Web Geographic Information System Research Articles

A web GIS based integrated water resources assessment tool for Javeh Reservoir

The creation of tools and services for tracking, estimating, and predicting water resource indices that might provide authorities access to information in close to real-time is essentially a must. The considerable development of Web-Geographic Information System Decision Support System (Web-GIS DSS) allows for the analysis of geospatial data and scenarios via the internet without a traditional desktop GIS. The web GIS technology is coupled to techniques which determine water resources Carlson, and Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) Trophic Status Indices (TSIs), the water resource vulnerability index (WRVI), and social water stress index (SWSI). The water quality indices were determined by helping machine learning (ML) techniques, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and XGBoost. The performances of aforementioned MLs were compared, and the best efficient one, XGBoost, was included in the Web-GIS DSS tool. The developed Web-GIS DSS was examined in Javeh Reservoir, Kurdestan, Iran.The developed Web-GIS DSS allows the users to define the relevant features of the Javeh Reservoir system in pre-defined time horizons such as meteorological, hydrological, inflow water quality, reservoir operation strategies, downstream water demands, geographical external water transfers, etc. The results indicate that the Javeh Reservoir experiences eutrophication status according to the Carlson and OECD indices over time horizons. The water quantity assessment reveals the Javeh Reservoir's susceptibility based on WRVI, although no stress is indicated by SWSI. This susceptibility may be attributed to limited precipitation and water inflow during the simulation period, suggesting a need for comprehensive water resources management.The conclusion drawn from this research underscores the essential role of the developed Web-GIS DSS in decision-making processes for water and environment management, substantiating its practicality with accurate and user-friendly water and environmental data analysis. The tool exemplifies the potential of integrating ML and Web-GIS technologies to promote sustainable environmental practices, thereby establishing a model for future research and policy-making initiatives.

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.

Disaster Risk Assessment of Fluvial and Pluvial Flood Using the Google Earth Engine Platform: a Case Study for the Filyos River Basin

AbstractThe aim of this study is to conduct a risk analysis of fluvial and pluvial flood disasters, focusing on the vulnerability of those residing in the river basin in coastal regions. However, there are numerous factors and indicators that need to be considered for this type of analysis. Swift and precise acquisition and evaluation of such data is an arduous task, necessitating significant public investment. Remote sensing offers unique data and information flow solutions in areas where access to information is restricted. The Google Earth Engine (GEE), a remote sensing platform, offers strong support to users and researchers in this context. A data-based and informative case study has been conducted to evaluate the disaster risk analysis capacity of the platform. Data on three factors and 17 indicators for assessing disaster risk were determined using coding techniques and web geographic information system (web GIS) applications. The study focused on the Filyos River basin in Turkey. Various satellite images and datasets were utilized to identify indicators, while land use was determined using classification studies employing machine learning algorithms on the GEE platform. Using various applications, we obtained information on ecological vulnerability, fluvial and pluvial flooding analyses, and the value of indicators related to construction and population density. Within the scope of the analysis, it has been determined that the disaster risk index (DRI) value for the basin is 4. This DRI value indicates that an unacceptable risk level exists for the 807,889 individuals residing in the basin.

Soqia: A Responsive Web Geographic Information System Solution for Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Monitoring of Soil Water Status in Arboriculture

The optimization of irrigation in arboriculture holds crucial importance for effectively managing water resources in arid regions. This work introduces the development and implementation of an innovative solution named ‘Soqia’, a responsive WEB-GIS web application designed for real-time monitoring of the water status in arboriculture. This solution integrates meteorological data, remote sensing data, and ground sensor-collected data for precise irrigation management at the agricultural plot level. A range of features has been considered in the development of this WEB -GIS solution, ranging from visualizing vegetation indices to accessing current weather data, thereby contributing to more efficient irrigation management. Compared to other existing applications, ‘Soqia’ provides users with the current amount of water to irrigate, as well as an estimated amount for the next 8 days. Additionally, it offers spatio-temporal tracking of vegetation indices provided as maps and graphs. The importance of the Soqia solution at the national level is justified by the scarcity of water resources due to increasingly frequent and intense drought seasons for the past years. Low rainfall is recorded in all national agricultural areas. The implemented prototype is a first step toward the development of future innovative tools aimed at improving water management in regions facing water challenges. This prototype illustrates the potential of Web-GIS-based precision irrigation systems for the rational use of water in agriculture in general and arboriculture in particular.

