Open-source Geographic Information System Software Research Articles

Mapping World: A Comparative Analysis of Functionality and Usability between QGIS and ArcGIS

The current review conducts a comprehensive comparison of Quantum GIS (QGIS) and ArcGIS in the context of healthcare applications, aiming to assist users in selecting the most appropriate GIS platform for their specific needs. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential tools in healthcare, providing capabilities for spatial analysis, disease mapping, and resource allocation. Driven by the need to improve healthcare delivery and public health strategies, this study compares the functionalities, costs, and support systems of QGIS and ArcGIS. The major objective is to determine which GIS platform offers the best balance of cost-efficiency and performance across various healthcare scenarios. The methodology encompasses a detailed comparative analysis, incorporating quantitative data from user satisfaction surveys, performance evaluations, and real-world case studies. Findings reveal that QGIS, as an open-source GIS software, is highly cost-effective and customizable, making it particularly advantageous for budget-limited projects and smaller organizations requiring flexibility. Its extensibility via plugins and robust user community fosters continuous innovation and improvement. QGIS proves exceptionally effective in healthcare applications such as disease mapping and accessibility analysis, where customization and cost-efficiency are critical. Conversely, ArcGIS is distinguished by its advanced analytical capabilities and strong performance in handling complex, large-scale studies. Its sophisticated tools and comprehensive spatial analysis functionalities are essential for thorough healthcare research and planning. Although ArcGIS incurs higher costs, its extensive feature set, professional support, and exhaustive documentation justify the investment for large organizations and research institutions engaged in detailed GIS projects. In conclusion, both QGIS and ArcGIS exhibit significant strengths in key healthcare applications. QGIS excels in affordability and flexibility, while ArcGIS provides superior analytical power and support for extensive projects. Future research should focus on integrating real-time data and enhancing user experience to further optimize GIS applications in healthcare.

Location-Based Management of Paleontological Collections using Open Source GIS Software

Management of Natural History collections, particularly paleontological collections, is usually structured around specimens. However, it might not be feasible when the collections are incorporated from sources where the whole cycle of specimen collection is unknown, making it hard to determine what fossils belong to a single specimen and if these specimens belong to a single fossil-assemblage, taxon or individual. The Sociedade de História Natural from Torres Vedras (Portugal) manages such collections using a management strategy approach based on the spatial location from where the fossils were found. To achieve this, we have implemented a methodology for field collection and developed a spatial database in PostgreSQL/PostGIS to manage the entire stages of paleontological collections management. On top of the database, a second layer of web services, Web GIS (Geographical Information System) applications, and desktop GIS, all based on QGIS, are also under development to facilitate access to data stored in the database to internal and external researchers and partners, as well public institutions. This effort is made in close collaboration with in-house actors and stakeholders and has yielded promising results. The development of this system provides four advantages: (i) it played an essential role in supporting the transfer of the collection to new storage facilities; (ii) it provides overviews of the distribution of the characteristics of the collections; (iii) it enhances institutional partnerships by providing consistent and reliable data and(iv) it supports the establishment and development of research lines.

LONG SHORT TERM MEMORY APPROACH FOR SHORELINE CHANGE PREDICTION ON ERETAN BEACH

Eretan Beach is one of the beaches in Indramayu and has a reasonably severe abrasion rate from year to year. The Eretan coastline always experiences significant changes due to erosion every year. Therefore, it is necessary to study changes in the coastline at Eretan beach. This study obtained coastline data from the Google Earth engine using CoastSat, a python-based open-source toolkit, from 1992 – 2022. The open-source geographic information system software used to process the data is the Quantum Geographic Information System. This study aims to analyze the Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) algorithm in predicting shoreline changes at Eretan Beach. The eight optimizer functions in the LSTM are used with nine different scenarios to analyze the algorithm's performance. The results of this study show that RMSProp has the best performance compared to other optimizers. The RMSE and MAPE values on the RMSProp are 35.06258 and 2.2923 on the training data and 9.2457 and 1.06786 on the test data. In addition, from the predictions for the next ten years at transect point 251, it was found that there would be an increase in the coastline.

