Use Of Geographic Information System Tools Research Articles

Multi-objective turbine allocation on a wind farm site

The Multi-Objective Turbine Allocation (MOTA) method is introduced as a novel approach for wind farm layout optimization and site selection. By incorporating Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the MOTA method offers a comprehensive solution to balance energy production, cost factors, and environmental impacts. In this study, the MOTA method is applied to Gökçeada, Türkiye, for wind farm development. Results show that the MOTA method effectively proposes the optimum wind farm layout by selecting the best site for each turbine. The sequential turbine allocation approach, integration of multiple objectives, and use of GIS tools and AHP are the key capabilities and novelties of the MOTA method. The method allows for flexible investment decisions, considering technical and economic aspects. The outcomes from the Gökçeada case study highlight the effectiveness of the MOTA method in maximizing energy production while considering cost factors and environmental impacts. The results indicate that for the selected objective functions, the optimal net profit is attained with the installation of 155 turbines on Gökçeada. The MOTA method presents a practical and efficient solution for wind farm development, contributing to sustainable and efficient renewable energy generation.

Sustainability Assessment through Urban Accessibility Indicators and GIS in a Middle-Sized World Heritage City: The Case of Cáceres, Spain

The main objective of the research consists of quantifying the degree of sustainability of the city of Cáceres in terms of the inhabitant’s accessibility to public services through the use of GIS tools and urban indicators, taking into account two areas of study: The Historic Centre (PCH) and the city as a whole. The methodology applied is based on the criteria proposed by the Spanish Government derived from the Spanish Strategy for Urban and Local Sustainability (EESUL), which suggests suitable indicators for analysing urban environments. The degree of sustainability of the study areas, applied to the field of mobility and accessibility to public services, is evaluated through numerical calculations complementing the study with accessibility maps obtained using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools. The results show that the city of Cáceres is sustainable in terms of accessibility to bus stops, organic waste containers, household waste recycling centre, schools and education, health centres, and public administration. However, bike parking coverage and lanes, clothes and oil collection, and sports centres need to be further enhanced. In conclusion, there is little disparity in the results between the PCH and the city as a whole, not influenced by the fact that one of the areas is a consolidated historic area. This research has allowed some gaps in the topic to be addressed. However, the main limitation of this methodology consists in the need to have a considerable amount of initial starting data to be able to carry out the research. Finally, the sustainability analysis using urban indicators is considered a valuable source of information for the local manager, becoming a real planning tool in medium-sized cities.

Geographic information science in supporting business decisions

Most of the studies to date concern the use of GIS tools in business. Meanwhile, the emergence of GIScience as a separate field of knowledge significantly expands this problem. This article aims to highlight these consequences in the broad context of the geographical relevance of business decisions. The main aim is to indicate the theoretical, methodological and practical problems resulting from the slowly increasing use of GIScience as a tool for supporting business decisions. This is the effect of the rapid development of geodata acquisition technologies, the emergence of new technologies in remote sensing, including big geodata, and the improvement and dissemination of geographic information systems (GIS). These issues are rarely addressed in the literature focusing on the presentation of detailed solutions and the most typical examples. They were discussed in turn in the article: traditions in geographic research and reasoning, types of geographic relevance of business activity, geographic aspects of business decisions, geographically relevant business decisions and their specificity, types and sources of geodata. The most useful and standard GIS tools in the context of supporting business decisions are then discussed. Finally, general principles of supporting business decisions by GIScience and related problems were discussed.