Mapping of dental caries incidence based on geographical information system (gis) in elementary school

Background: Dental caries in Central Java, Indonesia is still important problem, around 43.45% even prevalence of caries in early childhood is still high around 82%. As an effort to control and prevent increasing that case, a risk analysis is needed to determine the risk factors supporting caries. Geographical information system (GIS) as a delivery of information on the spread of disease to support planning efforts. Aim of this study is to determine mapping of distribution dental caries incidence based on GIS concerned to analysis of caries risk factors at Elementary School in Semarang. Methods: Using cross sectional analytic survey with spatial vector map data of 31 public elementary schools at Banyumanik district, Central Java and attribute data on distribution of dental caries. Mapping distribution of caries incidence based on secondary data from City Health Office and Community Health Centre using (Quantum GIS QGIS) and Web GIS software. Results: Elementary schools with caries risk factor environment were good (n=16, 52%) and bad (n=15, 48%), otherwise those with health services were good (n=22, 71%) and bad (n=9, 29%). There was a relationship between caries risk factors and dental caries incidence (p value=0.004) and OR 19.83 (environment) and p value=0.027 and OR 7.917 (health services). Conclusion: Mapping distribution of caries incidence based on GIS was in a very high category influenced by bad environmental factors and poor health services.

Geovisualization: A Practical Approach for COVID-19 Spatial Analysis

Web Geographic Information Systems (WebGISs) were widely used to monitor COVID-19 cases and deaths during the pandemic. Furthermore, geotechnologies were also very useful in education, public management, tourism, and other areas. Although there are WebGISs with a high level of sophistication, most are simple, consisting of geovisualizers of cases, deaths, and vaccinations. This study develops a WebGIS that offers information about age, comorbidities, and tests, which can be analyzed from specific points such as hospitals, main access roads, regions, or neighborhoods. Although it is not a highly sophisticated solution, the WebGIS developed in this study is especially useful for municipal governments in developing countries like Brazil that do not have patient health data in geographic databases. The WebGIS developed in this study offers public managers essential information for developing effective public policies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemiological phenomena such as dengue and malaria.

Effects of web geographic information system (GIS) technology and curriculum approaches on education for disaster risk reduction

Abstract. Disaster risk reduction education (DRRE) is a strategy to mitigate the harmful effects of disasters. The implementation of DRRE in schools is on the rise, and web geographic information system (GIS) technology in DRRE is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, little knowledge exists about whether students can improve their understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR) through web GIS technology and which factors affect their learning of web hazard maps. This study has provided materials and curricula for DRR education in Chinese and Japanese high schools and utilized them eight times in the classroom between 2020 and 2022. These classes had three forms of implementation due to the COVID-19 pandemic: online, on-site and online–on-site mixed. The students first answered a pretest. Then they learned about DRR using the explanatory web pages and the web hazard maps by answering quizzes shown on the pages. After that, they answered a posttest and a questionnaire. Most students exhibit improved results after utilizing the digital DRR materials. This improvement is pronounced for the on-site implementations, while the mixed online–on-site implementation proves less effective. The pretest scores for the implementations using local disaster cases are low, but the subsequent improvement is significant. The ability of students to utilize electronic devices affects the learning of GIS-related content rather than other aspects. The daily use of online maps and attention to disaster prevention and mitigation affect the learning of all the materials. Increasing the use of online hazard maps is key to realizing social DRR.

