Geographic Information System Environment Research Articles

Landslide susceptibility modelling in the Doda Kishtwar ramban (DKR) region of Jammu and Kashmir using remote sensing and geographic information system

The present study represents a significant understanding, employing cutting-edge Remote Sensing(RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies by conducting a comprehensive landslide susceptibility modelling in the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban (DKR) districts of the Union Territory of the Jammu and Kashmir in the NW Himalaya. The primary objective of this study is to determine the areas that are at high risk of landslides and accordingly classified these risk zones into five distinct categories, ranging from very high (VH) to very low (VL) susceptibility. To achieve this, a multifaceted approach, involving the utilization of various terrain thematic layers in the GIS environment was applied. The preferred framework employed in this study is the Weighted Overlay (WO) analysis. The final outcome of the study is the final landslide susceptibility map which is a significant and valuable resource for a wide range of stakeholders, including decision-makers, land managers, and local communities. It equips these stakeholders with the information and insights required to adopt proactive strategies in response to the identified landslide susceptibility zones.

A Usable Encryption Solution for File-Based Geospatial Data within a Database File System

Developing a security solution for spatial files within today’s enterprise Geographical Information System (GIS) that is also usable presents a multifaceted challenge. These files exist in “data silos” of different file server types, resulting in limited collaboration and increased vulnerability. While cloud-based data storage offers many benefits, the associated security concerns have limited its uptake in GIS, making it crucial to explore comparable alternative security solutions that can be deployed on-premise and are also usable. This paper introduces a reasonably usable security solution for spatial files within collaborative enterprise GIS. We explore a Database File System (DBFS) as a potential repository to consolidate and manage spatial files based on its enterprise document management capabilities and security features inherited from the underlying legacy DBMS. These files are protected using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm with practical encryption times of 8 MB per second. The final part focuses on an automated encryption solution with schemes for single- and multi-user files that is compatible with various GIS programs and protocol services. Usability testing is carried out to assess the solution’s usability and focuses on effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction, with the results demonstrating its usability based on the minimal changes it makes to how users work in a collaborative enterprise GIS environment. The solution furnishes a viable means for consolidating and protecting spatial files with various formats at the storage layer within enterprise GIS.

Prioritization of soil erosion-prone sub-watersheds using geomorphometric and statistical-based weighted sum priority approach in the middle Omo-Gibe River basin, Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Soil erosion, a major factor contributing to land degradation, poses significant environmental challenges across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. This study identifies erosion-prone sub-watersheds in southern Ethiopia's middle Omo-Gibe River basin using digital elevation model data, analyzed using a geomorphometric and statistically weighted sum priority approach in a Geographic Information System environment. Additionally, hypsometric analysis, lithology, land use/cover analysis, and field observations were integrated to enhance methodological reliability in assessing soil erosion patterns and subsequent land degradation in the basin. Results highlight sub-watersheds with varying degrees of erosion sensitivity, emphasizing morphometric parameters and landscape characteristics. Furthermore, hypsometric analysis confirms a moderate to high susceptibility of sub-watersheds to soil erosion. Moreover, half of the river basin consists of shrubland, encompassing scrubs, range lands, and small wooded areas. These are less efficient in mitigating erosion compared to forests, especially in the face of significant summer rainfall and ensuing runoff. Statistical prioritization identified 19 sub-watersheds, covering 43% of the basin's total area, as highly prone to soil erosion and land degradation. The study's findings are valuable for Ethiopian watershed management decision-makers, enabling informed resource allocation and targeted interventions to control soil erosion and protect water resources by utilizing the outputs of this study.

Estimating groundwater resources in an equatorial forested basin using geographic information system and remote sensing techniques (case of Nyong, South Cameroon)

ABSTRACT This article aims to produce a groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) map of the Nyong basin using an integrated analytical hierarchy process driven in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. For this, seven parameters (rainfall, geology, slopes, drainage density, land use and land cover, lineament density, and soil) known to influence the availability of groundwater were considered. The results obtained show that the Eastern part of the basin holds the largest quantities of groundwater. The produced map shows that this region includes high and very high GWPZs (yield > 6 l/s). It is essentially characterized by abundant rainfall (on average 135–136 and 131–134 mm), low slopes, significant drainage and lineament densities, and significant forest cover. On the other hand, the opposite region (west), which includes the low and very low GWPZs, is characterized by less abundant precipitation (on average 121–125 and 125–128 mm), significant slopes, lower drainage and lineament densities, and greater impervious areas. With a success rate of 80%, confidence deserves to be placed in the GWPZs map produced. It can be considered in water supply projects in this basin. Such work has never been done in this basin before.

