Interactive GIS Research Articles

Building an Interactive Web-Based GIS System for Planning of Geological Survey Works

Building an Interactive Web-Based GIS System for Planning of Geological Survey Works

Implementation the GIS technology to the control system of rational use of forest resources in Mykolaiv region

The aim of this article is to develop the database of the environmental information and interactive GIS map of the forest resources of Mykolaiv region. Using GIS technologies for timber enterprises allows organizing the data of assessment of the forest resources state in the region, determining the area of damaged and dead forest stands, performing the calculating values of the ecological and economic damage caused by the ineffective use of forest resources. The system of information support was developed to ensure the rational use of forest resources using GIS technologies for the effective management of forestry in Mykolaiv region, which includes a database with coordinates of the basic objects, that allows one to store, organize and edit the necessary information; the database management system which enables making the necessary design data; the interactive map of the forestry in Mykolaiv region.

PETA DIGITAL KOTA BITUNG

AbstractInternet as a medium for exchange of information globally continues to grow rapidly. These developments include aspects of technology in developing Geographic Information System. With the emergence of what is termed as WebGIS, the Geographic Information System based on the Internet that makes GIS can be accessed from anywhere. We have also occurred changes in the pattern of web-based information systems, where users not only as consumers, but can become producers and distributors. This system is a new option for application developers to create a more interactive GIS with various features and facilities therein. GIS also has become a substitute for Conventional maps that have existed since long, so GIS can also be referred to as the Digital Map. Digital maps can minimize shortages Conventional Map fragile and inflexible. Bitung City Digital Map is designed to respond to the needs of geographic information the community needs of Bitung City. Objects that appear in this system of Government Office, Object Tourism and Public Facilities. This system uses Apache as the web server and TimeMap as the map server.Keywords: Digital Map, Geographic Information System, WebGIS

FloraGREIF – An Internet-Based Data Repository for Biogeographical Research in Mongolia

FloraGREIF presents an internet-based information tool on the vascular plant flora of Mongolia combining taxon- and record-specific information, text and image information with map information and digitized plant specimens with images of living species and their habitats. Based on an updated checklist as taxonomic backbone, information is split into the “taxon” and the “record” level. At the taxon level the user finds taxonomic diagnoses, habitat information, and species distribution within the floristic regions of Mongolia. The latter is visualized in a Web GIS application. The record level offers information for all records assigned to one taxon, which may include locality data only or additional, high-resolution scans of herbarium specimens combined with images from living species and their habitats. Several query masks allow a flexible search and display of species lists. The interactive Web GIS application links taxon or record information with various map layers, comprising administrative units, topography and orography, floristic regions and vegetation zones of Mongolia. They present background information for the display of species distribution or record localities. FloraGREIF offers a virtual research environment to make the substantial information on Mongolia’s flora mainly published in Russian accessible to the public.

The PREVIEW Global Risk Data Platform: a geoportal to serve and share global data on risk to natural hazards

Abstract. With growing world population and concentration in urban and coastal areas, the exposure to natural hazards is increasing and results in higher risk of human and economic losses. Improving the identification of areas, population and assets potentially exposed to natural hazards is essential to reduce the consequences of such events. Disaster risk is a function of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Modelling risk at the global level requires accessing and processing a large number of data, from numerous collaborating centres. These data need to be easily updated, and there is a need for centralizing access to this information as well as simplifying its use for non GIS specialists. The Hyogo Framework for Action provides the mandate for data sharing, so that governments and international development agencies can take appropriate decision for disaster risk reduction. Timely access and easy integration of geospatial data are essential to support efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction. However various issues in data availability, accessibility and integration limit the use of such data. In consequence, a framework that facilitate sharing and exchange of geospatial data on natural hazards should improve decision-making process. The PREVIEW Global Risk Data Platform is a highly interactive web-based GIS portal supported by a Spatial Data Infrastructure that offers free and interoperable access to more than 60 global data sets on nine types of natural hazards (tropical cyclones and related storm surges, drought, earthquakes, biomass fires, floods, landslides, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions) and related exposure and risk. This application portrays an easy-to-use online interactive mapping interface so that users can easily work with it and seamlessly integrate data in their own data flow using fully compliant OGC Web Services (OWS).

