Geographic Information Research Articles

VibraSIG - Modeling railway structure-borne noise and vibrations and implementation in QGIS geographic information software

In the context of engineering studies for passenger rail line projects, a method for predicting vibration and structure-borne noise levels in buildings close to the line is needed on the scale of a town or territory. ACOUSTB has developed VibraSig, a method for calculating railway vibration and structure-borne noise, based on two numerical models (VibraFer, CSTB and MEFISSTO, CSTB). A numerical model in VibraFer is used to define a railway excitation source term. A numerical model in MEFISSTO is used to calculate the vibratory response of the tunnel and the ground up to the building on a cross-section. A statistical building response model is used to estimate structure-borne noise and floor vibration levels. Finally, the method for predicting vibration and structure-borne noise levels is extended to the entire project route, and the results are visualized for each building on a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Site Suitability Analysis for Urban Development: A Case of Ranikhet, Uttrakhand

Identifying potential sites for urban development in hilly regions is a crucial aspect of planning. Conducting site suitability analysis is essential for determining appropriate locations for various developmental projects, particularly in the challenging terrain of hills. Unregulated and disorganized urban expansion, driven by population pressure, is a widespread issue in many cities within developing countries, leading to urban sprawl that encroaches on natural environments. As a result, selecting suitable areas for urban development while maintaining ecological balance has become a critical component of effective urban planning. This work demonstrates the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) technique for identifying appropriate sites for urban development in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand. The aim is to identify optimal locations for future urban growth that minimize impacts on natural features. The work also calculates the potential transfer of land suitability from various land use and land cover categories, a unique aspect of this research. Eight criteria distance from roads, land use/cover, distance from water bodies, slope, elevation, soil, geological formation, and population density were used for land evaluation. The thematic maps generated for these criteria were standardized using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which involved creating a pairwise comparison matrix. Each criterion was assigned a weight based on its relative importance, leading to the creation of a final site suitability map with five categories: very high suitable, high suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, and restricted or not suitable. The study highlights the potential zones within the study area and offers valuable insights for sustainable urban development planning. The results are expected to assist planners, stakeholders, and policymakers in identifying the most suitable locations for future intensive development projects.

A two-stage framework for site selection of deep-sea offshore wind-to-hydrogen projects based on GIS - MULTIMOORA method under Pythagorean triangular fuzzy environment

Constructing deep-sea offshore wind-to-hydrogen projects (DS-OWHP) is crucial to solve the problem of offshore electricity storage and consumption. Addressing the uncertainty of the decision-making environment, and the lack of a comprehensive indicator system, this paper proposes a two-stage decision framework based on Geographic Information System (GIS). In the first stage, GIS is used to analyze the suitability of study area and identify alternative sites. In the second stage, the fuzzy MCDM method is used to further optimize alternative sites. Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation indicator system is established, and the Pythagorean Triangular Fuzzy Number (PTFN) is used to describe evaluation information. Then, a combination of stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA), entropy, and game theory is used to determine weights, and the Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of a Ratio Analysis plus the Full Multipli-cative form (MULTIMOORA) method is used to rank alternative sites. Finally, the feasibility of framework is proved through a case study in Guangdong Province. The results show that average wind speed has the highest weight of 0.149, and alternative site A2 which is close to zhuahai is the optimal choice. Through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis, the reliability and stability of proposed model is verified.

Research on the influence mechanism of park landscape characteristics on psychological perception around expressway based on soundscape theory: a case study of Chengdu Bailuwan Wetland Park

With the continuous development of China's transportation infrastructure strategies and urbanization, urban road networks have seen ongoing improvement. Yet noise pollution along expressways is gradually becoming a prominent issue within the broader challenge of urban noise. Noise control has recently emerged as a bottleneck for building livable cities, while well-designed landscapes can improve the quality of psychological perception. By precisely quantifying the multi-sensory composite perception characteristics of urban green space landscapes, this research explores the mechanism through which such landscapes influence psychological perception. The study site was selected in Bailuwan Wetland Park, Chengdu. Objective and subjective environmental data and questionnaire feedback were collected through sound walks and big data analysis based on the geographic information system, after which quantitative analysis was conducted on how landscape environmental characteristics influence environmental experiential perception. The research explores the mechanism of the influence of the regulation of landscape environment characteristic elements on psychological perception and constructs a visual prediction model to provide a universal theoretical basis and methodological support for the planning and regulation of urban green space landscape along expressways, which is of positive significance in guiding the regulation of landscape space.