WebGIS Based Road Crash Information System: A Case Study

Road crashes in India is showing progressive growth since COVID time, despite many road safety measures and program the rate of crashes are not declining. Many a times the road safety measures are not implemented in proper geographical locations owing to lack of proper crash information, which include crash information of the past. Road crash information is thus a vital support for the road safety assessment programs that eyes for a reduction in the road crashes. In India, as in other developing countries, very little effort is taken to providing enough road crash information. The identification of road crash location, analysis and treatment of road accident black spots are widely regarded as one of the most effective approaches to road accident prevention. A user friendly web Geographic Information System (GIS) based Road Crash Information System (RCIS) is developed in the present study for Kerala State, India. An online platform to add, update and maintain the database of road accident black spots is offered by the system, including analysis functionalities. Database maintains a standard guideline for road crash reporting thereby reducing data redundancy. Integration of all crash data from accident locations and to filter data based on different criteria are the core objectives of this study. The study also focused on systematically sharing the accident black spot details to the public user through an online platform.

Using web GIS to promote stakeholder understanding of scientific results in sustainable urban development: A case study in Bergen, Norway

AbstractThis paper highlights the importance of improving stakeholder understanding of environmental factors such as air quality and the urban heat island effect to achieve sustainable development goals. While accurate spatial and temporal environmental data are critical for sustainable solutions, the challenge lies in translating complex environmental information for non‐specialists. To solve this problem, we propose using web GIS storytelling as a powerful tool for communicating and disseminating information about the environment. This paper aims to show example of implementation of a web‐based geographic information system (GIS) on our case study in Bergen, Norway. This platform “Web GIS Bergen, air quality and thermal comfort” was created as an open portal. This document explains the components of the platform, their rationale, and implementation, which includes important steps. They involve the collection of relevant environmental data, including modeling results and remote sensing data. Futhermore, the design and interface of the platform has been carefully considered to provide a user‐friendly experience based on interactive maps and storytelling. Combining data visualization and storytelling, the platform promotes a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental data, including “invisible killers” such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect, which significantly affect sustainable development. The strategic integration of this web‐based GIS platform in Bergen can serve as an attractive model for other urban areas looking for practical tools for sustainable development, engaging stakeholders for a healthier and more sustainable urban future.

Semantic enrichment of building functions through geospatial data integration and ontological inference

The comprehensive definition of buildings in urban spatial databases (SDBs) and geographic information systems (GISs) is crucial for city management, considering their essential role in cities. Modern urban geospatial applications such as smart cities need a rich-information infrastructure, relying upon urban SDBs and GISs, powered by multiple data sources. In this respect, many geospatial techniques are available for acquiring geometric data of buildings, but their semantic definitions require extra effort. Today, volunteered geographic information (VGI) platforms are assumed to be alternative geospatial data sources and their integration with official datasets provides a new opportunity for the enrichment of urban geospatial datasets. In this context, geospatial semantic web technologies can contribute to the semantic enrichment process. This study presents a methodology for enriching various building datasets using GIS and geospatial semantic web technologies, enabling an enhanced definition of building functions. The proposed method makes use of an OpenStreetMap (OSM) dataset to obtain missing semantic information about building features. The enrichment process was implemented by transferring OSM point of interest (POI) values to associated OSM building features through the application of semantic web rule language (SWRL) rules. Furthermore, the same process was also applied to two additional official datasets at different levels of detail (TOPO1K and TOPO25K), which were subsequently incorporated into the geospatial ontology. The resulting geospatial ontology offers new opportunities for functional definition and logical rule-making for buildings, with the potential to uncover new classes and insights. In addition, it allows for the definition of terms and explanations in multiple languages, covering most of the OSM values used worldwide for selected tags to define building functions.

