natural resource management, development planning, and disaster mitigation in the surrounding areas. The training includes a series of theoretical sessions and field practices. The first stage involves learning how to gather coordinate points in the field using the Garmin 60 CSX GPS device. The second stage focuses on field data processing and coordinate data correction, covering basic GIS knowledge, introduction to GIS software, and usage of Autodesk Map software and Arc GIS 10.8. The third stage is the scaled printing of processed field data. The duration of the training is one semester, following the curriculum set by the Rahmatullah Islamic boarding school. This training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to produce accurate and informative boundary maps, which will later serve as tools for decision-making and strategic planning at Rahmatullah Lempake Islamic boarding school in Samarinda. Additionally, this activity also aims to enhance the boarding school’s awareness and capacity in utilizing geographic information technology for educational and environmental management purposes.

Applying GIS in Blue-Green Infrastructure Design in Urban Areas for Better Life Quality and Climate Resilience

The expansion of urban centers and peri-urban zones significantly impacts both the natural world and human well-being, leading to issues such as increased air pollution, the formation of urban heat islands, and challenges in water management. The concept of multifunctional greening serves as a cornerstone, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and health-related factors. This study aimed to identify potential locations for three specific types of blue-green infrastructure (BGI): bioswales, infiltration trenches, and green bus stops. Leveraging geospatial datasets, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and remote sensing methodologies, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis and modeling of spatial information. Initial cartographic representations were developed to identify specific locations within Olsztyn, a city in Poland, deemed appropriate for the implementation of the designated blue-green infrastructure (BGI) components. Following this, these models were combined with two additional models created by the researchers: a surface urban heat island (SUHI) model and a demographic model that outlined the age structure of the city’s population. This synergistic approach resulted in the development of a detailed map, which identified potential locations for the implementation of blue-green infrastructure. This was achieved by utilizing vector data acquired with a precision of 1 m. The high level of detail on the map allows for an extremely accurate representation of geographical features and infrastructure layouts, which are essential for precise planning and implementation. This infrastructure is identified as a key strategy for strengthening ecosystem resilience, improving urban livability, and promoting public health and well-being.

On-Site Determination of Soil Organic Carbon Content: A Photocatalytic Approach

This investigation presents a new approach for evaluating soil organic carbon (SOC) content in farming soils using a photocatalytic chemical oxygen demand (PeCOD) analyzer combined with geographic information system (GIS) technology for spatial analysis. Soil samples were collected at various sites throughout Canada and were analyzed using sieve analysis, followed by further SOC evaluation using three distinct techniques: loss on ignition (LOI), Walkley-Black, and PeCOD. The PeCOD system, which relies on the photochemical oxidation of organic carbon, showed an exciting correlation between its evaluations and SOC content, making it a prompt and reliable method to evaluate SOC. In this investigation, finer materials such as clayey soils (soil fractions of (<50 µm)) demonstrated high SOC content compared to coarser ones (soil fractions of (>75 µm)) and decreased SOC content with increased soil depth, generally below the 30 cm mark. It should be noted that this investigation revealed that other variables, such as land management practices, precipitation, and atmospheric temperature, have drastic effects on the formation and residence time of SOC. GIS georeferencing еnablеd mapping of the SOC distribution and identification of hotspot areas with high SOC content. The results of this study have implications for sustainable farming, climate change mitigation, and soil health operations by providing farmers with schemes that amplify carbon sequestration while simultaneously improving soil health.

Using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for road transportation services management based on remote sensing and GIS technology

Abstract The importance of site selection for road transportation management and emergency services has been underscored, particularly in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic in addition to road accident injuries, which emphasized the need for swift patient, injured and wounded peoples transfer to hospitals. As a result, comprehensive road transportation management is essential during crises to ensure the safety and convenience of road users. To achieve effective road network management, a robust database is imperative. The aim of this study is to employ multi-criteria decision analysis with the aid of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology and remote sensing for the optimization of site selection for traffic signals, fire stations, and emergency services in Kafr El-Sheikh city, Egypt. The methodology incorporates two different methods which are Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and the spline transformation method. The integration of Fuzzy set theory with AHP principles has given rise to a variant of AHP known as F-AHP. F-AHP combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Fuzzy logic handles situations that are vague or poorly defined by assigning numerical values. Through the F-AHP approach, criteria that decision-makers unanimously deem “absolutely not important” in comparison to others are eliminated, allowing them to focus on the most significant criteria. As a case study, an Egyptian city was selected to apply these techniques. The results revealed multiple sites that were identified and selected through the applied analytical methods. These selected sites were also marked on the city map and verified in reality.