The Application of Soil Erosion Models of an Agroforestry Basin under Mediterranean Conditions from a Geotechnical Point of View

Soil erosion has been causing an imbalance in nature and the environment. It is mainly caused naturally but is also due to human interventions leading to desertification and possible contamination. Therefore, engineering, geography, and cartography have been allies in applying erosion models to predict, address, and remediate the impacts. Therefore, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) linked to Geographic Information Systems (GISs) could boost decision making as tools to mitigate issues. This study applies the RUSLE and SWAT models from a geotechnical point of view to analyze a sub-watershed at Idanha-a-Nova (Portugal) over 4 years, showing a predominant erosion risk class with losses lower than 5 t.ha−1.year−1 (60 to 86%), characterized as very low risk. The modeling permitted the development of soils erosion susceptibility charts, in addition to material availability and the suitability for construction areas, exposing a replicable methodology that could contribute to minimizing environmental impacts while encouraging a more intelligent use of the land towards a greener exploration.

Assessing Land Use Ecological-Social-Production Functions and Interrelationships from the Perspective of Multifunctional Landscape in a Transitional Zone between Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Loess Plateau

Investigating the evolution and drivers of multifunctional land use is essential for sustainable land management and regional biological conservation. This research focuses on the Hehuang Valley, where we developed an “ecological-social-production” evaluation system for assessing land use multifunctionality from the perspective of multifunctional landscape. Leveraging Geographic Information System technologies, we conducted a quantitative analysis of spatiotemporal variations in multifunctional land use across the valley in recently twenty years. Correlation coefficients were employed to identify trade-offs and synergies among various land use functions. Additionally, geographical detector and grey relational analysis models were utilized to pinpoint the factors influencing spatiotemporal changes in land use functions during the specified period. The results showed that: (1) During the period, the overall multifunctionality of land use in the Hehuang Valley exhibited an increasing trend. The economic production function of the land showed the highest growth, while the ecological and social functions showed lower growth. (2) In most areas of the Hehuang Valley, there was a positive correlation between social and economic production functions and a negative correlation between social and ecological functions, as well as between economic production and ecological functions. (3) Natural conditions were the main factors of spatial variation of land use comprehensive functions, but human factors, including land use intensity and the rate of farmland conversion to non-agricultural uses, were the primary drivers of temporal changes in multifunctional land use. The findings provide valuable references and scientific support for policymakers in optimizing land use and multifunctional landscape conservation.

Evaluating Spatial Interpolation Maps of the Age Structure of the Population of Thi Qar Governorate Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technologies

The research aims to harness spatial interpolation techniques to produce maps with a high level of perceptual accuracy in representing the population data of the study area. This is achieved after exploring the statistical and spatial nature of the databases used, analyzing them, and determining their distribution using a variety of spatial data exploration tools available within the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment. These tools contribute to evaluating the characteristics, distribution, and analysis of data, including testing data distribution, identifying its direction, and uncovering its spatial correlations. This highlights the importance of the study and understanding the distribution pattern of the population data in the study area, thereby facilitating the preparation of future that serve spatial organization by building spatial models for the numerical distribution of the data for age groups: young, middle-aged, and elderly, at the level of administrative units of the study area by relying on the inductive approach and the quantitative analysis approach. This is done using Geostatistical Analysis methods within the concept of spatial interpolation in GIS. The research also seeks to predict the population maps for Thi Qar Governorate by comparing spatial interpolation methods, namely Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Simple Kriging (SK). The study concluded, after verifying the accuracy of the results using the Cross-Validation curve, that the Simple Kriging (SK) method is the most accurate model in spatial prediction of population data for representing the data of the young age group in the study area, as it had the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 10.012. It was followed by the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method for representing the data of the elderly age group with an RMSE of 350.48. This indicates that the use of statistical criteria improves the accuracy of spatial interpolation and that the spatial prediction of the population data for the study area using the Simple Kriging (SK) method was more accurate than the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method based on statistical indicators.