GIS based evaluation of social determinants of children's health in Turkey: Case study of Istanbul

Basic elements considered as social determinants of the health varies in political, socio-economic, structural and intermediary contexts. While socio-economic and political contexts are directly related with the social, economic, public and health policies in country scale. The structural context additionally includes socio-economic dimensions such as income, education, occupation, social class, gender and race/ethnicity. In addition to these basic determinants, the public health, and especially the children health is also affected by the intermediary determinants, which are material circumstances including physical conditions of the working, housing and neighborhood environments and consumption potential (i.e. healthy foods, proper clothing etc.). Existing experiences provided that, the children who grow up on low socioeconomic conditions or on inappropriate environmental conditions including the residential structures tend to become more often ill than the children living in better environmental and socio-economic conditions. This situation reveals the importance of the city planning in terms of providing better conditions for children's health. This study aims to evaluate the social determinants of children's health by the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. For this purpose, a variety of social determinants in terms of political (quality and quantity of health services), structural (education and social class) and intermediary (physical environment, housing, and neighborhood) contexts were examined in Bakırköy and Esenler districts, which are located European side of Istanbul. For this purpose, 2017 dated official dataset including census information and the statistics on the quality and the quantity of the education and health services in two districts were used for examining the political and structural determinants. The spatial characteristics of the physical environment and housing conditions in the study area were constructed from cadastral maps and development plans by use of GIS tools. As a last step, children's health data that consists of pediatric patient visits and diagnosis reports from 12 hospitals in Bakırköy and Esenler districts were also examined for understanding the potential relationships between the social determinants and existing health conditions. Results of this research revealed that the Bakırköy district has better conditions in terms of all health determinants when compared with Esenler district. Therefore, the health status of children living in Bakirköy is expected to be better than those living in the Esenler, which coincides with the evaluation of official children health data.

Quantitative Estimation of Altimetric Variations Using Residual DEM from Topographical Maps between Two Epochs 1893 and 1985: Case Study: The Endorheic Basin of Enfidha-Tunisia

This article endeavours to analyse the recent deformation in the Enfidha region. This analysis has been carried out using the Residual Digital Elevation Model (DEM). It is the altimetric difference between two DEM generated from the contour lines of two topographical maps over a period of 100 years. This deformation has been studied by some authors who report the presence of recent ground movements by comparing contour lines with a downward trend in elevation from 1893 to 1985. In 2006, this study area was marked by the presence of two earthquakes that occurred in several coastal cities located in the northeastern part of Tunisia. Our study involves a quantitative estimation of altimetric variations under a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Our proposed methodology aims at the mapping of residual (DEM) and the extraction of parameters that have a morphological and morphostructural signature. The extraction of quantitative morphostructural parameters requires the integration of multi-source and multi-scale data. This can only be done if the problem of heterogeneity at the level of scale and coordinate system is solved through the use of GIS tools and the obtainment of the vectorial shapefile format. Then, in order to compare the DEM generation errors with reference to recent and old data, they must be projected in the same projection system and on the same scale. The available data are two topographic maps of Enfidha which represent two different epochs. The first one is an old topographic map of 1893 (type 1922) at a scale of 1:50,000 and the second one is a recent topographic map of 1985 at a scale of 1:25,000. These topographical maps have the Lambert (IGN) projection system. This methodological approach, based on residual (DEM), allows to highlight an estimated subsidence of 3 m/100years located in the Enfidha plain and extends to the south coast of Cap Bon area in Tunisia. The variation of the contour lines shape between the old and the recent map can be studied in correlation with a relay structure fault observed and recognized by some analysts in this area. These relay accidents remain active according to the results obtained by the residual (DEM) and validated by the field observations of two sites that we have carried out in the Enfidha endorheic basin.

ANALYSIS OF FIRE SERVICES COVERAGE IN SPAIN

A study carried out in Spain on the location of fire stations and their territorial coverage points out deficiencies in relation to care within a reasonable time frame. This article analyzes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine the territorial coverage and population served by fire services in a specific response time. This road response time is based on the response from other countries. The study compares the information obtained in an analytical manner from the population and surface area served in Spain by firefighters, with the data obtained through the use of GIS tools, concluding that the population and surface area left unattended is higher than initially estimated. The article describes and analyzes an alternative solution to reinforce the current network of fire stations with fire stations with localised professional staff capable of being deployed in underserved areas, mainly in rural areas.