PelaSIG, a QGIS plugin for marine megafauna census: application to the aerial ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative dataset

The distribution of wild animals and their monitoring over large areas raises many logistical and technical difficulties that hinder the collection of observation data. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has increased significantly in recent years. QGIS, an open-source GIS software dedicated to the processing of geospatial data, enables the development of dedicated plugins for specific workflows. The open-source PelaSIG plugin has been developed in Python for QGIS 3 to facilitate and standardise the different steps before and after distance sampling surveys. It brings together a set of tools for survey preparation, automatic data checking, visualisation and presentation of survey effort and sightings to provide an adapted workflow. This plugin is currently designed to process dedicated aerial datasets collected with the SAMMOA software during marine megafauna surveys (i.e., marine mammals, seabirds, elasmobranchs, sea turtles, etc.). Here, we first describe the different tools already available, and then, we present an application with the dataset from the aerial survey of the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative (ASI) conducted in 2018 over the Mediterranean Sea and using a multi-target protocol.

QGIS-based weighted linear combination plugin for landfill site selection: a case study in Tokat Province, Turkey.

Proper disposal of solid waste is crucial for the protection of natural resources and human health. However, increasing population and changes in consumption habits have led to a global increase in solid waste production. Therefore, a site selection process for solid waste management that takes into account environmental, economic, and social factors is needed. The number of open-source GIS (geographic information system) software programs used in site selection analysis is increasing day by day. QGIS software is an open-source GIS software developed by free software developers, with its popularity increasing with each new version and allowing for the development of plugins with the Python programming language. The shareability of plugins developed with QGIS software brings together open-source GIS users around the world for common goals. In this study, a plugin called "LANDFILL SITE SELECTION (LFSS)" was developed in the QGIS software environment for solid waste landfill site selection and a suitability map was created for solid waste landfill site selection in Tokat, Turkey, using this plugin. For this purpose, 14 evaluation criteria and 8 exclusion criteria were selected, the importance levels of criteria and sub-criteria were determined using the AHP method, and a solid waste landfill site selection suitability map was created using the developed plugin.

A methodology for an optimal design of ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants

A methodology for estimating the optimal distribution of photovoltaic modules with a fixed tilt angle in ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants has been described. It uses Geographic Information System, available in the public domain, to estimate Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates of the area which has been selected for the installation of the photovoltaic plant. An open-source geographic information system software, QGIS, has been used. The estimation of the solar irradiance takes into account the variations in the local cloud cover distribution. The optimization process is considered to maximize the amount of energy absorbed by the photovoltaic plant using a packing algorithm (in Mathematica™ software). This packing algorithm calculates the shading between photovoltaic modules. This methodology can be applied to any photovoltaic plant. Different rack configurations and tilt angles are incorporated in the study to account for the characteristics of the irregular shape of the land. The most used rack configurations in photovoltaic plants are the 2V×12 configuration (2 vertically modules in each row and 12 modules per row) and the 3V×8 configuration (3 vertically consecutive modules in each row and 8 modules per row). Codes and standards have been used for the structural analysis of these rack configurations. For this purpose, the wind loads, the snow loads, the weight of the structure, the weight of the photovoltaic modules, and combinations thereof have been calculated. This analysis has been performed with AutoDesk Robot Structural Analysis software for the different rack configurations. A detailed cost analysis of the most used rack configurations in photovoltaic plants has been presented. The levelized cost of the produced electricity efficiency is calculated for each rack configuration. The methodology has been applied in Sigena I photovoltaic plant located in Northeast of Spain. The current rack configuration used in this photovoltaic plant is the 2V×12 configuration with a tilt angle of 30 (°). The configurations 3V×8 configuration with a tilt angle of 14 (°) and 2V×12 configuration with a tilt angle of 22 (°) are the best options proposed by the optimization algorithm. The results show that the 3V×8 configuration with a tilt angle of 14 (°) increases the amount of energy captured by up to 32.45% in relation to the current configuration of Sigena I photovoltaic plant with a levelized cost of the produced electricity efficiency of 1.10. In the other hand, the 3V×8 configuration increases the amount of energy captured by up to 19.52% in relation to the 2V×12 configuration with a tilt angle of 22 (°) with a levelized cost of the produced electricity efficiency of 1.05. The 3V×8 configuration is the one which has the lowest cost for the same number of photovoltaic modules. The 2V×12 configuration with a tilt angle of 30 (°) increases the cost by up to 32.48% in relation to a 3V×8 configuration with a tilt angle of 14 (°).