Soil Erosion Risk Estimation by using Semi Empirical RUSLE model: A case study of Maniyari Basin, Chhattisgarh

Soil is the protective skin of our earth's surface, but today’s numerous population pressures on land, along with industrialization, climatic variability such as a vigorous increase in temperature, acid rain, and deforestation, definitely degrade the quality of land. It should have to evaluate the quality of the land and find out the nutrition status as well as the soil health. The present study is employed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to predict erosion risk using the Semi-Empirical Revised Soil Loss Erosion Model (RUSLE). The physiographic soil map has been prepared by visual interpretation of the Sentinal 2 satellite image, from which the soil erodibility factor has been derived. The digital elevation model (DEM) has been prepared from a contour map and used as the base map for the topographic-related analysis. In this model, the slope length (LS) factor has been prepared from the DEM. The crop conservation and management factor (C) and support practice factor (P) factors have been derived from the LULC map. It has been found that 4.45% of the watershed comes under very high erosion, 3.50% under high erosion, 7.80% under moderate erosion, 11.37% under low erosion, and 51.36% under a very low erosion-prone zone.

Identification of appropriate sites for solar-based green hydrogen production using a combination of density-based clustering, Best-Worst Method, and Spatial GIS

Hydrogen is a relatively new source of sustainable energy resources; presently, its usage ranges from direct energy generation in mixed-cycle thermal power plants to its usage in the internal combustion engine. If the generation of hydrogen is coupled with renewable energy resources, the use of hydrocarbons can be substantially reduced in both energy generation and transportation. In this paper, we conducted a national-level assessment to identify the hydrogen generation capacity of Pakistan. The methodology used in this study is a combination of spatial multi-criteria analysis and density-based clustering in a geographical information systems environment. Based on the analysis, the national clusters capable of producing green hydrogen were identified. The results shows that the hydrogen generation capacity for Pakistan is approximately 7 million tons per year using solar photovoltaic energy. The Surab-Gwadar alignment, N-25 national highway, and Quetta-to-D-I-Khan alignment offer potential hydrogen generation sites with water resources. Most of the identified sites for the production of hydrogen in the country were found to be near the national electricity transmission networks. The Best-Worst Method was further employed to provide policymakers with a road map for prioritizing the development of these capacities based on their proximity to the national networks, their terrain suitability, and their generation capacities.

GIS-based assessment of soil erosion and sediment yield using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model in the Murredu Watershed, Telangana, India

The current investigation was conducted in the Murredu watershed, situated in India. The essential datasets, such as the digital elevation model (DEM), soil, land use land cover (LULC), and rainfall parameters, were processed and analysed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. The current research utilised the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model analysis to assess the mean soil loss in the Murredu watershed. The mean annual soil loss was calculated to be 14.06 t/ha/year, which is a high soil erosion risk. The RUSLE model results indicate a good outcome with an accuracy of 72.8%. Furthermore, the research area revealed that sub-watersheds (SW) 2 and SW 14 had the maximum and minimum mean annual soil loss, respectively. The SDR for the watershed, known as Murredu, was 0.227. The Murredu watershed outlet received an annual sediment transfer rate of 3.19 t/ha/year. Through investigation, it was determined that SW 2 had the maximum average annual sediment yield, while SW 11 had the minimum. This current investigation provides valuable insights for stakeholders, decision-makers, and policymakers regarding sustainable ways of managing watersheds.

Evaluation of historical rainfall series for rainwater capture in the city of Teófilo Otoni/MG

This study aimed to evaluate the linear correlation between data from four rainfall stations for the design of a rainwater harvesting system for non-potable purposes in a municipal public school in Teófilo Otoni, MG. First, a cartographic study was carried out using a geographic information system environment in order to generate a map with the rainfall stations and the school where the collection system was designed. Next, an attempt was made to assess the availability of data present at the stations and compare them using linear regression. Finally, the design of the rainwater harvesting system for the school was carried out. The results of the linear correlation indicate that the four stations can be used in the sizing of the system. Finally, the implementation of the system can contribute to the reduction of water consumption and, consequently, financial expenses.