GIS-Based Interactive Technology in Demographic Record Management and Mapping Towards Sustainable Community

Management of demographic records plays a vital role in understanding and planning for the needs of community living. However, managing conventional records requires more time, cost, and energy without accurate assurance. As there are raising concerns in assessing community information for charity purposes, safety coordination, and crime prevention, especially during emergencies; integrating demographic data with spatial information is becoming significantly important. This paper aims to establish an accessible and visible digital platform of demographic information for respective sectors, namely, the KRT, Qariah group, NGOs, and representatives of CSR projects. The objective is to digitize interactive demographic record management and mapping through GIS-based technology. This study adopts a Geographical Information System (GIS) to digitize information using web GIS integrating with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology for data acquisition in the community sampling areas; Puncak Iskandar. The proposed system which leverages the power of spatial analysis and visualization, utilizes GIS technology to store, analyse, and visualize demographic records in a geographical context. It incorporates various demographic data sources, such as census data, health records, and administrative data in managing more efficient and effective data with lower cost, energy, time, and resources. Furthermore, the GIS-based system enables the identification of spatial disparities, inequalities, and interventions in demographic characteristics. Therefore, the integration of this system into community demographic management has provided a powerful platform for accessing and coordinating population dynamics, problem-solving, and sustainable development. The implementation in Puncak Iskandar enhances the accessibility, and visualization of demographic data, enabling policy-makers, researchers, and planners to make informed decisions based on a geographical perspective. The findings demonstrate the reliability of GIS-based demographic record management in a community living towards supporting evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and policy formulation for a wide range of applications, including urban planning, public health, and social services towards a sustainable future.

Tourism Support System to Utilize Virtual Reality Space Reflecting Dynamic Information in Real Time

It is important that both static and dynamic information is efficiently used to create a suitable tourism plan. However, collecting, accumulating and managing dynamic information can cost tourists time, money and energy. In the present study, an original tourism support system was designed and developed with the purpose of reducing the burden of tourists who are unfamiliar with the urban tourist destinations in particular. An original tourism planning support system and web-geographic information systems (Web-GIS) were integrated into a single system, and two original functions were implemented. The system was operated targeting Osaka City, Japan, for a period of one month. The information concerning 529 sightseeing spots was collected from tourism-related web media and then saved to the database of the system beforehand. During the operation period, a cumulative total of 160 users accessed the system. Based on the questionnaire survey results, most of the main functions were highly rated regardless of users’ travel experiences to the operation target area. Additionally, based on the access log analysis results, it was clear that the use of the system was in line with the purpose of the present study, as the number of visits to the page for the main functions were high.

Normalizing the pandemic: exploring the cartographic issues in state government COVID-19 dashboards

ABSTRACT Government agencies have utilized Web Geographic Information Systems (GIS) dashboards to collect and disseminate spatial information on COVID-19. However, not all maps on these dashboards adhere to established cartographic principles. This article explores the extent of the cartographic issues by surveying state governments’ official COVID-19 websites in the United States on February 11, 2021. The results indicate that out of the fifty states, thirty-one (62.0%) incorrectly used unnormalized data in choropleth maps, sixteen (32.0%) used normalized data, and three (6.0%) did not employ choropleth maps. Among states using normalized data correctly, we identified other cartographic problems, including inappropriate data class divisions and suboptimal enumeration units. As dashboards serve as authoritative sources for health information, issues in map creation can influence public perception of the health crisis. These findings underscore the need for map standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of health information in the Web GIS era.

Assessing the sustainability of bioenergy pathways through a land-water-energy nexus approach

