Implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Spreadsheet Models: What, Why, and How

Assessing Culturally Appropriate Food Choices: A Need for Hispanic Specific Food Choices as Illustrated by GIS Mapping

The effect of salt-induced soil on growth and yield development of paddy rice in Akure, Nigeria was determined. This was to ascertain effect of various salt-inducing parameters on rice yield. Fifteen soil samples were collected and 13 parameters were analysed using standard procedures. The parameters include electrical conductivity (EC), pH, particle size, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable acidity (EA), organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), phosphorus, sodium, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and magnesium. Geographic information System (GIS) mapping was also carried out on the affected areas and results compared with the international standards. From the results, predominant soil class was clay loam which is excellent for rice growth while salinity levels were not in excess to lead to stress or low rice yield although very low values of N and K were recorded. EC, CEC and EA were well below critical levels in the soil and with the exception of OM, OC, MC and pH which were statistically significant at P < 0.05, other parameters were statistically non-significant. GIS mapping also showed traces of salt but not in high concentration levels as to result in crop stress.

In forestry interventions such as thinning or selection cutting, appropriate road and skid trail networks are essential for efficient forest operations, but also for limiting damage to the residual stand and soil. Recently, multiple studies have shown the advantage of precision forestry and the use of a geographic information system (GIS) in forest road network planning, replacing time-consuming manual measurements and skid trail design directly in the forest. The objective of this research was to test the accuracy of three GIS-based methods, the correct distance method (CDM), real distance buffer method 12 (RDBM12) and real distance buffer method 10 (RDBM10), in estimating the area accessible for winching along skid trails. The study was carried out in two mountain areas, Fibbino and San Martino al Cimino (Italy). All the methods for determining the winching area were based on GIS and digital terrain model (DTM) maps. Additionally, control distances were measured manually in both areas and the results were compared with the distances measured using the GIS methods. The initial results showed that all the methods were useful for determining the winching area in mountain conditions. However, in conclusion, the CDM and RDBM10 methods were more accurate and can be recommended for further use and development.

A quality control process has been applied to improve the water quality in the network of Sharjah city in the United Arab Emirates. The process capability of the network is measured in terms of pH and residual chlorine using the 6-sigma method. The sources of problems in this network are investigated and identified and corrective and preventive actions for each type of quality nonconformity are suggested. A geographic information system (GIS) is utilized to enhance managerial skills in supervising and improving the system. GIS maps allow remote and instantaneous monitoring of water quality in the network based on laboratory tests. Water quality in 38 locations of Sharjah city are classified according to their sources and located on GIS maps. Nonconformities are also classified according to their severity and located on the same maps to identify problematic areas. The Al-Nahda sampling point is selected as a sample location to test the process. The research showed that real time data gathered from different locations and embedded on GIS maps would provide an effective and immediate decision tool for technical managers in monitoring and improving the system.

The examination of morphometric parameters through quantitative analysis proves highly valuable in assessing river basins, prioritizing watersheds for soil and water conservation, and natural resources management. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the Dachigam Catchment has been conducted, focusing on the quantification of various morphometric parameters. The research employs Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to assess morphometric parameters in the micro-watersheds of the Dachigam Catchment. Linear and areal morphometric parameters were systematically derived and tabulated based on linear and shape characteristics of drainage channels, utilizing GIS and topographical maps (scale 1:50,000). The morphometric analysis conducted in the Dachigam catchment indicates that the basin has an elongated shape, suggesting that peak discharges would generally exhibit a flat profile and take time to rise. The drainage network within the basin is predominantly of the dendritic type, signifying a degree of homogeneity in texture. The slope analysis shows that the Dachigam watershed has a significant amount of steep terrain, ranging from 0 to 74.63%. The majority of the area falls within the 24 to 35% slope range. Examination of the aspect indicates that slopes oriented towards the south and southwest are the most prevalent in the basin. The watershed's mean bifurcation ratio is 1.71. This low ratio suggests that the watershed hasn't experienced significant distortion. In contrast, high bifurcation ratios exceeding 5 typically indicate distorted drainage patterns. The research illustrates how remote sensing and GIS methods can effectively analyze watershed morphometrics. These techniques offer valuable insights for planners and decision-makers involved in watershed-level planning and drainage basin management.

An investigation on spatial distribution, possible pollution sources, and affecting factors of heavy metals in the urban–suburban soils of Lishui city (China) was conducted using geographic information system (GIS) technique and multivariate statistics. The results indicated that the topsoils in urban and suburban areas were enriched with metals, such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Spatial distribution maps of heavy metal contents, based on geostatistical analysis and GIS mapping, indicated that Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn had similar patterns of spatial distribution. Their hot-spot areas were mainly concentrated in the densely populated old urban area of the city. Multivariate statistical analysis (correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and clustering analysis) showed distinctly different associations among the studied metals, suggesting that Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn had anthropogenic sources, whereas Co and V were associated with parent materials and therefore had natural sources. The Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents were positively correlated with soil organic matter, pH, and sand content (p < 0.01). It is concluded that GIS and multivariate statistical methods can be used to identify hot-spot areas and potential sources of heavy metals, and assess soil environment quality in urban–suburban areas.

