GIS Model Research Articles

Developing a GIS Model for Identifying Bear Corridors with Open-Source Data: The Romanian Context

The brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) is the only bear species on the Romanian territory, its natural habitat occupying a third of the country’s surface, including the entire mountain area as well as the hills in the immediate vicinity. The bear population in Romania is the largest in Europe, increasing every year due to legislative protection, the species being present in Annex II of the Habitats Directive. The fragmentation of the bears’ habitat is the main cause of conflict occurrences between bears and the human population, which have occurred increasingly often in recent years. The main aim of this study is the ecological diagnosis of lands populated with bears in Romania to identify the highest quality habitats within the hunting grounds and to identify possible ecological corridors aimed at preserving the connectivity between them, using GIS spatial analysis techniques and taking into account the ecological conditions needed for the brown bear to survive. Following the spatial modelling of the open-source data, it was possible to observe the presence of habitats of the highest quality that could support a bear population outside the areas where bear specimens are concentrated (the counties of Mureș, Bistrița, Harghita, Covasna, Neamț, Buzau, Vrancea, Prahova, Brașov, Sibiu, and Argeș). The analysis of these habitats, where the bear population has exceeded the optimal level that they can support, highlighted that to allow the passage of bear specimens from one habitat to another, it is necessary to create ecological corridors in several key areas deducted on the basis of mathematical models.

Finding Optimum Fire Station Locations in Manhattan District

Location science has a rich historical background, with the sub-category of locating emergency facilities being especially crucial to ensure the safety of people. With fire emergencies happening frequently in households, identifying the optimal placement of fire stations is a critical decision. Other research papers have used the GIS system or models that are complicated or not as practical. Response time, efficiency, and total cost are the various variables considered and analyzed in the model. Fire stations must be located carefully to ensure they are positioned effectively. Hence, research, data collection, and data analysis are especially important. Data are converted into a weighting system created to compare the importance of different areas to decide whether a fire station should be placed next to them. This project introduces an optimization model for determining the optimal location of fire stations in the Manhattan district using a Python program.

Geospatial Analysis of COVID-19 Death Rate and Influencing Factors in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Introduction: This study uses advanced geospatial modeling to analyze key determinants of COVID-19 death cases across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, aiming to reveal spatial patterns and inform targeted interventions for enhanced public health response. Methods: This study employs GIS and geostatistical models, including OLS, SLM, SEM, GWR, and MGWR, to analyze spatial and demographic determinants of COVID-19 mortality across MENA. By examining socioeconomic, medical, and demographic factors, it identifies key drivers and explores spatially non-stationary relationships impacting death rates. Results: The study found that hospital bed allocation, unemployment rate, and vaccination doses positively correlate with COVID-19 death cases in MENA, likely due to better reporting and healthcare access. The OLS model (R² = 0.7346) highlighted spatial autocorrelation, prompting the use of SLM and SEM, which confirmed predictor significance. GWR (R² = 0.8140) and MGWR (R² = 0.8187) revealed spatially non-stationary relationships, with hospital beds impacting the northwest (GWR) and southwest (MGWR). Unemployment was significant in the northeast (Iran, Turkey) and northwest (Morocco), while vaccination doses were notably influential in Iran and Somalia. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significant roles of healthcare capacity, socioeconomic factors, and vaccination coverage in influencing COVID-19 mortality across MENA. It highlights the vulnerability of healthcare systems in developing countries and underscores the need for targeted resource allocation. Using spatial models like GWR and MGWR, the research reveals regional variations, especially in the northwest, advocating for tailored, region-specific interventions. By integrating GIS and geostatistical models, this analysis lays a foundation for future research on COVID-19 dynamics, providing crucial insights to inform policy measures for better public health crisis management

Affordability and accessibility of condominium housing in urban Ethiopia using a combined transportation and housing cost (CHT) index model: implication for sustainable urban infrastructure, policy and development