Optimization of Urban Cargo Distribution Network and Station Points with Open Source GIS

The cargo and transportation sector is growing day by day. Resources need to be managed more efficiently in the face of growth in the sector and fast delivery demand in customer requests. Location selection of cargo branches and route planning processes of cargo vehicles are important in order to manage resources more efficiently. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide significant advantages in site selection and route planning processes. Especially open source GIS data and GIS software offer low cost and effective solutions. In this study, the branch locations of a cargo company in ġehitkamil district of Gaziantep province were examined and the routes of the vehicles were analyzed in a way to minimize time loss and fuel consumption. In this context, isochrone maps were produced over the road network. The population numbers within these isochrone zones were calculated and vehicle liability zones were determined according to the population data. Finally, the daily route planning of more than a hundred cargoes, which are required to be delivered by cargo vehicles in one day, has been made.

A Comparison of Precise Fertilization Prescription Rates to a Conventional Approach Based on the Open Source GIS Software

Fertilization is one of the most important components of precision agriculture, ensuring high and stable crop yields. The process of spatial interpolation of soil sample data is recognized as a reliable method of determining the prescription rates for precise fertilization. However, the application of a free open-source geographic information system (GIS) software was often overlooked in the process. In this study, a method of precise fertilization prescription map creation was developed using an open-source GIS software to enable a wider and cheaper availability of its application. The study area covered three independent locations in Osijek-Baranja County. A method was developed for the fertilization of sugar beet with phosphorous pentoxide, but its application is universal with regard to the crop type. An ordinary kriging was determined as an optimal interpolation method for spatial interpolation, with the mean RMSE of 1.8754 and R2of 0.6955. By comparing the precision fertilization prescription rates to a conventional approach, the differences of 4.1 kg ha-1 for Location 1, 15.8 kg ha-1 for Location 2, and 11.2 kg ha-1 for Location 3 were observed. These values indicate a general deficit in soil phosphorous pentoxide, and precise fertilization could ensure its optimal content in the future sowing seasons.

Analysis of the development of open GIS software and QGIS system

Abstract. Open source software could emerge thanks to the development of the Internet, development tools, and computer literacy in general. The most attractive parameter of open source GIS software is a free license. The rapid pace of development, attracting developers from all over the world and high modularity stimulate the innovative nature of open source software. Here, the introduction of new technologies does not meet with opposition, but rather welcomes. These circumstances, as well as elucidation of the functional capabilities of such GIS, become very important in the search for means of providing the educational process with modern GIS software, which is traditionally an expensive proprietary software. Goal: Analysis of up-to-date GIS software protection and visual accessibility of the QGIS system in the first place with studying geoinformation systems.Quantum GIS (QGIS) is an open source software (GIS) geographic information system (GIS). Open software is one of the most interesting technological phenomena of the present, owing to its rapid growth in the development of the Internet, development tools and computer literacy in general. The key role in the creation, development and support of open source software is played, as a rule, by the community of developers forming around individual software products: commercial companies, groups of enthusiasts or research organizations. The term open source was proposed by Bruce Perens, one of the key leaders in the Open Source and Free Software movement, cofounder with Eric Raymind in 1998 of the Open Source Initiative (OSI), an open source software development organization that promotes and provides technical open source support. This open source term is used by OSI to determine whether a software license complies with open source standards. The main features of open source software as defined include free distribution, accessible source code, permission to modify this source code. At the same time, even successful open source software products require companies on the market ready to provide technical support and advice on issues related to the selected products. However, the number of companies providing support services for open source GIS software is still relatively small.