Temporal Analysis of Riparian Buffer Zones and Demographic Trends in the Coastal Districts of Kastamonu

Aim of study: This study investigates the temporal changes of forest areas within and outside the Riparian Buffer Zones (RBZs) and examines their correlation with demographic trends in the coastal districts of Kastamonu from 1987, 2000, and 2016 to assess how population dynamics influence forest cover. Area of study: The study was conducted in four coastal districts in northern Kastamonu province, Türkiye, covering approximately 1000 square kilometers and focusing on 153 forest villages. Material and methods: Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing data delineated and analyzed land cover and population changes. The study used Landsat imagery and population data to explore spatial and temporal dynamics within the RBZs Main results: The study found a significant increase in forest area from 1987 to 2000 and a subsequent decrease from 2000 to 2016, with these changes showing a weak but significant negative correlation with the declining local population. Research highlihts: The findings suggest that declining rural populations may reduce anthropogenic pressures on forests and pose challenges to effective forest management and conservation. The research highlights the need for sustainable strategies integrating demographic change with forest conservation efforts to maintain ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Application of remote sensing and GIS techniques for monitoring water volume variations in inaccessible reservoirs

ABSTRACT Change detection processes using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were applied to monitor and estimate the water volume in the Mosul Dam reservoir during a period in which it was inaccessible due to ISIS occupation of the Province of Mosul. A total of 17 scenes of LANDSAT 8 images have been captured and the calculated areas have been used to estimate the water level (WL) and water volume (V) in the reservoir using the volume–area–elevation curve that was developed in 2011. The results indicated that WL ranged between a minimum of 308.5 m and a maximum of 321 m, while V ranged between 3.95 and 6.8 km3 for the minimum and maximum WL, respectively. For the blackout period with missing data, the monthly reservoir inflows (RIs) from the drainage watershed and the mean inflows were calculated and found to be compatible with the mean inflows of Mosul reservoir for the years 1986–2011.

Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) Assessment: Evaluating Risks Associated with Human-Made Activities along the Limassol Coastline, Cyprus

Coastal risk assessment is crucial for coastal management and decision making, especially in areas already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change. This study aims to investigate the coastal vulnerability due to climate change and human activities in an area west of the Limassol district’s coastline, in Cyprus, on which there have been limited studies. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted utilising the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) by exploiting eight key parameters: land cover, coastal slope, shoreline erosion rates, tidal range, significant wave height, coastal elevation, sea-level rise, and coastal geomorphology. These parameters were assessed utilising remote sensing (RS) data and Geographical Information Systems (GISs) along a 36.1 km stretch of coastline. The results exhibited varying risk levels of coastal vulnerability, mainly highlighting a coastal area where the Kouris River estuary is highly vulnerable. The study underscores the need for targeted coastal management strategies to address the risks associated with coastal erosion. Additionally, the CVI developed in this study can be exploited as a tool for decision makers, empowering them to prioritise areas for intervention and bolster the resilience of coastal areas in the face of environmental changes.

Improving horizon computation algorithm with quasirandom sequences

The topographic horizon can be used to estimate shading for applications requiring an accurate solar resource estimate, including the effects of the local terrain. With high-resolution topography data, horizon estimation significantly contributes to the computation time needed for irradiance simulations. Approximate horizon algorithms have been proposed previously, sampling topography in a finite number of directions. This paper extends this idea by presenting a sampling approach based on the quasirandom sequences. The sampling strategy is optimized with 300,000 km2 of topography data from Europe and the USA. We demonstrate that our algorithm is several orders of magnitude faster than the precise horizon calculation and significantly improves the previous approximate algorithms. In particular, at the ground level with a topography resolution of 1 m/pixel, the proposed method achieved the same accuracy as the old approximate method four times faster. The horizon is one of the key methods in geographical information science and a part of many modeling tools in the built environment. Improvements in computation time benefit all applications that require irradiance modeling, e.g., the yield of vehicle- and building-integrated photovoltaic or temperature modeling of buildings.

RESEARCH METHODS AND GEOINFORMATION MODELS OF CHANGES IN LAND RESOURCES OF ALMATY REGION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE

This article deals with the solution of scientific problems, including the development of holistic conceptual models for presenting, processing and analyzing geographic information, and comprehensively assesses the extent of the impact of regional systems on many dangerous natural and artificial processes. This makes it possible to resolve the contradiction between the need to analyze the state of various territorial systems in order to prevent the occurrence of emergencies due to the influence of natural and man-made processes.On the one hand, providing information and support in decision-making, and on the other, ensuring the provision of cartographic models of transport systems risk assessment of dangerous natural and man-made processes and their mapping. Integrated environmental assessment and modeling of industrial systems. A method for mapping payment systems and assessing the health of the population. Since the city of Almaty is a large metropolis, the ecological situation is very poor. This directly affects the ecology of the City, Public Health. We manage, process data by processing GIS data. In solving upcoming environmental problems, in developing new solutions, a special data card will come to the rescue. This will lead to solving problems from this point of view. It is possible to create monitoring maps by combining space surveys and statistical data. One of the most effective aspects of GIS data is that it allows you to optimally consider problems and work in any area. From this point of view, the GIS industry is developing rapidly. In the country, this industry is developing rapidly and is gaining a lot of demand.