MAPEAMENTO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO GEOMORFOLÓGICA: Ecorregião Raso da Catarina e Entorno NE da Bahia

This paper aimed to develop a systematic geomorphological mapping and characterization of part of the ecoregion Raso da Catarina, Bahia and environs using geomorphological mapping methodologies enshrined in national (ROSS, 1990 and 1992), supported by technical and methodological in geomatics (remote sensing and geographical information system). As the main material used to map the data were obtained by remote sensing as the Digital Elevation Model DEM Program SRTM / NASA resolution 90 m. The resolution of the DEM were reÞ ned to 30 m using kriging, since that was generated by maps of slope, hipsometric and Shaded Relief (auxiliary products for characterization and mapping). This was followed by the methodological assumptions of Ross (1992), reaching up to 4rd characterize taxon proposing mapping on the scale 1:100,000. The 3rd and 4th taxon was foreclosed by tracing on screen and identiÞ ed by determining the rate of dissection of relief through the preparation of topographic proÞ les automatically and interactive GIS software, was the perceived effectiveness and practicality of this procedure. This disclosed the possibility of applicability of Geomatic allied methodologies devoted to geomorphological mapping.

Florida's Approach to Natural Resource Damage Assessment: A Short, Sweet Model for States Seeking Compensation

A recent survey of state environmental regulators revealed that natural resource injuries caused by oil pollution are a major concern, yet few respondents reported pursuing compensation for damages on a regular basis. It appears that their reluctance is due to the fact that many view natural resource damage assessments (NRDA) as a costly, time-consuming and legally risky undertaking. This article presents a case study of Florida's approach to this type of regulation, which relies on the combination of a standardized arithmetic formula and an interactive GIS. Once compensation is obtained, dollars enter a trust fund from which withdrawals can be made when the balance is sufficient to conduct needed restorations. This approach is suggested as a model for jurisdictions interested in pursuing damages for natural resource injuries because it has proven to be a quick, inexpensive, and defensible mechanism for generating damage estimates, even for small spills. Like any real-world application, Florida's methodology is not perfect, but shortcomings are discussed here in depth and potential solutions presented.

Locating Amazonian Dark Earths: Creating an interactive GIS of known locations

Terras pretas são solos antropogêncos, ricos em matería orgânica, bastante férteis, que ocorrem em pequenas manchas por toda bacia amazônica. Esses solos têm chamado atenção porque, em geral, os solos amazônicos são de relativa baixa fertilidade e por suas ligações com a história pré-colonial da amazônia. Por ocorrerem em pequenas manchas isoladas, a documentação desses solos tem se constituído um desafio. Existem poucos mapeamentos desses solos e a localizações dos mesmos são, muitas vezes, aproximadas. Apresentamos nesse artigo um SIG interativo no qual consolidamos todas as ocorrências documentadas de TPs e para cada registro, indicamos o nível de acurácia e especificidade tanto do solo como de sua localização. Isso é importante pois muitas fontes de informação sobre a localização desses solos são antigas e dão apenas uma indicação aproximada de onde realmente estão. Para citações mais recentes de TPs, a localização georeferenciada é dada, quando disponível. A fonte da informação de cada registro é citada, tornando esse SIG interativo uma bibliografia geográfica de TPs. Também discutimos o processo de seleção das localidades citadas, a criação do SIG e refletimos sobre potenciais usos dessas informações. Reconhecemos que esse SIG é um trabalho em andamento e antecipamos incorporar mais registros à medida que novas informações são publicadas e disponibilizadas.

Personalization in adaptive and interactive GIS

With continuous increase of available online spatial data, requirements for the adaptation of spatial content to user's context becomes increasingly important. Location-based services (LBS) deliver to the user information specific to a given location preferably using mobile devices. Personalizing the information provided to the user to take into account her/his information preferences and current location, the problem of inundating the user with irrelevant information is avoided. The research presented in this paper introduces an approach which implicitly monitors the user's activity and generates a user profile reflecting her/his information preferences based on the interactions of the user with the system, and her/his physical location and movements. The system recognizes the user profile and adapts accordingly both to provide suitable information, and to prioritize the functionality appropriate to the user's current context.

From Historical City Models to Interactive 3D GIS Requirements and Approaches Using the Example of the City of Solothurn

From Historical City Models to Interactive 3D GIS Requirements and Approaches Using the Example of the City of Solothurn

Atlas interactivo de mortalidad en Andalucía (AIMA)

Until now, mortality atlases have been static. Most of them describe the geographical distribution of mortality using count data aggregated over time and standardized mortality rates. However, this methodology has several limitations. Count data aggregated over time produce a bias in the estimation of death rates. Moreover, this practice difficult the study of temporal changes in geographical distribution of mortality. On the other hand, using standardized mortality hamper to check differences in mortality among groups. The Interactive Mortality Atlas in Andalusia (AIMA) is an alternative to conventional static atlases. It is a dynamic Geographical Information System that allows visualizing in web-site more than 12.000 maps and 338.00 graphics related to the spatio-temporal distribution of the main death causes in Andalusia by age and sex groups from 1981. The objective of this paper is to describe the methods used for AIMA development, to show technical specifications and to present their interactivity. The system is available from the link products in www.demap.es. AIMA is the first interactive GIS that have been developed in Spain with these characteristics. Spatio-temporal Hierarchical Bayesian Models were used for statistical data analysis. The results were integrated into web-site using a PHP environment and a dynamic cartography in Flash. Thematic maps in AIMA demonstrate that the geographical distribution of mortality is dynamic, with differences among year, age and sex groups. The information nowadays provided by AIMA and the future updating will contribute to reflect on the past, the present and the future of population health in Andalusia.