Application of GIS and Artificial Intelligence in Military Operations: Prospects and Challenges

Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing have been considered significant in the military due to their spatiality in nature. Recent military developments have seen various military institutions depending on spatial mapping tools, for the purpose of command, control, communication and coordination in military operations. In this study, the qualitativeanalytical method was used to illustrate the applications of GIS in military operations, drawing lessons from land based military developments from selected studies. An online survey was conducted to extract information from a sample of forty (40) students undertaking War Studies at the University of Zimbabwe, who were conveniently selected for the study. In-depth interviews were also done with two (2) military experts from the university. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative interpretation of recent developments in military GIS. The benefits of GIS and machine learning in military operations included access to information; improved data management; information dissemination; improved terrain analysis; object, target or pattern recognition; quick data processing algorithms; autonomous systems; and predictive analysis. The study also notes some challenges associated with GIS and machine learning in military operations include expensive to set up which constituted of respondents; training requirements; cyber-security; software issues; offensive in nature, as well as misinterpretation of situations. The study recommends the need for human-AI collaboration and the development of a regulatory framework at national, regional and international level in ensuring sustainable implementation of GIS technology in military operations.

The practical aspects of remote land sensing study of the causes of water penetration on ground hydraulic structures

This article is devoted to the application of remote sensing in the context of the natural and technical geosystem of the Dniester PSPP. The main emphasis is placed on the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and thermographic data to determine the factors that may cause abnormal thermal load on hydraulic structures. The study is aimed at identifying and analysing temperature gradients that may influence the occurrence of thermal anomalies. The study is aimed at identifying potential causes, mechanisms and factors affecting water manifestations. The subject of the analysis is also the relationship between the temperature gradient on the surface of structures and the presence of water leakage, as well as the impact of temperature on geological, hydrological and engineering systems of the structure. The analysis process is based on the interpretation of thermographic data reflecting the local heating of the surface of the hydraulic structure and the geotechnical characteristics of the soils, taking into account the design features of the hydraulic structure The research provides valuable insights that can be used to optimise the design and construction of earthen dams. Analysis of thermal processes is an important step in understanding and predicting their impact on the geological structure and hydrogeological properties of the environment. Man-made soils placed in the protective layers of a dam are subject to significant uneven heating. Keywords: geoecology, constructive geography, geosystems, river-basin systems, river-valley landscapes, river natural and technical systems, landscape technical systems, landscape engineering systems, GIS technologies, Dniester PSPP, remote sensing, thermo map, GNSS.

The whole world in your hands: explorations in sustainability education using geospatial tools

This paper describes the integration of geographic information system (GIS) technology in a high school environmental science classroom, specifically examining the impact of GIS technology on student engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning for Education for Sustainability (EfS). This environmental science classroom utilized ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps to facilitate hands-on learning, enabling students to explore spatial relationships, analyze data, and communicate insights to foster engagement and critical thinking. This GIS technology promotes interdisciplinary learning by connecting essential environmental issues with location and other social factors. Students deepen their understanding of human-environment interactions by interpreting spatial data, empowering them to propose sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Using ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps, students engaged in guided lessons, explored sustainability topics, and created their own StoryMaps based on the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings highlight positive engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning impacts. Students demonstrated increased interest, understanding of complex issues, and developed analytical skills through spatial data analysis. The approach encouraged interdisciplinary thinking and expanded awareness of ongoing environmental challenges, supporting EfS goals.

USE OF MODERN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) IN MAPPING NATURE NETWORKS

Nature conservation is crucial for preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and the overall health of our planet. In recent years, modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has revolutionized the way we map, analyze, and manage natural environments. This article will delve into the role of GIS technology in enhancing nature conservation efforts, highlighting its benefits, applications. By harnessing the power of GIS, conservationists can better understand and protect the intricate networks of nature, ensuring the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

Study of the modern reclamation and ecological state of soils in Azerbaijan

For many years in the Republic of Azerbaijan, numerous reclamation and ecological measures aimed at attracting agricultural lands of natural cenoses to use in agrocenoses were carried out. The soils of the studied territory are quite unique in terms of their soil-forming structure and ecological conditions, and they differ from other regions of the country in terms of irrigation water content. The article reflects some important results of soil and water studies conducted over the last years. Determining the qualitative composition of groundwater and irrigation water in different seasons of the year using modern methods is relevant from an environmental and reclamation point of view. Based on remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies, our research is based on the analysis of natural and anthropogenic landscape changes and changes in natural conditions as a result of agricultural development in the 20 km buffer zone along the banks of Kura and Araz rivers. As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that the rapid growth of the population has caused the reduction of the area of agro-landscapes, the salinization of the soil, the drying of the water in the water basins, the expansion of the construction areas. This has disrupted the natural balance.