TRANSIT: a GIS toolbox for estimating the duration of ancient sail-powered navigation

ABSTRACTCost-surface analysis in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment has been less frequently used in the study of ancient sail navigation than in other studies of the human past. Navigation cost-surface analysis entails the use of GIS tools that are versatile but not very easy to grasp and to put to work. This article describes an ArcGIS toolbox built to facilitate cost-surface analysis of ancient sail navigation. It estimates the navigation time from a start location, considering parameters relevant for the generation of an accumulated anisotropic cost-surface, automating the complex workflow required to meaningfully pre- and post-process the data. Acknowledging the limitations inherent to the tool, and to the modeling of a complex matter such as sail navigation, the toolbox is first described and then used in a worked example. Historically recorded voyages in the Mediterranean during classical antiquity are compared to estimated durations generated by the toolbox. In spite of structural and expected limitations, the results indicate that the proposed toolbox may produce reasonable estimates. These should be thought of as values gravitating around, not matching, likely past durations. The estimated values may prove useful as an indication of the order of magnitude of past voyages’ duration, and as frame of reference in measuring ancient maritime space through time.

Do Visitor Experiences Differ Across Recreation Settings? Using Geographical Information Systems to Study the Setting-Experience Relationship

ABSTRACTManagers of outdoor recreation areas must understand how certain types of settings influence visitor experiences to support preferred on-site experiences. Geographically explicit techniques need to be used to explore this setting-experience relationship because inaccurate measuring methods have resulted in a weak association between settings and realized visitor experiences. This study piloted accurate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods to study how visitor experiences differ across settings in Oulanka National Park (NP), Finland. Data on visitor experiences was collected in a map-based online survey. Visitors (N = 170) completed the survey after their visit to Oulanka NP by marking first the locations which they had visited on an electronic map and then selecting those experience items, such as relaxation and physical wellbeing, that they had felt in these locations. The study area was classified into four different settings on a continuum of primitive to developed, using measures of infrastructure, social interaction, and accessibility in GIS software. Mapped experiences were compared against the settings using chi-squared test. No significant differences were found in experience items across recreation settings. The results encourage continued use of GIS tools to study visitor experiences and their geographical contexts but suggest using more qualitative forms of mapping.

APPLICATION OF GIS IN MODELING ZILBERCHAI BASIN RUNOFF

Abstract. Runoff is one of most important hydrological variables that are used in many civil works, planning for optimal use of reservoirs, organizing rivers and warning flood. The runoff curve number (CN) is a key factor in determining runoff in the SCS (Soil Conservation Service) based hydrologic modeling method. The traditional SCS-CN method for calculating the composite curve number consumes a major portion of the hydrologic modeling time. Therefore, geographic information systems (GIS) are now being used in combination with the SCS-CN method. This work uses a methodology of determining surface runoff by Geographic Information System model and applying SCS-CN method that needs the necessary parameters such as land use map, hydrologic soil groups, rainfall data, DEM, physiographic characteristic of the basin. The model is built by implementing some well known hydrologic methods in GIS like as ArcHydro, ArcCN-Runoff for modeling of Zilberchai basin runoff. The results show that the high average weighted of curve number indicate that permeability of the basin is low and therefore likelihood of flooding is high. So the fundamental works is essential in order to increase water infiltration in Zilberchai basin and to avoid wasting surface water resources. Also comparing the results of the computed and observed runoff value show that use of GIS tools in addition to accelerate the calculation of the runoff also increase the accuracy of the results. This paper clearly demonstrates that the integration of GIS with the SCS-CN method provides a powerful tool for estimating runoff volumes in large basins.