Method for rapid deployment of low-cost sensors for a nationwide project in the Internet of things era: Air quality monitoring in Taiwan

When the air quality problem of PM2.5 first raised public attention and an emerging low-cost sensor technology appeared suitable as a monitoring measure for said problem, Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration devised a nationwide project involving large-scale sensor deployment for effective pollution monitoring and management. However, the conventional siting optimization methods were inadequate for deploying thousands of sensors. Therefore, this study develops a rapid deployment method. The current results may serve as a reference for the Taiwan government for use in the aforementioned nationwide project, which is an environmental Internet of things–based plan involving 10,200 sensors to be deployed throughout the country. The four monitoring targets are classified as types of industry, traffic areas, communities, and remoteness, and a three-phase implementation structure is devised in the method. The open-source geographic information system software named QGIS was used to implement the proposed method with relevant spatial data from local open-data resources, which generated new, necessary geographic features and estimated sensor deployment quantity in Taiwan. The deployment result of the 10,200 sensors is 4790 in the type of industry, 708 of the traffic area, 3935 of the communities, and 767 of remoteness. The proposed method could serve as a useful foundation for the sensor deployment of environmental Internet of things. Policymakers may apply this method to budget allocation or integrate this method alongside conventional siting methods for the modification of deployment results based on the local monitoring requirements.

Elaboration of Geotechnical Thematic Maps in Urban Areas

In urban areas it is difficult to access natural terrain due to strong human intervention. Therefore, any exposure of the natural terrain is considered an important source of geological and geotechnical data collection. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been responsible to provide great development in geotechnical cartography, particularly in urban environment, using geographic databases and new analysis tools. Our goal is to create a geographical database that will allow and/or improve the elaboration of geotechnical thematic maps, using cartographic data of open platforms combined with free and open source GIS software. In the presented study our focus was related with the identification of the granite alteration degree...Through the geographical database, along with the geological map of the study area, the areas related to the degree of granite alteration were identified and delimited. The data were collected through “Street View” which results from the integration of a specific module in the GIS software (QGIS). The obtained data were validated by direct observation and were photographically recorded. This approach proved to be an effective method, with no significant differences when compared with direct observations. The methods’ limitations are the quality of some “Street View” images, and the existent subjectivity related to the observer in the identification of the degree of alteration of the rocky massif. Its advantage is to reduce the data collection’s time and the possibility of comparing the same place at different time points.

Short communication: A semiautomated method for bulk fault slip analysis from topographic scarp profiles

Abstract. Manual approaches for analyzing fault scarps in the field or with existing software can be tedious and time-consuming. Here, we introduce an open-source, semiautomated, Python-based graphical user interface (GUI) called the Monte Carlo Slip Statistics Toolkit (MCSST) for estimating dip slip on individual or bulk fault datasets that (1) makes the analysis of a large number of profiles much faster, (2) allows users with little or no coding skills to implement the necessary statistical techniques, (3) and provides geologists with a platform to incorporate their observations or expertise into the process. Using this toolkit, profiles are defined across fault scarps in high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), and then relevant fault scarp components are interactively identified (e.g., footwall, hanging wall, and scarp). Displacement statistics are calculated automatically using Monte Carlo simulation and can be conveniently visualized in geographic information systems (GISs) for spatial analysis. Fault slip rates can also be calculated when ages of footwall and hanging wall surfaces are known, allowing for temporal analysis. This method allows for the analysis of tens to hundreds of faults in rapid succession within GIS and a Python coding environment. Application of this method may contribute to a wide range of regional and local earthquake geology studies with adequate high-resolution DEM coverage, enabling both regional fault source characterization for seismic hazard and/or estimating geologic slip and strain rates, including creating long-term deformation maps. ArcGIS versions of these functions are available, as well as ones that utilize free, open-source Quantum GIS (QGIS) and Jupyter Notebook Python software.

Introduction of GIS software (Geographical information system) as a life Teachers and Students / imedium School for Namira Medan

Namira High School is one of the favorite schools in the city of Medan, with the number of students graduating and being accepted at the State University increasing from year to year. To further foster and improve the quality and creativity of Namira High School Students and Teachers, a technology-based training program for the Geographical Information System (GIS). Community Service Program is part of the Tri Dharma College, in collaboration with High School partners Namira, is expected to be able to increase learning in the Computer Laboratory to learn the concepts and technology of GIS which is relatively new. By attending this training, students get the opportunity to work more by utilizing geospatial-based information. The use of Geographical Information System (GIS) in various fields is very real, because GIS provides various facilities that are relatively easy to do. With the open source GIS software training, it is hoped that students and teachers at Namira High School will know the importance of geography literacy and its use in various fields.