Detailed biogeographical mapping as a useful novel tool for the conservation of endemic taxa: a case of study for Iberian orchids

Background Iberian orchids occur in plant communities designated as habitats of interest in the European Union, particularly in Mediterranean forests. Their ecological importance highlights the need for a deeper understanding of their distribution and ecological requirements in order to develop effective conservation and management policies. Methods This study focuses on the biogeographical mapping and characterisation of five Iberian and Balearic endemic orchid species at district level. Distribution data were collected from existing biodiversity databases and integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS). In order to assign the correct biogeographical epithet to each taxon, a set of rules and criteria was developed to ensure an objective, simple and universal classification based on the species' distribution areas. Results For each orchid species, the study identified its phytosociological assignment, bioclimatic range and current conservation status. Detailed maps were produced, providing insights into the biogeographical, bioclimatic and phytosociological attributes of these taxa. Conclusions The biogeographical mapping and ecological classification presented in this study provide a basis for effective decision-making regarding the conservation and management of these orchid species. In addition, the results can be used to update their conservation status to better reflect their ecological needs and threats.

Vector geographic data commutative encryption and watermarking algorithm based on prediction differences

Commutative encryption and watermarking (CEW) is a seamless integration of encryption and watermarking technologies, overcoming the limitations of single security protection methods that may fail to provide comprehensive data protection. It is a research hotspot in the field of geographic information security. However, constructing or selecting stable features for vector point data to apply CEW algorithms remains a challenging problem. To address this, this paper utilizes space-filling curves to organize discrete points into line or polygon types and proposes a CEW algorithm for vector data based on prediction differences. Specifically, feature points are used to fit curves, providing independent operational spaces for watermarking and encryption. The segmented fitted curves are arbitrarily flipped to achieve perceptual encryption, while watermarks are embedded in the differences between the fitted curves and the actual data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively addresses the issue of existing algorithms being unsuitable for point data. In simulated real-world scenarios, the extracted watermark information achieved NC values above 0.75, indicating strong robustness. Under conditions using existing lossless algorithms, the watermark capacity of the proposed method is thousands of times higher than that of existing algorithms, and it exhibits excellent encryption security, providing a new perspective for further research on lossless CEW.

Mapping new psychoactive substances: Leveraging GIS technology for advanced global surveillance and policy support

The escalating challenge of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) necessitates enhanced global monitoring and analysis capabilities. This study introduces an advanced interactive visualization tool that employs Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to improve the functionality of the UNODC's Early Warning Advisory. The tool enables dynamic observation and analysis of NPS's geographical and temporal distribution, thereby facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their public health impacts. By incorporating detailed choropleth maps and annual and cumulative bar charts, the tool allows policymakers and researchers to visually track and analyze trends in NPS usage and control efforts across different regions. The results demonstrate the tool's effectiveness in providing actionable insights, which support the strategic development of public health policies and interventions to curb the global rise in NPS usage. This initiative illustrates the essential role of digital tools in enhancing public health strategies and responses to emerging drug trends. This rising challenge underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions in monitoring drug trends, a theme explored in this paper. The web tool is available at https://nps-vis.cmdm.tw, and the code is available at https://github.com/CMDM-Lab/nps-vis.

Envisaging a European Digital Building Renovation Logbook: Proposal of a Data Model

Europe has set a target to become a decarbonised continent by 2050. To achieve this, intervention in buildings is crucial, as they serve as significant energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters. This intervention encompasses two essential pathways: renovation and digitalisation. The combination of these two aspects gives rise to elements such as the Digital Building Logbook (DBL), a digital data repository expected to enhance the pace and quality of renovation efforts. This paper introduces, for the first time, a European DBL data model with a specific focus on building renovation purposes—the DBrL. It outlines its initial requirements, constituent entities, relationships, and attributes. While acknowledging the need to address issues related to data protection, integration with existing data sources, and connections with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in subsequent design phases, the study’s outcome represents a significant stride in defining this tool.