Groundwater Potential Zone Assessment Using Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System (GIS), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Techniques in Fogera Woreda, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to know the groundwater potential zones in Fogera Woreda, south Gondar zone, Ethiopia. Through the utilization of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), remote sensing, and geographic information system (GIS), the study identified groundwater potential zones. Ten thematic layers were analyzed to delineate the groundwater potential zones, including land use and land cover (LULC), topographic wetness index (TWI), drainage density, lineament density, geology, slope, rainfall, elevation, and soil texture. By determining the relative importance of each thematic layer through AHP and combining all thematic layers through overlay analysis in a GIS environment, the study revealed a spatial variation in the distribution of groundwater potential zones. The results showed that excellent groundwater potentials cover 2.02% of the study area, moderate groundwater potentials cover 45.54%, poor groundwater potentials cover 51.2%, and extremely poor groundwater potentials cover 1.24% of the study area. The study provides valuable information that can be used for decision-making processes and the development of appropriate groundwater management strategies in the region.

Water Quality Monitoring for Irrigation by the Integration of Water Quality Index in a Geographic Information System Environment in Chiba Watershed, Nabeul, Tunisia

Water Quality Monitoring for Irrigation by the Integration of Water Quality Index in a Geographic Information System Environment in Chiba Watershed, Nabeul, Tunisia

Suitability model and optimal location of biodigesters in the state of São Paulo

Growing concern over the environment has driven a search for renewable energy sources. Unlike the energy generated from fossil fuels, the energy from biomass is renewable, reducing the impact on the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Organic waste generated by agriculture, cities and industries are great sources of biomass for energy generation through biodigesters. Before starting the energy generation process, suitable locations are needed for the installation of bioenergy plants, bearing in mind that some locations have legal, environmental, economic and social restrictions. However, for this energy generation to be competitive, the plants must be installed in locations close to the biomass sources and the destinations of the energy generated. Few studies in the literature are directed to this logistical process. This paper describes a method developed in a Geographic Information System environment to classify the territory of São Paulo state as to its aptitude for the installation of bioenergy plants. In a second step, an optimization model was developed to represent the optimal allocation of plants in high aptitude locations. The number of plants and the optimal locations were determined to minimize the distances between the raw material and the plants and from the plants to the locations of generated energy demand. Simulations with different scenarios were used to verify the performance of the proposed method.

Geodiversity of Italy

ABSTRACT In recent years, natural areas have been exposed to increasing anthropogenic pressure related to the growing need for natural resources. Comprehensive information on the geodiversity of a territory is essential for all stakeholders in order to define effective land management toolsusefull for preserving the natural heritage for future generations. We computed geodiversity map as the summary of lithological, morphological, paedological indicators and hydrological index using a workflow based on the grid analysis, performed in a Geographic Information System environment. The geodiversity map of Italy (main map) provides a synoptic view of the geographical distribution of the abiotic component of the landscape ranked into five classes varying from very high to very low geodiversity. This map is supplemented by histograms showing the percentages of geodiversity classes for each Italian region and a Regional Geodiversity Index map that assigns a geodiversity value to each Italian region.

Mapping natural groundwater potential recharge zones using GIS-AHP in the Upper Cheliff alluvial aquifer, Algeria

Water scarcity is a big issue in arid and semi-arid regions. This challenge is particularly evident in the Upper Cheliff plain in Algeria, where the alluvial aquifer plays a vital role in drinking water supply and supporting irrigation. This aquifer faces high demand and quality issues. A study was conducted in this context, employing a cartographic approach to assess potential groundwater recharge from precipitation into the alluvial aquifer. The current study aimed at mapping zones with potential natural groundwater recharge zones by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, combining various factors that can influence recharge, such as rainfall, surface soil type, slope degree, land use and land cover, unsaturated zone, groundwater depth, and curve number. The map resulting from the analysis indicates that only 22% of the assessed area covers zones with very low and low potential recharge, 35% with moderate potential recharge zones, and 43% with high and very high potential recharge zones. This map reveals that the eastern region of the plain, from the cities of Djendel to Ain Soltane, is moderately to highly favorable for recharge. This is due to the natural recharge from rainfall and watercourse infiltration during dam release periods, excess irrigation water, and recharge from the Miocene sandstone aquifer in areas with direct aquifer contact. A validation process was performed using data from 66 wells distributed in this plain and it indicated that 48 wells exhibited good agreement with the resulting map, while 18 wells showed slight deviations. The results indicate an agreement of 72.72% between expected and exist number value of wells which confirming the good prediction of the AHP technique.