Design of best management practice applications for diffuse phosphorus pollution using interactive GIS

The paper presents a complex environmental engineering tool, which is appropriate to support decision making in watershed management. The PhosFate tool allows planning best management practices (BMPs) in catchments and simulating their possible impacts on immissions. The method has two parts: (a) a simple phosphorus (P) fate model to calculate diffuse P emissions and their surface transport, and (b) an interactive tool to design BMPs in small catchments. The fate model calculates diffuse P emissions via surface pathways. It is a conceptual, distributed parameter and long-term (annual) average model. The model also follows the fate of emitted P from each cell to the catchment outlets and calculates the field and in-stream retention. The fate model performed well in the Zala River catchment as a case study. Finally, an interactive design tool was developed to plan BMPs in the catchments and simulate their possible impacts on diffuse P fluxes. Different management scenarios were worked out and their effects evaluated and compared to each other. The results show that the approach is suitable to test BMP scenarios at small catchment scale.

Public Participation in Local Policy Decision-making: The Role of Web-based Mapping

New methods of using on-line interactive mapping are reported with a specific focus on how citizens can participate in the delivery and management of everyday services in their neighbourhood. Particular emphasis will be placed on how ICTs can be used to facilitate the regeneration of inner city neighbourhoods through more integrated approaches to spatial data management. The paper examines how internet mapping is used by the public through an interactive Public Participation GIS and illustrates how public access to on-line maps can help deliver improved services to local communities through the integration of GIS with a range of public services. This has raised some interesting issues in relation to how people understand mapping and their methods of navigation using such a system. With governments across the globe investing heavily in e-Government which includes on-line mapping facilities it is interesting to examine how the public actually perceive and use such systems.

Improving Water Quality: Using Technology to Advance the Goals of Watershed Planning

In 2003 the Pennsylvania Environmental Council teamed with Buchart-Horn, Inc. to conduct and prepare a Watershed Conservation Plan (WCP) for the 510 square mile Conewago Creek Watershed located in Adams and York Counties, Pennsylvania. The project was funded in part by a grant received from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Community Conservation Partnership Program, Rivers Conservation Program. Typically a WCP would be a large paper document similar to a County Comprehensive Plan or Zoning Ordinance. Unfortunately, these documents often do not get used as they should. Therefore, Buchart-Horn created an interactive GIS tool that provides planners and other stakeholders the ability to easily access the information within the WCP without having to search through the document. This GIS tool was designed to be used by people with little to no GIS experience. It contains easy to use tools, buttons and drop down lists to assist the user with accessing valuable watershed information.

On-line presentation of mineral occurrences in Greenland

The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP, under the Government of Greenland) have co-operated on the international promotion of the mineral resources of Greenland for more than ten years. The Government of Greenland follows a strategy aimed at the development of a mining and petroleum sector in Greenland capable of yielding a significant proportion of the national income. To reach this goal it is necessary to attract international investment. In respect of mineral exploration, many parts of Greenland can still be considered virgin territory and it is therefore vital that all data relevant for the identification of possible exploration targets are available to the international mining industry. GEUS has produced many compilations of geoscience data for that purpose in traditional reports, on CD-ROMs and in scientific journals. In 2004, a new source of geoscience information was developed based on an interactive GIS facility on the Internet, and mineral exploration data and information from a region in central West Greenland are now accessible at the Greenland Mineral Occurrence Map (GMOM) website at GEUS (Fig. 1; www.geus.dk/gmom). Technically, this new facility will be maintained and developed in accordance with general principles for Internet services adopted by GEUS (e.g. Tulstrup 2004). New information from other regions of Greenland will gradually be added.

Interactive Geographical Information System usingLisp-Stat: Prototypes and Applications

We present a general framework of exploratory data analysis defining a set of concepts and prototypes developed within the Lisp-Stat programming environment for a M-to-M links multidimensional approach. We overview the main domains and fundamentals on which we lay the developed interactive GIS. In a second stage, we detail the different prototypes we implemented in a software called ARPEGE' and how they collaborate in providing an interactive spatial data exploration. Then we show four examples of concrete geographical applications and their underlaying data models. We end on a discussion about the contribution and the limitations of our conceptual framework and its associated software, and open to future research.