Interaction of drought-influencing factors for drought mitigation strategies in Lam Ta Kong Watershed, Khorat Plateau

Generally, drought is influenced by both spatial characteristics and anthropogenic activities within an area. Drought vulnerability assessment is a critical tool that can be effectively used to develop proper drought mitigation strategies to prevent avoidable losses. To develop suitable drought mitigation strategies, the overall drought vulnerability must be assessed, and the interaction among drought-influencing factors in the area should be considered. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the interactions among critical drought-influencing factors and drought vulnerability in the Lam Ta Kong Watershed via spatial analysis with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information system (GIS) technology. Ten drought-influencing factors were considered in the vulnerability assessment: slope, elevation, soil texture, soil fertility, stream density, precipitation, temperature, precipitation days, evaporation, and land use. The results indicated that the critical drought-influencing factors were precipitation, precipitation days, and land use, resulting in most of the watershed experiencing high drought vulnerability (35.1% of the watershed or 1810.83 km2). Moreover, this research highlighted the interactions among the critical drought-influencing factors. Precipitation interacted with precipitation days to cause drought vulnerability across the watershed, with a p-value <0.05. Similarly, the interactions between precipitation and land use and between precipitation days and land use, with p-values <0.05, showed that they were associated with and influenced by drought in the Lam Ta Kong Watershed. This study further indicated that appropriate drought mitigation strategies for this watershed must consider the interactions among these drought-influencing factors, as well as their specific interactions across the watershed.

Geographic Information Systems for Water Quality Modeling in the Zhytomyr District Communities

Abstract To ensure safe and quality drinking water for residents of rural settlements who use their own wells, boreholes, and natural sources for domestic water supply, a comprehensive approach to evaluating the quality of underground drinking water using geographic information system (GIS) technologies is necessary. The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of drinking water sources of noncentralized water supply in rural settlements of the united territorial communities (UTCs) of Zhytomyr district and to create geoinformation models based on the research results. The following research methods were used during the research: analytical, field, laboratory, statistical, calculation, and cartographic. The research was conducted in 129 settlements of 12 UTCs of Zhytomyr district, where drinking water samples were collected from noncentralized water supply sources for further analysis in the Measurement Laboratory of Polissia National University, and the creation of geoinformation models using the ArcGIS Pro software package. It has been proven that the average pH level in none of the studied settlements exceeded the norm. The average nitrate concentration in the drinking water from noncentralized water sources exceeded the norm by 1.4–3.5 times, specifically in the water of the Pulyny, Cherniakhiv, Vilshanka, Volytsia, and Oliivka communities, exceeding the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) limit by more than two times. Only in rural settlements in the Liubar community was the average iron content found to be above the norm by more than 1.9 times. Overall, it was established that the calculated value of the overall water quality class in the Zhytomyr district was 2.03, which is determined as “good,” clean water of acceptable quality. The best water quality was found in the Vilshanka, Cherniakhiv, and Stanyshivka communities, with a quality class range of 1.85–1.93, while the worst water quality was recorded in the Oliivka, Teterivka, and Liubar communities, with a quality class range of 2.13–2.31. It was determined that the highest contribution to the overall water quality was made by nitrate and iron content. The obtained research results and models based on them can be used by local governments of the studied communities to inform the population about the quality of drinking water and to develop a plan for improving the state of drinking water supply with the aim of increasing the level of environmental safety of drinking water.

Historical Insights into Sustainable Development: Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Ancient Trade and Settlements

Ancient trade routes significantly influenced political structures, cultural exchanges, economic development, and landscape transformations across diverse regions. The Ancient Tea Horse Road, a prominent historical commercial pathway in China, is crucial for ecosystem and cultural heritage conservations. This study uses content and comparative analysis, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and spatial analysis to examine the spatiotemporal relationships between 13,026 settlement points identified via Google Earth and 445 recorded settlement names within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The findings indicate that the Ancient Tea Horse Road evolved from a simple linear form to a complex radial network, reflecting its growth from local to broad regional connectivity. Settlements related to administrative, postal, and commercial functions emerged in its vicinity, underscoring the route’s impact on social structures and economic activities. The development of settlements, mainly within a 10 km radius of the route, was closely linked to its expansion, alteration, and decline, offering insights into contemporary settlement distribution patterns. This research not only enhances the understanding of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and its surrounding settlements but also supports the protection of ancient trade routes and their cultural heritage. It contributes to sustainable development by integrating ecological preservation with the safeguarding of ancient trade routes and their cultural legacies.

Design and Implementation of Time Point Approval and Dynamic Monitoring for Rural Illegal Occupation of Farmland for Constructing Houses

Abstract. The illegal occupation of farmland for building houses has impact not only on the land resources, but also the agricultural production, ecological environment, and food security. In order to protect farmland resources, maintain stable agricultural production activities and improve ecological environment, this paper designs and implements a time-point approval and dynamic monitoring solution and system for the problem of rural illegal occupation of farmland for constructing houses by comprehensively utilizing the satellite remote sensing technology (RS) and geographic information system technology (GIS). The result shows that the time-point approval and dynamic monitoring system can identify the illegal construction of houses accurately, thus this work can curb the generation of new illegal houses, and support the special governance of the construction of illegally occupied farmland effectively and continuously.