Quantitative and qualitative study of the Tawi basin: Inferences from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) using geospatial technology

The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the basin is fundamental to understand the structural and hydrological control of the basin. In the present study morphometric and morph tectonic parameters of the Tawi basin has been analyzed to infer the geological variation, topographic information, structural and complex tectonic behavior at a watershed scale. The assessment of several of drainage network and their relative parameters has been quantified by using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) based analysis in the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Based on the quantitative analysis in terms of linear, aerial and relief it is well understood that the basin is inhomogeneous in nature, less structurally stable, very gentle to steep slopes, compounded by aggradational and denudational processes in large scale, exhibited by incompetent rocks and a portion of the basin is prone to flood particularly in the lower reaches. The quantified results show that in the various watersheds of the Tawi basin bifurcation ratio (Rb) varies from 0.001 to 6.80 and the mean bifurcation ratio (Rbm) varies from 2.58 to 4.11. The mean stream length (Lsm) in the various watersheds of Tawi basin varies from 0.019 to 60.26 km. The drainage density (Dd) of Tawi basin varies from 0 to 9.63 km/km2, and the value of the drainage texture (Td) varies from 3.76 to 13.38 km-1. The qualitative analysis based on the asymmetric factor (AF) of the Tawi basin shows that the watersheds W5 and W6 are moderately asymmetric, and W2 and W4 as strongly asymmetric in nature, whereas the hypsometric integral (HI) values reveal that watershed W1 is the most stable watershed with a highest HI value of 0.89, while the W7 is the least stable with a HI value of 0.28, providing a comprehensive understanding of the geomorphic dynamics in the Tawi basin.

Analysis of the suitability for ecotourism in Beira Baixa region using a spatial decision support system based on a geographical information system

Ecotourism can contribute to the conservation of environmental values, as well as to the development of positive synergies between agents in the tourism sector, tourists and the local population. The growing interest in tourism offers with low environmental impact, which support the local economy, translates into a competitive advantage for low‐density territories. On the basis of this principle, the scope of the present study is intended to evaluate the potential of the existing natural and rural features in the Beira Baixa region, located in the central interior of Portugal, which can anchor the creation of sustainable tourism products. Despite the undeniable interest in carrying out studies to determine an aggregate suitability index for the development of ecotourism using spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), there are still no studies carried out in Portugal. The identification of areas suitable for the development of ecotourism, and their constraints, was carried out on the basis of the integration of nine criteria using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in a geographical information system (GIS) environment. The results obtained reveal that the region has high suitability for the practice of ecotourism activities, given its important natural heritage. This study was innovative as it shows the ecotourism potential based on a diversity of criteria as an aid to public administration agents with functions in planning, territorial management and management of support mechanisms for the tourist sector. The use of the landscape diversity criteria, which had not yet been tested in previous studies, proved to be important in determining the ecotourism potential of the region, together with the landscape value based in the importance of the Montado agrosystem, which supports a variety of sustainable tourist activities. The information produced in the study may be useful for the design of new policies for valuing natural resources through tourism.

Ascertainment of the most suitable water harvesting sites in a data-scarce region via an integrated PROMETHEE-II–AHP method in GIS environment

Abstract People residing in arid and semi-arid regions face significant challenges because of water scarcity and floods. These challenges become more severe in downstream areas of hill torrents that experience highly unpredictable periods of droughts and floods due to highly variable rainfall. Constructing small dams in hill torrents to capture rainwater from watersheds, mitigate flash floods, and recharge artificial groundwater is one of the solutions to address these issues in South Punjab. However, the success of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems depends on their technical design and suitable site selection. To identify appropriate sites for small dams for rainwater harvesting, a combination of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) has been utilized in the catchment of the Vidore Hill Torrent, Punjab, Pakistan. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the use of RS and MCDA in developing a suitability map, in a data-scarce region that can be useful for hydrologists, decision-makers, and planners in quickly identifying areas with the highest potential for RWH. The model incorporated several factors, including slope, runoff depth, land use, soil texture, drainage density, and lineament density. Implementing this method could also support policy changes toward widespread adoption of RWH.

Solid waste generation prediction model framework using socioeconomic and demographic factors with real-time MSW collection data.