Bioenergy can significantly contribute to facilitating the transition to a self-sufficient low-carbon energy sector in Europe. The establishment of sustainable bioenergy systems needs ex-ante analysis that considers specific contexts and potential trade-offs, including competing uses of natural resources such as land, water and energy. The use of marginal and underutilized lands has been emphasized as a valuable strategy to overcome the food vs fuel paradigm and the direct and indirect land use change that can derive from the cultivation of bioenergy crops. Nevertheless, the fragmentation of these lands can significantly affect the energy efficiency of the systems, due to increased energy needs for inputs and transport, with trade-offs on the carbon footprint of the pathway. This study performs an ex-ante assessment of the sustainability of a short bioenergy pathway through the Land-Water-Energy nexus approach, by the iterative use of a web geographic information systems platform, developed on the methodology of the Global Bioenergy Partnership. The simulations show that the production of bioenergy from oilseed crops is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 73% compared to the reference emission value for fossil fuels in transport. The platform proofs to be effective and user-friendly for assessing and optimizing the intricate interlinkages among the various nexus domains that coexist within the bioenergy system based on the cultivation of underutilized land. Its use can facilitate the nexus operationalization serving as a timesaving decision-support tool for the development of sustainable bioenergy systems that contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon energy sector in Europe.

Geo-Informatics for the Future: A Systematic Literature Review on the Role of WebGIS in Infrastructure Planning and Development

The crucial role of geographic information in contemporary transportation infrastructure planning underscores the need for efficient and practical tools. This systematic literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence concerning Web Geographic Information Systems (WebGIS) application in infrastructure planning. It further identifies potential avenues for future research.
 The study leverages digital libraries to source peer-reviewed papers and published journals, evaluating the characteristics and applications of WebGIS. The review offers an in-depth analysis of WebGIS implementation, focusing on flexibility, location, utilized sectors, and environmental impacts.
 The methodology involves identifying research topics, developing a search plan, and selecting relevant articles using rigorous search techniques. The selected articles undergo a thorough quality assessment before data extraction. This review seeks to answer key research questions: How does WebGIS aid infrastructure management in agricultural settings? Can WebGIS be implemented free of charge? Is it flexible and user-friendly? Can WebGIS address the issue of declining seawater quality? Has WebGIS been successfully implemented for infrastructure planning globally?
 This review aims to shed light on the potential of WebGIS in shaping future infrastructure planning and to encourage further exploration in this field.

Geovisualization and Analysis of Landscape-Level Wildfire Behavior Using Repeat Pass Airborne Thermal Infrared Imagery

Geovisualization tools can supplement the statistical analyses of landscape-level wildfire behavior by enabling the discovery of nuanced information regarding the relationships between fire spread, topography, fuels, and weather. The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of geovisualization tools for analyzing wildfire behavior and specifically to apply those tools to study portions of the Thomas and Detwiler wildfire events that occurred in California in 2017. Fire features such as active fire fronts and rate of spread (ROS) vectors derived from repetitive airborne thermal infrared (ATIR) imagery sequences were incorporated into geovisualization tools hosted in a web geographic information systems application. This geovisualization application included ATIR imagery, fire features derived from ATIR imagery (rate of spread vectors and fire front delineations), growth form maps derived from NAIP imagery, and enhanced topographic rasters for visualizing changes in local topography. These tools aided in visualizing and analyzing landscape-level wildfire behavior for study portions of the Thomas and Detwiler fires. The primary components or processes of fire behavior analyzed in this study were ROS, spotting, fire spread impedance, and fire spread over multidirectional slopes. Professionals and researchers specializing in wildfire-related topics provided feedback on the effectiveness and utility of the geovisualization tools. The geovisualization tools were generally effective for visualizing and analyzing (1) fire spread over multidirectional slopes; (2) differences in spread magnitudes within and between sequences over time; and (3) the relative contributions of fuels, slope, and weather at any given point within the sequences. Survey respondents found the tools to be moderately effective, with an average effectiveness score of 6.6 (n = 5) for the visualization tools on a scale of 1 (ineffective) to 10 (effective) for postfire spread analysis and visualizing fire spread over multidirectional slopes. The results of the descriptive analysis indicate that medium- and fine-scale topographic features, roads, and riparian fuels coincided with cases of fire spread impedance and exerted control over fire behavior. Major topographic features such as ridges and valleys slowed, or halted, fire spread consistently between study areas. The relationships between spotting, fuels, and topography were inconclusive.