ABSTRACT Condominium housing is a critical housing option, but its affordability measures continue to be debatable. This study examined the mutual effect of housing & transportation monthly expenses on housing location affordability and accessibility, considering three comparable locations- inner-city, intermediate, and outer-city condominium locations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 1152 condominium residents were surveyed to assess urban housing location affordability using the combined H+T affordability index, GIS, one-way ANOVA, and Logit model. Housing affordability is diversified in the city, distance to CBD & transport are significant factor. Outer-city and intermediate neighbourhoods are unaffordable & inaccessible, with 55% and 48% index, respectively. Outer-city residents and lower-incomers face higher financial burdens. Nevertheless, inner-city is affordable & accessible, and residents enjoy better proximity to services. It contributes insights to enhance literature and debates on the model. H+T index provides up-to-date understanding and informs policymaking for innovative, smart, and sustainable, location-sensitive, integrated, and pro-poor policies.

Assessment of tourism development services in peri-urban villages using the VIKOR model and spatial statistics algorithms in GIS for mapping spatial interactions

Assessment of tourism development services in peri-urban villages using the VIKOR model and spatial statistics algorithms in GIS for mapping spatial interactions

Assessment of active tectonics based on GIS and statistical model: A case study of upper Alaknanda catchment (western Himalaya, India)

Due to continuing deformation of the Earth’s crust, degradation and aggradation processes, the upper part of the Alaknanda basin lying in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, is considered to be tectonically active. Active tectonics in this region made a considerable impact on the drainage system and the topographic expression. Using a digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 30 m * 30 m and based on eight geomorphic indices [hypsometric integral (HI), drainage texture (Dt), asymmetry factor (AF), ruggedness number (Rd), circularity ratio (Rc), valley floor width/height ratio (Vfw), lemniscate coefficient (k) and basin shape index (Bs)], we evaluated active tectonics. Application of Index of Active Tectonic (IAT) and clustering model disclose the sub-watersheds in the southern part covering watersheds 16, 17 and near Badrinath sub-watershed 4, 9 and 8 are tectonically highly active (Class-1, 1.500-1.781). Cluster analysis defines two prominent clusters of sub-watersheds: 2, 4,14 and 15 in cluster 1; and 6, 7, 8 and 18 in cluster 2. Cluster 1 includes sub-watersheds 2, 4, 14, 15, and 16 and very high, high, and moderate IAT magnitudes. Sub-watersheds 6, 7, 8, and 18 are included in Cluster 2, which has very high and high tectonic activity

Developing of a Digital Twin for Urban Planning in an International Context

The digital twin, adapted to the needs of urban planning and monitoring systems, is the subject of research and development in the academic, commercial and public sectors. The article provides international context in conceptual and practical implementation through their maturity level, scope, purpose, structure, input, processing features and output. The City of Zagreb is presented as an example of the implementation of GIS and 3D city models in urban planning, with activities towards a digital twin city. Based on research and local specifics, the concept of a digital city twin was proposed for the needs of urban planning, and future challenges were identified.

The Roman army in Central Portugal: Reassessing the archaeological evidence of two possible military sites

Following a complementary non-invasive analysis including satellite and aerial imagery, as well as UAV-based photogrammetric and LiDAR surveys, this paper presents and discusses the Roman military evidence identified at Alto do Golado (São Pedro do Sul) and Modedufe (Lamego). Though the archaeological remains of these sites have been partly noticed before, undetected relevant aspects resulted in misinterpretations, which are now reassessed in this study. Constituting the first known evidence of the Roman army in the region located between the Vouga and Douro rivers, further analysis of computed GIS models resulted in some hypotheses regarding mobility, visibility and territorial control. Ultimately, this paper also stresses the importance and the need for additional, invasive archaeological research to validate these hypotheses and, consequently, contribute to a better understanding not only of the sites here discussed but also of the Roman military presence in Western Iberia.