Spatial Targeting of Soil Loss Using RUSLE in GIS: the case of Asokore Mampong Municipality, Ghana

Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem that is associated with societal impacts including flooding, poor water quality, and loss of plant nutrient leading to low agricultural productivity. Soil erosion wears away the top soil and is controlled by the interaction between several factors including rainfall, steepness of slope, length of slope, vegetation cover, and land management practices. This study developed Geographic Information System (GIS) graphical model based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), to calculate soil loss in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti region, Ghana. The estimated soil loss was examined the spatial patterns of soil loss and intensity per areas, as an important method for proper planning of management measures. The graphical model was developed using the popular open source GIS software, QGIS, ensuring the availability of the model, automation for any specific area, and its execution to the general public. Data sources used include Digital Elevation Model (DEM) derived from ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer), soil properties data obtained from the Global Soil Grids, land cover data from the Global Land Cover by National Mapping Organization (GLCNMO), NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) data from MODIS (MOD13Q1, 16 Day), and rainfall data from GPCC version 7 (Global Precipitation Climatology Centre). Our results show high levels of soil loss (in tons per hectare per year) in the Municipality, with the capability to spatially target mitigation measures leading to cost effective environmental management.

ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING: EVALUATING SOLAR POTENTIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS USING GRASS AND FREELY AVAILABLE DATA

Abstract. Informal settlements, also known as slums or shanty towns, are characterised by rapid and unstructured expansion, poorly constructed buildings, and in some cases, they are on disputed land. Such settlements often lack basic services, such as electricity. As a result, informal settlement dwellers turn to hazardous alternative sources of energy, such as illegal electricity connections and paraffin. Solar power is a clean and safe alternative. However, informal settlements are often located on undesirable land on the urban fringe where the topography may hinder the use of solar energy. The high density of dwellings could also be a hindrance. Therefore, the solar potential needs to be assessed before any implementations are planned. Solar potential assessment functionality is generally available in geographic information system (GIS) products. The nature, cost and accessibility of datasets required for the assessment vary significantly. In this paper, we evaluate the results of solar potential assessments using GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) for a number of different datasets. The assessments were done for two informal settlements in the City of Tshwane (South Africa): Alaska, which is nestled on a hill; and Phomolong, a densely populated settlement with a rather flat topography. The results show that solar potential assessments with open source GIS software and freely available data are feasible. This eliminates the need for lengthy and bureaucratic procurement processes and reduces the financial costs of assessing solar potential for informal settlements.

Processing Image to Geographical Information Systems (PI2GIS)—A Learning Tool for QGIS

Education, together with science and technology, is the main driver of the progress and transformations of a country. The use of new technologies of learning can be applied to the classroom. Computer learning supports meaningful and long-term learning. Therefore, in the era of digital society and environmental issues, a relevant role is provided by open source software and free data that promote universality of knowledge. Earth observation (EO) data and remote sensing technologies are increasingly used to address the sustainable development goals. An important step for a full exploitation of this technology is to guarantee open software supporting a more universal use. The development of image processing plugins, which are able to be incorporated in Geographical Information System (GIS) software, is one of the strategies used on that front. The necessity of an intuitive and simple application, which allows the students to learn remote sensing, leads us to develop a GIS open source tool, which is integrated in an open source GIS software (QGIS), in order to automatically process and classify remote sensing images from a set of satellite input data. The application was tested in Vila Nova de Gaia municipality (Porto, Portugal) and Aveiro district (Portugal) considering Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data.

Geographic Information System for Pigweed Distribution in the US Southeast

AbstractIn the southeastern United States, Amaranthus, or pigweed species, have become troublesome weeds in agricultural systems. To implement management strategies for the control of these species, agriculturalists need information on areas affected by pigweeds. Geographic information systems (GIS) afford users the ability to evaluate agricultural issues at local, county, state, national, and global levels. Also, they allow users to combine different layers of geographic information to help them develop strategic plans to solve problems. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in testing free and open-source GIS software for weed surveys. In this study, the free and open-source software QGIS was used to develop a geographic information database showing the distribution of pigweeds at the county level in the southeastern United States. The maps focused on the following pigweeds: Palmer amaranth, redroot pigweed, and tall waterhemp. Cultivated areas and glyphosate-resistant (GR) pigweed data were added to the GIS database. Database queries were used to demonstrate applications of the GIS for precision agriculture applications at the county level, such as tallying the number of counties affected by the pigweeds, identifying counties reporting GR pigweed, and identifying cultivated areas located in counties with GR pigweeds. This research demonstrated that free and open-source software such as QGIS has strong potential as a decision support tool, with implications for precision weed management at the county scale.

