GIS and Environment:A range of Applications

1. Resource Mapping

2. Process Modelling

3. Risk Assessment

4. Resource Conservation

5. Resource Management

6. Impact Assessment

Resource Mapping - GeologyAn example of resource mapping using GIS…

Geological Survey of Ireland online data reference service.• Solid geology.• Linear structural features• Linear Stratigraphical features.• GSi boreholes.• OSi background mapping

• Groundwater vulnerability mapping online.• Advisory for government departments & agencies on groundwater issues

Source: http://www.gsi.ie

Resource Mapping - Landform

Digital Terrain Model (DTM) dataSatellite and aerial survey-derived data on topography is used ina wide variety of applications including:

A. DTM - Image draping, visibility assessment B. SLOPE - Roads design, Hydrological modelling C. ASPECT - Agricultural, Biodiversity assessments D. HILLSHADE - Landform visualisation

A. B. C. D.

DTM Source: NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. http://srtm.usgs.gov/

A.

B.

C.

Environmental change analysis

A. LIDAR DTM model rendered

to 3D in ArcGIS and draped withB. 1860 six-inch

mapping andC. 2002 digital aerial

photography to assess stream

course changes over time.

Resource Mapping - LIDAR

LIDAR Data Source: UK Environment Agency

CORINE Landcover 2000 project

CORINE 2000 is a satellite-derived GIS dataset that classifies landcover resources of member states.

Source http://terrestrial.eionet.eu.int/CLC2000

Resource Mapping - Landcover

Legend

IrelandE.U.

Resource Mapping – MarineIrish National Seabed SurveyA multibeam sonar survey of Ireland's 525,000 km2 territorial seabed area, providing water depth data and knowledge of the nature of the seabed and its overlying sediment.Magnetic and gravity techniques are helping to evaluate the nature and structure of the deeper geology

http://www.gsiseabed.ie/

Process Modelling – HydrologyHydrological modelling in GIS.

Catchment delineation based on Digital Terrain Models (DTM's), Stream delineation based on runoff models on DTM’s, Definition of hydrological management zones for planning purposes.

examples from diverse sources

Process Modelling / Risk AssessmentLANDSLIDESModelling Landslide susceptibility.

Use ofA. DTM to computeB. slope maps to C. infer water flows D. outlining slope / flow accumulationE. highlighting risk areas, which areF. Tested against observed landslide data.

Source: http://www.krisweb.com/watershd/slope.htm

A. B.

C.D.

E. F.

Process Modelling / Risk AssessmentFLOODINGFlood modelling /

risk assessment.

UK Environment Agency Flood risk GIS

A. Web Access GISB. Web GIS portalC. Postcode / name

search ‘York’D. Actual flood for

‘York’E. Factory floodedF. Street flooded

Source: http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/mapController

A. B.

C. D.

E. F.

Resource Conservation (NPWS) Data

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) GIS data

Conservation areas protected by legislationData available online for:A. National Parks, B. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s).C. Special Protection Areas (SPA’s), D. Natural Heritage Areas (NHA’s), E. Nature Reserves.

A. B. C.

D. E.

Data source: NPWS. http://www.heritagedata.ie/en/index.html

Resource Conservation – Habitats

Source: http://www.biospec.org

Biodiversity mapping – web GIS, India.• Web GIS, diverse biodiversity data dissemination data.• Spatial and non-spatial • querying for plant species.• Queryable sample data.• Queryable Red book species data.• Outputs include, vegetation, fragmentation, disturbance and biological richness maps.

Resource Conservation – Mammals

Habitat suitability

A. Overlay model of combined human constraints.B. Distance to water assessment.C. Combined model of human–elephant conflict.

A. B.

C.

Source: http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/spring05articles/helping-elephants.html

Resource Conservation – GPS

Animal TrackingA. Brown Bear -SwedenB. Wolves - FinlandC. Red Deer - Czech Rep.D. Whitetail Eagle – GermanyE. Lynx - Germany

A. B.

C. D.

E.

Source: http://www.environmental-studies.de/

Resource Management - PlanningEnvironmental Management GIS.Rhode island State Env. Mgmt. dept.

Online access to GIS data for State planners, Environmental Managers and the public.

Data provided includes:A. Administative areas.B. Groundwater zones. C. Landcover / land-use. D. Recreation.

Custom printable maps possible in combination with roads, waterbodies, topography and aerial photography.

A. B.

C. D.

Source: http://www.dem.ri.gov/maps/index.htm#GV

Resource Management – RiversEPA Water Quality monitoring data reporting in GIS

The Environmental Protection Agency Regular assessments of river water quality.Assessment based on the species diversity count data.Web GIS used as public access reporting tool.

Source http://www.epa.ie/rivermap/data/rivmaptop.html

Impact Assessment - EIAEnvironmental Impact AssessmentRoad EIS Cantabria Spain.80 km motorway.Several routes considered. Common environmental concerns: Traffic increase, noise, air, water pollution visual impact, ecosystems impacts, public health.

GIS suitability modellingDTM, Slope, Geology, Regolith, Geotechnical.

GIS impact assessment,Landcover, flood Hazard, traffic loads,Population centres.

DTM Slope Geol

Regol. Geot. Cover.

Flood Road Pop.

Impact Assessment - PollutionGroundwater contamination

assessment.

MTBE (additive for petrol) frequently detected groundwater contaminant.Santa Monica, California, MTBE detected in groundwater. Three of five wells providing 40% water needs for city population shut down.Temecula city, California GIS modelling study.MTBE distribution pattern and trend determined.Kriging to generate 2D maps of potential distribution of MTBE in groundwater.Generation of Probability map (of concentration exceeding recommended levels).Modelling provided an aid for regulators.