Computer graphics processing technology based on GIS model and its application

Computer graphics processing technology based on GIS model and its application

Digital modeling of lateral water flows and caesium-137 at the microlandscape level in semi-hydromorphic soils of the Bryansk region

A significant role in the movement of water in the soil profile belongs to the preferential vertical water flows, while less attention is paid to the study of lateral flows. We propose a method for studying lateral moisture flows at the microlandscape level using 137Cs of “Chernobyl” origin. For GIS modeling of lateral transport, the hydrological attributes of the microrelief were used, based on a digital relief model (DEM) at a scale of 1:200 with a horizontal section of 20 cm. The Catchment Areas, the Overland Flow Distance, the ephemeral Tricle Network (Strahler Order), as well as the topographic humidity index (TWI) qualitatively characterize the intensity of soil moisture, as well as lateral flows at the microlandscape level. The idea of “preferential lateral flows” introduced by analogy with vertical “preferential moisture flows”. Due to the spatial features of the structure of the nano- and microrelief, lateral transfer forms ephemeral patterns with different humidification modes: “finger-like”, filamentous, and others. A weak level of lateral migration of 137Cs was revealed depending on DEM derivatives.

Determining the Optimal Fire Station Locations in Baghdad Al-Rusafa Using GIS Models and Data

The study of sitology has a long historical background and has recently attracted the attention of many researchers. One of its most important branches is the location of fire stations, which are of great importance in major cities. One of the most important features of an appropriate location is increasing coverage and reducing access time. In this research, geographic information systems were used to choose the most appropriate sites on the Al-Rasafa side in the city of Baghdad/Iraq to facilitate access to the scene of the accident as soon as possible from the fire stations and through the use of the geographical database of the city of Baghdad. GIS analysis was used to build the mathematical model that was adopted based on a number of criteria, including land use, distance to commercial malls, government and educational institutions, hospitals, and distance from existing fire stations. A weight was given to each of these criteria using the Overlay Weighted tool from spatial analysis in geographic information systems to determine the most appropriate areas. Then the road network was added to the criteria used, and then the selection was made on the areas close to the main roads, so the search results were to determine the best sites in Al-Karrada, Al-Sadr City, and Al-Adhamiya.

Exploring geothermal energy prospects through radioelement enrichment zones in Gabal Abu Hashim area in southeastern Aswan by geophysical and remote sensing data integration

Alteration zones in the Eastern Desert are promising for minerals and geological resources exploration. Remote sensing and geophysical techniques offer cost-effective tools for identifying new exploration sites. Additionally, their use in mapping potential alteration zones is crucial for enhancing exploration. Geophysical and remote sensing data are integrated to perform a comprehensive study of minerals alteration associated with radioactive materials under controlling geological structures. This study aims to explore the associated radiogenic heat and geothermal energy to expand the geothermal resources assessments. The study utilizes Spectral Angle Mapper classification, band algebra, principal component analysis (PCA), surface lineament density, and decorrelation stretch techniques and Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to enhance the mapping of mineralized alterations in the study area. It uses VNIR-SWIR ASTER data to identify hydrothermal alteration minerals and dominant alteration zones, also Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) offers two adjacent thermal bands, benefiting land surface temperature (LST) radiation from space in the Gabal Abu Hashim area. The area contains minerals alteration indicators like chlorite, alunite, illite, kaolinite, sericite, with less abundant ferrous minerals and epidote. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS) was used to identify naturally occurring radioactive anomalous zones, including potassium (K), equivalent uranium (eU), and equivalent thorium (eTh), to estimate the radiogenic heat production (RHP) in selected areas of the study area. The examination of AGRS data indicated that the studied region has radioelement concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 148 ppm, 18 to 144 ppm, and 0.004 to 9% of (eU), (eTh), and (K), respectively, indicating the existence of various rock types. The Radioelements Composite Image (RCI) successfully highlighted the radioelements enriched zones associated with younger granite, older granite, and metamorphic rocks, particularly those with extensive hydrothermal alteration. The results successfully discriminated alteration zones associated with radioelements K, U, and Th potential parts in the regional shear oblique zone. The weighted overlay GIS model was used to produce the alteration zones potentiality map, and to identify five zones of significant variations in heat production across different geological formations. The northern and southeastern regions demonstrate high alterations and land surface temperature corresponding to areas of high fault density and shear zones. The results of this study reveal that the proposed methods of remote sensing and AGRS data are effective in detecting areas rich in K, eU, and eTh in alteration zones associated with high radiogenic heat production in younger granite, older granite, and metamorphic rocks.