Gerhard Mercator as Sacred Geographer

Mercator’s Description of the Northern Lands (Septentrionalium terrarum descriptio), a map of the North Pole, appeared in his Atlas published in 1595. Despite returning to his research on magnetism and the geography of the Far North over the course of five decades, Mercator struggled to reconcile discrepancies in his data. This paper presents the various quantitative and qualitative methods Mercator used to grapple with uncertainty about the north, including relying on textual descriptions in historical travel narratives, comparing portolan charts and Ptolemaic maps, consulting studies by his contemporaries, and compiling compass readings. Although Mercator’s exploration of multiple approaches did not yield the geographic or magnetic certainty he sought, he designed a map that projected certitude. This paper argues that in the absence of geographical information and clarity about magnetism and the geography of the north, Mercator turned to theological reasoning to form a hypothesis about the North Pole as Paradise. It shows, too, that Mercator’s dual aim of describing both the physical and the sacred landscape of the Far North was gradually erased by his successors, thus obscuring the fact that his religious worldview informed his understanding and mapping of the Far North.

Sustainable Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Key Rural Tourism Villages in China: Promoting Balanced Regional Development

Understanding the spatial distribution and sustainable development of rural tourism is essential for promoting balanced regional growth and formulating optimized policy strategies. This study aims to provide insights into sustainable development and policy optimization. Utilizing geographic information system technology, dominance analysis, and Geodetector statistical methods, this research offers a comprehensive examination of the spatial patterns and determinants of these distributions. The findings reveal significant regional disparities and clustering, with a higher concentration of key villages in economically developed eastern and central regions and fewer in the less developed western regions. The dominance analysis highlights that provinces such as Zhejiang, Shandong, and Beijing demonstrate strong advantages across multiple dimensions, including ecological environment, economic development, tourism infrastructure, transportation accessibility, policy support, and social development. Conversely, regions such as Ningxia, Qinghai, and Tibet exhibit lower dominance scores, indicating challenges in rural tourism development due to limited resources and infrastructure. Key influencing factors include forest coverage, GDP per capita, the number of star-rated hotels, transportation network density, policy initiatives, and urbanization rates. The results underscore the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to enhance rural tourism competitiveness and suggest targeted strategies for underperforming regions. This study contributes to advancing the theoretical framework of sustainable rural tourism and provides actionable insights for policymakers to foster balanced regional development, ecological conservation, and community-centered tourism practices.

The Hydrosocial Cycle and the Inequalities in Access to Water in Rural Areas of Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile

Water scarcity in Chile has been increasing in recent years, particularly in the central-northern region, associated with a sustained decrease in rainfall and the effects of climate change. This study characterizes the hydrosocial cycle in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile, with a focus on rural areas, examining the relationship between water availability and socioeconomic factors. For this, demographic data and data related to water demand and use, obtained from government databases, were used. In addition, geographic information systems (GIS) were used for spatial analysis and map creation. Finally, surveys were conducted in rural schools and households to obtain information on water use perceptions and practices. The results show inequalities in access to water with a moderate negative correlation between poverty and water connection/consumption. Rural areas exhibited stronger negative correlations, indicating a greater impact of poverty on water access. Water-saving practices, such as reusing washing water for irrigation, were prevalent in rural households. These results highlight the importance of the hydrosocial cycle to understand the dynamics and factors that shape water demand and consumption in a highly complex region.

Suitability mapping for alternative crops: A consistent, high-resolution approach for the United States

Alternative crops are a key aspect of many nature-based solutions in agriculture, and there is a need for more consistent geographic information on biophysical suitability to aid in both farm-level planning and larger-scale analyses. Here we describe an approach for generating consistent, replicable, high-resolution suitability maps for any alternative crop species across the USA. The method employs a criteria-based approach to map potential species performance using a simple suitability index. Criteria for suitable and ideal ranges of values for influential biophysical variables are created using data collected from published sources and are reviewed by experts. Publicly available soil and climate map data are used with the criteria to map suitability for each variable which are integrated into an overall suitability index map. Maps of unsuitable locations are combined to produce a limiting variable map showing which category of environmental variables is most limiting. We demonstrate the application of this approach for two alternative perennial crops, apple (Malus spp.) and Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) and validate its accuracy using known farm locations. Maps of apple and chestnut in four distant study regions show varying patterns of suitability and potential performance depending on the climate and geophysical characteristics of the region. The maps can be used to identify areas of high suitability and compare across regions or between species and be combined with socio-economic and environmental datasets for further analysis. Compared to other approaches, ours can be applied to multiple species with a range of pre-existing knowledge in a consistent way, allowing for reliable mapping and subsequent research and planning for alternative crops and nature-based solutions in agriculture.