Implementation of Open Source GIS to Palm Oil Tree Plantation Database: A Case Study in Bukit Kerayong and Bukit Rajah Estate

The palm oil plantation industry is on the rise and it is the biggest plantation industry in Malaysia. Due to its importance and the rise in demand for palm oil plantations, thorough care needs to be given in order to produce high-quality products. Nevertheless, the increasing number in the plantation makes it difficult for the plants to be taken care of manually. It requires an appropriate Geographic Information System (GIS) to manage the plantation. A database management system through GIS can help solve the problem as the data developed by the system can help ease the work of monitoring and analysing the growth of the plants. Companies usually used expensive proprietary software due to its accountability. However, the development of Open Source Software nowadays should not be taken for granted as its ability is at the same par with the proprietary software and it could provide the same good services just as the proprietary software does. The aim of this study is to develop a GIS database using open source GIS software which is Quantum GIS (QGIS) by determining the information of oil palm; numbers of oil palm trees, an area covered by the estate and the vegetation index for oil palm using WorldView-2 images. This study shows that the respondents are positive and open about the usage of open-source software although they do have their concerns regarding the friendliness and performance of the software.

An Open Source GIS‐Based Decision Support System for Watershed Evaluation of Best Management Practices

AbstractEconomic costs, water quantity/quality benefits, and cost effectiveness of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) at a watershed scale are increasingly examined using integrated economic‐hydrologic models. However, these models are typically complex and not user‐friendly for examining the effects of various BMP scenarios. In this study, an open source geographic information system (GIS)‐based decision support system (DSS), named the watershed evaluation of BMPs (WEBs), was developed for creating BMP scenarios and simulating economic costs and water quantity/quality benefits at farm field, subbasin, and watershed scales. This DSS or WEBs interface integrated a farm economic model, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and an optimization model within Whitebox Geospatial Analysis Tools (GAT), an open source GIS software. The DSS was applied to the 14.3‐km2 Gully Creek watershed, a coastal watershed in southern Ontario, Canada that drains directly into Lake Huron. BMPs that were evaluated included conservation tillage, nutrient management, cover crop, and water and sediment control basins. In addition to assessing economic costs, water quantity/quality benefits, and cost effectiveness of BMPs, the DSS can be also used to examine prioritized BMP types/locations and corresponding economic and water quantity/quality tradeoffs in the study watershed based on environmental targets or budget constraints. Further developments of the DSS including interface transfer to other watersheds are also discussed. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on SWAT Applications for Emerging Hydrologic and Water Quality Challenges. See the February 2017 issue for the introduction and background to the series.

Using a VGI and GIS-Based Multicriteria Approach for Assessing the Potential of Rural Tourism in Extremadura (Spain)

Extremadura (Spain), being one of the less-developed EU regions, is also eligible for European funds, including those related with the development of tourism activities in rural areas. To assess the spatial distribution of rural tourism potential (RTP), a methodological approach was followed by combining the synergetic use of geographic information systems (GIS) and the analytical hierarchical process (AHP). For the evaluation model, six factors were examined and hierarchized by a panel of eighteen experts: tourism accommodation offer, activities in natural areas, gastronomic offer, cultural activities, bath offer in natural environments, and activities in active tourism. These factors were then decomposed into thirty-two evaluation criteria and the relative importance of their weights was estimated using pairwise judgments. Using publicly available data and volunteered geographic information (VGI) platforms, the related spatial and non-spatial data were collected, collated, and standardized, employing appropriate tools developed with open-source GIS software. The results, represented by a series of intensity maps, indicate the RTP scores, highlight the strengths and weaknesses in each county, and could serve as a planning tool for public and/or private investments.