Use of GIS Tools for Environmental Conflict Resolution at Map Ta Phut Industrial Zone in Thailand

Special industrial zones are favored over scattered industries from an environmental management perspective, but poor management can lead to conflicts. This paper presents an analysis of the environmental conflict that arose between the state, society, and industry stakeholders in an industrial zone of the Eastern Seaboard Development Program of Thailand. This paper seeks to determine the effectiveness of policy measures implemented by the state to resolve the conflict. The purpose of this study is to draw lessons for industrializing nations that adopt the industrial zone model to foster environmentally sustainable industrial development. The study revealed that blatant violation of land-use planning regulations and expansion of the industrial zone into community areas was a root cause of the conflict. Through legal action, civil society has been successful in forcing the state and industries to halt unplanned expansion of industrial areas and practice better environmental governance. However, inadequate commitment by the state and industry stakeholders seems to perpetuate the conflict, threatening the sustainability of economic gains. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based analysis confirmed that the policy interventions of the government to resolve the conflict have not produced significant results. This paper highlights the need for GIS-based environmental quality monitoring for guiding industrialization-based urban development towards sustainability.

THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF GIS TECHNIQUES IN DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL: AN EXAMPLE BASED ON A REGIONAL PROJECT IN CENTRAL AFRICA

ISHS IV International Symposium on Banana: International Conference on Banana and Plantain in Africa: Harnessing International Partnerships to Increase Research Impact THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF GIS TECHNIQUES IN DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL: AN EXAMPLE BASED ON A REGIONAL PROJECT IN CENTRAL AFRICA

Sustainable locating of different forest uses

This study describes an approach whereby it is possible to promote social, ecological and economic sustainability by paying attention to the effectiveness of locating different forest uses and to anticipating conflict situations. It introduces a geographic information system (GIS) based method enabling the user to evaluate certain sub-areas in accordance with the requirements of each forest use to be practised in them. Moreover, the method enables the user to combine compatible forms of use and thereby to locate the areas most important from the point of view of the group of compatible forms of use. This information can be utilised when selecting small set-aside areas in commercial forests where wood production is not the main use form. Areas subject to use pressures from two or more incompatible forest uses can be found by comparing suitability maps of incompatible uses. Coming to a head of conflict situations can often be prevented by identifying those areas, which are subject to conflicting objectives. This method makes use of GIS tools when evaluating the sub-areas for the purpose of producing the required knowledge, and for combining and describing sub-areas in the form of suitability maps. The methods of multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) are used in evaluating and making commensurable the different objectives. The method produces theme maps describing (i) the best sub-areas from the point of view of compatible forest uses within a certain area and (ii) in the case of incompatible forest uses those sub-areas where the biggest conflicts can be expected. The method is illustrated by a case study in which the compatibility of the forms of use to be practised within a certain forest area are clarified and targets involving potential conflict situations are sought.

Cancer registry policies in the United States and geographic information systems applications in comprehensive cancer control

Through a long history of cancer policies, public health has a foundation for cancer research and data to use in applying technological advancements for U.S. cancer control efforts. Geographic information systems (GIS) are one technology enabling the visualization of cancer risk patterns associated with incidence, mortality, and accessibility to care. U.S. Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) program directors were interviewed from 49 of 50 states to assess use and function of GIS tools for mapping data related to cancer control policies and practices. Interviews were coded to obtain frequencies of response associated with content domains mapped using GIS tools and the perceived relative advantages. Significant relationships were found between the mapping of behavioral risk factors, health care services, transportation access, and policy advantages identified by program managers. The mapping of cancer incidence, mortality, and staging, transportation access, and multiple layers of content were found to have significant associations with perceived research advantages. U.S. CCC program managers recognize several important advantages relating to health policy and research for use of GIS tools in cancer control efforts. The application of GIS in U.S. cancer control efforts is employed unevenly, suggesting the need for innovative policies to support accessibility.

Staffing the Revolution: GIS Education for Planners

Computerized information processing is profoundly altering, even revolutionizing, the potential for planning and decision support resulting in greatly increased demand for professionals with the knowledge and skills to use this new technology, especially its expression in geographic information systems (GIS). Drawing upon the authors' experience in teaching GIS to planners, this article proposes a strategy for staffing the planning side of the GIS revolution. It speculates about reasons for lag in introducing GIS in planning schools, describes the potential for use of GIS tools in planning, and presents a case study of the introduction of GIS into the curriculum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.