Methodology for 3D Management of University Faculties Using Integrated GIS and BIM Models: A Case Study

Three-dimensional virtual modeling is one of the tools being rapidly implemented in the construction industry, leading to the need for strategies based on intelligent 3D models of cities and/or digital twins, which allow simulation by interacting with their real physical counterparts, anticipating the outcomes of decision making. In practice, problems arise when creating and managing these twins, as different data, models, technology, and tools must be used, and they cannot all be combined as desired due to certain incompatibilities. On the other hand, today’s traditional building management demands a more optimized process to prevent errors and enable timely reactions to failures and defects. Managing and using a large amount of complex and disparate data are required, which is why the use of CMMS-type software is common (Computerized Maintenance Management System). However, such software is rarely designed for management in a 3D format, often due to the absence of three-dimensional models of the assets. This research aims to contribute to the technological development of the digitalization of the built environment, providing a simple methodology for generating and managing 3D models of cities. To achieve this, the tools and information useful for generating an integrated GIS 3D and BIM model, and for Computer-Aided Maintenance Management in a three-dimensional format (CMMS-3D), are identified. The final model obtained is used to optimize the three-dimensional management of a classroom building on the “Campus de Las Llamas” at the University of Cantabria in Spain. The results demonstrate that it is possible to integrate digital models with simple linking mechanisms between the existing tools, thus achieving an optimal three-dimensional management model.

Assessment of wetland loss through industrialization and community expansion: a case study of the greater amanzule wetland in the Ellembelle district of Ghana

Wetland ecosystems provide numerous services to humanity and the biosphere at large. However, these services are constantly dwindling due to the massive wetland loss caused by urbanization. Urbanization-induced wetland loss is a global problem, with most developing countries experiencing it currently. Several studies on wetland loss have been conducted. However, there is a dearth of studies integrating GIS and other ecological models to estimate the periodic deterioration of wetlands in rural settings in underdeveloped nations. As a result, this study aims to determine wetland loss in a developing country’s countryside, using the Greater Amanzule Wetland in the Ellembelle District of Ghana as a case study. The study used the GIS and Remote Sensing dataset, the Normalization Difference Vegetation Index, and the InVEST-Habitat Quality model to analyze the spatial pattern of wetland loss and habitat quality variations caused by industrialization and community expansions between 2000 and 2020. Our results indicate that, from 2000 to 2015, community built-up and industrial land areas grew from 25.19 ha to 84.21 ha and 0–4.71 ha respectively, causing a wetland loss of −39.64 ha (−31.10%). Between 2015 and 2020, community built-up land grew to 78.65 ha while industrial land slightly reduced to 2.54 ha, leading to the wetland degradation of approximately −69.06 ha (−42.53%). Wetland habitat quality steadily declined, from 0.97 in 2000 to 0.93 in 2015 and 0.93 in 2020. The study findings led to policy recommendations to reduce wetland encroachment and enhance sustainability. These recommendations included conducting effective land-use plan inspections before issuing permits, coordinating effective management, and promoting the recovery of natural and artificial vegetation to sustain the wetland.