This article proposes a framework for developing predictive models of end-of-life product flows, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough analyses before developing waste management and end-of-life product flow strategies. The framework emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nature and quality of the available data and finding a balance between model development time and detail requirements. It is designed to adapt to source material heterogeneity and address varying data availability scenarios, such as the presence or absence of radio frequency identification chips. A case study for the city of Gatineau is presented, showcasing the framework's application through agent-based simulation models in a geographic information systems environment. The study focuses on creating models of municipal solid waste generation based on socioeconomic and demographic factors and collection data to accurately predict the quantity and quality of waste streams, enabling municipalities to assess the environmental impact of their waste management strategies.

MAPPING THE SALINITY STATUS OF AGRICULTURAL SOILS BETWEEN KIRIKHAN-KUMLU IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION OF TURKEY WITH GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

In this study, it was aimed to determine the salinity status of agricultural soils between Kırıkhan-Kumlu in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey by mapping with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For this purpose, a total of 60 soil samples were taken from 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths and from 30 different points to represent the agricultural soils of Kırıkhan-Kumlu region in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. In the soil samples, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable cation (ECC) values were determined to determine some soil properties. Total salt, salinity class, sodium adsorption rate (SAR), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and soluble cations (Na, Ca and Mg) were determined to determine the salinity status of the soils. According to the results of the research; as a result of the analysis carried out to determine the salinity status of the soils; pH values were determined between 6.91–7.98; total salt content between 0.02–0.13%; SAR values between 0.023–0.044 me/100 gr; ESP values between 0.35–2.96%; soluble Na content between 0.019–0.034 me/100 gr; soluble Ca content between 0.018–0.245 me/100 gr and soluble Mg content between 0.037–0.113 me/100 gr. In addition, by applying the ESP-SAR regression relationship of the soils, it was revealed that the soils tended to alkalize towards the lower layers. The salinity values obtained as a result of the study were transferred to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment and interpolated by Kriging method and a salinity map of the study area was created. In conclusion, as a result of the research conducted in the soils of the study area in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it was determined that all of the agricultural soils of Kırıkhan-Kumlu region were classified as non-saline and that the soils did not have any problems in terms of salinity.

ON IMPROVING THE ACCURACY OF CARTOMETRIC AND MORPHOMETRIC COMPUTING METHODS IN THE GEOINFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

Determination of hydrographic characteristics on large-scale maps with maximum accuracy requires sufficient time and volume of cartometric work. The current level of geographic information systems (GIS) and computer technologies allows to reduce the volume of cartometric operations. The implementation of calculations of the morphometric characteristics of watercourses, reservoirs, and watersheds in the GIS environment ensures the determination of these properties regardless of the scale of maps, map projection, or distance from the axial meridian of a particular projection zone. This article demonstrates the use of analytical and numerical methods for cartometric and morphometric calculations on the reference ellipsoid. The researched calculation methods determine the geodetic areas of geospatial objects with root mean square errors from 0,030 to 0,809 m2.

Production of fuel-based carbon footprint distribution map using spatial interpolation methods based on GIS

The Earth is a complex system where living and non-living elements coexist in a delicate balance. Climate change is the primary factor responsible for the degradation of this system over time. The far-reaching consequences of climate change impact various aspects of our lives, including the physical environment, urban settings, human activities, economy, technology, agriculture, food production, access to clean water, and public health, all of which are widely acknowledged. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions in these areas significantly trigger global climate change. Hence, addressing and mitigating the environmental damage from these emissions and the interconnected climate change phenomena is imperative. This situation is where the concept of "carbon footprint" gains prominence in assessing the extent of this damage. Carbon footprint serves as an essential measure in managing and curbing climate change. This study focused on controlling and mitigating carbon emissions, one of the primary greenhouse gasses responsible for climate change, by implementing spatial interpolation techniques based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The investigation targeted the Beşirli neighborhood in the Ortahisar district of Trabzon province. Data concerning electricity and natural gas usage were acquired from relevant institutions to perform carbon footprint calculations. Subsequently, carbon footprint calculations were conducted utilizing the acquired data within the specified region. The resulting outputs were systematically organized, integrated into the GIS environment, and linked to their respective geographical locations. Eventually, region-specific carbon footprint distribution maps were generated using selected spatial interpolation methods. These maps enabled a spatial observation of points exhibiting variability in terms of carbon emissions, thereby highlighting the carbon footprints evident in the region. The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to propose practical measures for minimizing the adverse environmental impacts by suggesting strategies to reduce and prevent carbon footprints associated with carbon emissions in the relevant areas.