Extracting the social relevance of artefact distribution in Roman military forts

Engendering Roman Spaces' is a research project concerned with using artefact assemblage analyses to better understand spatial and gender relationships in the early Roman Empire and to produce more engendered perspectives of Roman society. This paper discusses the methodology and analyses being used in this project to investigate social behaviour within Roman military forts and fortresses of the 1st and 2nd centuries CE through analyses of the spatial distribution of artefacts at these sites. The processes involved include digitising previously published maps and artefact catalogues from Roman military sites to create searchable databases and GIS maps. They also include the classification of the artefacts according to a number of functional and gender-associated categories (e.g. combat equipment, male and female dress, toilet etc.) so that the spatial distributions of the relevant activities can be plotted. This data is then used to interpret the spatial relationships of these activities and the people involved in them. The double legionary fortress of Vetera I, on the Lower Rhine, has been used to exemplify these processes. This fortress was excavated in the early 20th century and the artefacts were comprehensively published in 1995 (N. Hanel, Vetera I: Die Funde aus den romischen Lagern auf dem Furstenberg bei Xanten. Rheinische Ausgrabungen 35, Rheinland-Verlag, Cologne and Dr Rudolf Halbert, Bonn, 1995). The paper includes descriptions of the methods and software employed in the digitisation of relevant material from these volumes, the formation of relational databases, and the importation of this data and of site maps into a GIS programme. To illustrate these processes and to present some of the results, the paper also includes a number of examples of the analyses carried out, together with interactive GIS maps of these analyses.

Developing an interactive web based public participatory planning support system for natural resource management

This paper offers a framework for delivering on‐line resources to assist community participation in decision‐making associated with land management. Traditionally community consultation has involved focus groups and community meetings. Within the last decade the World Wide Web (WWW) has grown prolifically to provide the wider public with spatial knowledge in digital form. Subsequently the WWW offers a medium for community discussion that transcends traditional communicative boundaries. A range of on‐line multimedia and geovisualisation resources are readily available to assist community management. These include discussion forums, electronic documentation and interactive GIS mapping tools. This paper discusses the development of an interactive web based public participatory planning support system applied to the first stage of a community forest management pilot project in the Wombat State Forest, Victoria (Australia). The website provides a record of the activities undertaken May to December 2002 and offers a vehicle for group discussion and feedback, document exploration and interactive mapping. The paper examines the development of the on‐line interactive public participatory planning support system and lessons learnt. The research is a basis for developing a generic framework for democratising information to improve community management decision‐making.

Distributing proprietary geographic data on the World Wide Web — UCLA GIS Database and Map Server

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) GIS Database and Map Server project is a cooperative effort of GIS-interested-parties on the UCLA campus, to deliver centrally-stored geographic data via the World Wide Web (WWW). Both geographic data and geo-referenced remotely sensed image data are served from this site. The main objective of this project is to serve gigabytes of data using limited online disk space, used to store the most-recently-requested data units, and a large tape robot for the offline storage of all the data in the central database. ArcView Internet Map Server (IMS) is employed as the interactive GIS mapping server and visual interface for downloading the data from the central database. The server design, database design and web client interface were developed to incorporate a visual interface, to distribute proprietary geo-data and to provide GIS capabilities.

Interactive geovisualization of activity-travel patterns using three-dimensional geographical information systems: a methodological exploration with a large data set

A major difficulty in the analysis of disaggregate activity-travel behavior in the past arises from the many interacting dimensions involved (e.g. location, timing, duration and sequencing of trips and activities). Often, the researcher is forced to decompose activity-travel patterns into their component dimensions and focus only on one or two dimensions at a time, or to treat them as a multidimensional whole using multivariate methods to derive generalized activity-travel patterns. This paper describes several GIS-based three-dimensional (3D) geovisualization methods for dealing with the spatial and temporal dimensions of human activity-travel patterns at the same time while avoiding the interpretative complexity of multivariate pattern generalization or recognition methods. These methods are operationalized using interactive 3D GIS techniques and a travel diary data set collected in the Portland (Oregon) metropolitan region. The study demonstrates several advantages in using these methods. First, significance of the temporal dimension and its interaction with the spatial dimension in structuring the daily space-time trajectories of individuals can be clearly revealed. Second, they are effective tools for the exploratory analysis of activity diary data that can lead to more focused analysis in later stages of a study. They can also help the formulation of more realistic computational or behavioral travel models.