Assessing de facto wastewater reuse and its implications for water quality in Yangtze Basin (2014–2021)

De facto wastewater reuse is the incidental presence of treated wastewater in a water supply source. Unplanned indirect wastewater reuse, which is also called de facto reuse, occurs when wastewater is discharged into surface water upstream of the intakes of suitable drinking water treatment plants. Although this discharged wastewater may increase the water quality risks for downstream water supplies, they contribute to the water supply source as an additional in-stream flow. Therefore, proper wastewater management is crucial to ensure access to safe water and address the challenges due to urbanization and population growth. There are detailed data on the infrastructure and river flows in some countries, but this study examined the use of a more limited dataset in other countries and specifically assessed the de facto reuse in the Yangtze River Basin in China. GIS modelling was used to calculate the streamflow of Yangtze River from the DEM, while macro water consumption data was used to estimate the wastewater discharges, and this methodology solved the problem that the outcome was limited by the lack of gauging stations at more locations and lack of precise geospatial location of drinking water intakes or wastewater discharges. Under an average-flow condition, Chongqing in the upper reaches had de facto reuses that increased from 0.57 % in 2014 to 0.60 % in 2021; Wuhan in the middle reaches had de facto reuses, which increased from 1.56 % in 2014 to 1.64 % in 2021; Shanghai, which is located in the estuary of the Yangtze River, increased its de facto reuse from 2.35 % in 2014 to 2.51 % in 2021. Under low-flow conditions, the de facto reuse of Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai in 2021 was 1.7 %, 4.9 %, and 7.4 %, respectively. This relatively high level of de facto reuse is consistent with the estimation of unintended treated wastewater contributions to streams and growing risk of drinking water quality in the Yangtze River Basin. This research estimated de facto reuse in the Yangtze River Basin and showed the feasibility of using limited infrastructure datasets to assess de facto reuse and the modeling methods allow identification of river reaches most impacted by wastewater, and perhaps suggest prioritization for investments in additional wastewater treatment in reaches with high de facto reuse.

The Surface Water Potentiality in Arid and Semi-Arid Basins Using GIS and HEC-HMS Modeling, Case Study: Gebel El Sibai Watershed, Red Sea

The Red Sea region is considered one of the regions that suffer most from water scarcity among the Egyptian areas. This situation reinforces the importance of maximizing the utilization of available water sources. Rainwater and flood harvesting may form a good water source if good harvesting practices are applied. Natural pastures, Bedouin communities, and wild plants may be affected by severe droughts expected due to climate change. Additional water resources are very important to enhance the resilience of the Bedouin communities to probable droughts. Five main hydrographic basins are issued from Gebel El Sibai (+1435 m), including Wadi Esel, Wadi Sharm El Bahari, Wadi Sharm El Qibli, Wadi Wizr, and Wadi Umm Gheig. Detailed investigation of morphometric parameters, runoff/rainfall relationship, and flood volume using GIS and HEC-HMS model of each basin were estimated as well as natural vegetation. This study reveals that rainfall ranges from 84 mm to 0 mm, and a storm of 84 mm (highest event) is expected to occur every 42 years with a probability of 2.4%. Quantitative morphometric analysis implies that the area has good potential for flooding, especially Wadi Sharm El Qibli and Wadi Umm Gheig, where Wadi Sharm El Bahri represents the lowest priority for flooding. The flood volume of Umm Gheig basin is the greatest: 12 million m3 at the basin outlet with a rainfall event of 15 mm. Wadi Esel is expected to collect 8.7 million m3 due to the ratio of the impervious soil and rainfall quantity, Wadi Sharm El Bahari 2.1 million m3, Wadi Sharm El Qibli 1.6 million m3, and Wadi Wizer 1.04 million m3. Seven storage dams (SD1-SD7) were proposed to enhance the utilization of the surface water potentialities of this study area.