Development of Electric Power Networks Inspection Information Management System Based on MapWorld API

According to the management requirements of a large number of spatial data and attribute data generated by daily inspection of power system, the power inspection information management system is developed by using WebGIS (Web Geographic Information System) technology. Firstly, the user layer of the whole system is developed by using HTML and CSS as tools, and then the basic data is managed by using sky map API and JavaScript as tools, combined with the relevant functions of sky map API, the functional modules of the system are developed to realize the functions of visual information management and two-way query. The system can provide corresponding solutions for the management of Power Patrol information.

Web Geographic Information System: A Support Tool for the Study, Evaluation, and Monitoring of Foci of Malaria Transmission in Mexico.

Malaria is currently an endemic disease in Mexico. The country joined the WHO's E-25 initiative for the elimination of Plasmodium vivax to achieve elimination and certification within the established period. Having a Web-based information system was, therefore, deemed necessary to assist in the detection, investigation, and elimination of transmission in the foci, as well as for the timely treatment of malaria-positive cases. The "Information System for the Elimination of Malaria in Mexico" was designed, developed, and implemented with a geographic vision, which includes a Web tool to georeference homes and aquatic systems, a dashboard and an indicator evaluation card for monitoring activities, notification of probable cases, and vector control among other indicators. The implementation of the system was gradual in the seven states that are currently in the malaria elimination phase; subsequently, the system was implemented in non-transmission states. In 2020, the system implementation stage began; first, the basic data of more than 96,000 homes throughout the country were georeferenced, and then the primary data capture tools of 17 formats, 32 reports, and 2 geographic viewers were enabled for information queries. A total of 56 active foci have been identified in 406 localities as well as 71 residual foci in 320 localities. Recently, the Foci Manager was developed, which is a specific tool for the study, evaluation, and monitoring of active foci through a GIS, a dashboard, and a systematized evaluation certificate. Georeferencing tools decreased the cost of spatial data collection.

Spatial zonation system with Voronoi diagram and Delaunay triangulation to improve management education

The zonation system is one of the efforts of the Indonesian Government to improve the quality of education services continuously, but the implementation is still considered less useful. Some areas were still grouped into the different zone from the original. Based on this problem, the solution needed for the zonation mapping of each school so that the apparent zonation limit can be resolved. An application that can map schools in an area based on housing for prospective students is a solution that can be considered at this time. This research showed the implementation of Voronoi diagrams to cluster the area based on the school position within Bengkulu City. The system was also capable of mapping the residential of the student address to match the choice for registration in available secondary school and senior high school. The implementation of the system showed a better result for school zonation over Bengkulu City based on web geographic information system (Web GIS). Furthermore, the comparison analysis over the existing system also showed that the performance of the Voronoi diagram for school zonation the method could solve the problem of the overlapping zonation with Radius method. Three hundred fifty students validated this system to show the performance of this method. The result showed that 72.05% of students matched the first choice, while 27.95% of students matched the second choice. This research showed the analysis of the value of this gap appeared due to the student preferences and school capacity factors.

Student Engagement and Educational Benefits of Web GIS-Based Projects

The evolution of geographic information systems (GIS) based on the internet (Web GIS) created new opportunities for the use of GIS technology in education. In the present study a learning environment was developed which incorporates the project-based learning (PBL) methodology based on Web GIS technology. In this context, 3 research projects (GIS based projects) were designed and implemented. Project 1 and 2 combined fieldwork and GIS, and the topic was related to local community issues. Project 3 was an internal project since it was conducted only in the computer lab with data collected from the internet. In order to investigate the effectiveness of this learning environment in students' engagement, a quasi-experimental study was conducted on 58 senior high school students. A pre-test was conducted in advance and a post-test upon concluding all three projects. The results reveal the pedagogical value of the aforementioned learning environment, since it provides multiple pedagogical benefits, having a positive effect on students' engagement.