A Case Study from Karbala, Iraq, of Geospatial Strategies for Optimal Asphalt Concrete Plant Placement

Having a new capital improvement facility means a significant and lasting commitment and the selection of an actual site is the key factor in success. This decision affects a wide range of undertakings including land use planning and location of industrial structures. The arrangement for asphaltic concrete plants is thus surrounded by several factors that include economic, social, technological and environmental factors. Site selection in a nutshell is the process of choosing sites that have suitable characteristics and within certain parameters to produce a good site from an operational point of view. In this study, we adopt the combination of GIS techniques and cost breakdown methods to overcome the hurdles facing choices of the most appropriate sites to establish asphaltic concrete plants. This research, undertaken in the Karbala Governorate of Iraq, systematically employs tools to map areas optimising economic, environmental and social costs. The study shows that there could be around 120 possible locations for asphaltic concrete plants, on a minimum area of 40,000 square meters. This paper takes GIS modelling and cost breakdown approaches to offer an efficient approach in determining suitable plant locations and thus serves as a useful guideline in decisions of infrastructural investments

Are digital twins improving urban-water systems efficiency and sustainable development goals?

ABSTRACT A digital twin is a tool, which enables a real-time simulation of the water systems and therefore, the water managers can make a decision in the management of the water system over time. The use of these new interaction tool implies the improvement of the awareness of the whole system and it lies in improving the sustainability and efficiency of the water systems with the integration of measurements. The research proposed a methodology to integrate GIS and water models, being the main goal the integration of social, economic, environmental and technical issues. This integration enables improvement in the accuracy and reliability of data and it increases the performance of water systems. This study proposes a pressure-reduction strategy and the implementation of pumps as turbines (PATs), applicable in Sta Cruz, Madeira water system. The use of the developed digital twin model assures a decrease of 3.3 hm3 in water-demand volume, increasing renewable generation by micro-hydropower up to 1.2 GWh. These actions would result in savings above 1.5 M€, decreasing around 530 tons of CO2 emissions each year. The consideration of these values implies the improvement of different indicators, which allows the evaluation of different targets linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Spatial participatory planning for urban logistics: A GIS-enhanced Real-Time Spatial Delphi approach

Effective urban logistics planning plays a crucial role in effectively managing infrastructure and transportation networks, contributing to the mitigation of negative externalities associated with last-mile deliveries and fostering city sustainability. Among the various facets of supply chain management, selecting appropriate locations in urban areas for logistics facilities, such as automated parcel lockers and smart loading bays, stands out. However, the complexity of decision-making in this context, involving diverse stakeholders with potential conflicting objectives, poses a significant challenge in reaching a common consensus. This paper proposes an innovative approach to address this issue by adopting a spatial participatory process that combines GIS models and Real-Time Spatial Delphi to identify suitable locations for two logistic facilities. The case study is the city of Dublin (Ireland), where an Urban Living Lab of the H2020 project SENATOR is based. A modified Delphi is used, first gathering expert opinions on preferences and objectives. These insights are then used to develop a spatial analysis using GIS, ranking areas according to the expert preferences. These outcomes form the basis for the Real-Time Spatial Delphi, where stakeholders and experts working on the project collaboratively engage to achieve a spatial consensus on the territory. The findings of this study provide valuable information for stakeholders, policymakers, local authorities, and governmental bodies to implement specific actions. Through the active involvement of key actors in the decision-making process, this approach ensures that the selected locations for logistics facilities align with the needs of all parties involved.

Estimation of population exposed to road traffic noise in Kosovo highway using GIS modelling and roadside measurements

New highways have been introduced into Kosovo landscape in recent years. The trajectory of the highways crosses through the fields and in the middle of some previously remote rural settlements. This has changed the environment for these areas and the environmental noise is a major concern. This study aims to estimate the population exposed to high traffic noise levels around the highway routes in Kosovo. GIS has been used to model the highway lines, the terrain and the buildings on site. Roadside traffic noise measurements as well as traffic flow measurements have been conducted to approximate the noise sources. An approximate noise map has been generated for the studied area. The population exposed to daytime and nighttime road traffic noise were estimated. The results show the need for road traffic noise reduction measures and areas where they are most needed.