Background: The Stroke Encounter Quality Improvement Project (SEQIP) is a collaboration between certified stroke centers, the AHA/ASA and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) to implement statewide QI initiatives to improve the care of stroke patients. From 2009 to 2018, 23 hospital in Kentucky participating in SEQIP have entered 76,222 stroke patient records into Get With The Guidelines® (GWTG) / Patient Management Tool™ (PMT). Purpose: Geographic information systems (GIS) tools can expand our understanding of care and outcomes based on patient location. The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the methods of linking a disease management registry with GIS mapping and analysis program,) to understand challenges when performing this link, and to derive meaningful insight on stroke care and outcomes by zip code. Methods: Stroke data from GWTG and PMT was compiled and downloaded by KDPH. The information was converted to a database file for use in ArcGIS. After excluding those who had missing or incomplete zip codes, records were Geocoded annually from 2009 to 2018. The data were then matched to one of 945 zip codes in Kentucky. Data were summarized by zip code, calendar year by the number of ischemic strokes; number IV alteplase administration; rate ischemic stroke receiving IV alteplase; number and rate of ischemic stroke patients arriving to hospital by EMS, privately owned vehicle or transfer; and median time from last known well to hospital arrival; and medical history of hypertension. Additional data including hospitals, certified stroke centers, drive time analysis, etc. were added to maps. Results: Mapping GWTG and PMT stroke data is feasible and may allow for additional analysis by location. Conclusion: Using GIS mapping and methodology can assist hospital stroke coordinators and public health officials in developing and implementing interventions to improvement stroke care and outcomes. Further analysis including socioeconomic, demographic and marketing/consumer preference data is planned to better understand variations by zip codes. This feasibility project provides an example of a useful application of GIS analyses applied to data registry including GWTG and PMT.

Summary This paper introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) user services in libraries. It presents the concept and functions of GIS and compares the use of GIS with library map collections. GIS project in libraries are reviewed. Different kinds of GIS user services are examined. The article looks into the challenges in adding GIS to user services in libraries. User access to GIS in libraries is discussed. It argues that simplified user interfaces and multiple levels of usage are important to improve user access to GIS.

In this paper a new method is developed to make a dynamic layout adjustment and navigation for enterprise Geographic Information System(GIS) based on object mark recognition. The extraction of object mark images is based on some morphological structural patterns, which are described by morphological structural points, contour property, and other geometrical data in a binary image of enterprise geographic information map. Some pre-processing methods, contour smooth following, linearization and extraction patterns of structural points, are introduced. If any special object is selected to make a decision in a GIS map, the all information around it will be obtained. That is, we need to investigate similar object enterprises around selected region to analyse whether it is necessary for establishing the object enterprise at that place. To further navigate GIS map, we need to move from one region to another. Each time a region is formed and displayed based on the user’s focus. If a focus point of a map is selected, in terms of extracted object mark image, a dynamic layout and navigation diagram is constructed. When the user changes the focus (i. e. click a node in the navigation mode), a new sub-diagram is formed by dropping old nodes and adding new nodes. The prototype system provides effective interfaces that support GIS image navigation, detailed local image/map viewing, and enterprise information browsing.

In recent years, the interest for safe marine traffic in Europe has been growing. This type of traffic has bad connection with other traffic systems. Europe has central geographical position in the world for many vessel routes. The location of European ports gives the possibility of improving shorelines and traffic near the ports’ area. Maritime transport could be one of the most important type of traffic in the years to come, due to low cost of freight and high ecological potential. The assessment of shorelines’ changes, the capacity of railway, road, air traffic, and comparison with population density distribution will be very important for spatial analysis. Geographical Information System (GIS) and digital mapping of the shorelines in Europe can be visualized to improve the traffic potential of the ports. For the purpose of this research, geographical coordinates of the main ports in Europe were used for calculations and analyses. GIS and numerical methods showed the advantages and disadvantages of marine traffic in Europe. This research also compared the maritime transport with other traffic systems in Europe. The calculations showed whether there is a potential for new ports or not and how these new ports would be connected with other traffic systems. The final estimation presented marine traffic with population density in an area 100 km away from European shorelines.KeywordsMarine trafficPortsDigital cartographyGeographical Information SystemsNumerical analysis

Upwelling is a vertical motion of water, which involves deep cold nutrient-rich water rising to the surface. It affects changes in atmospheric phenomena (can cause fog, low stratus clouds and little rain) and involves eutrophication (when high nutrient concentrations stimulate blooms of algae). Usually for upwelling predictions the in situ method, numerical modeling, satellite data and other methods are used. Nowadays Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely spread in different sciences and practices related with research of the Earth's surface and water. It's not only submission data on the map, but a very powerful tool to regulate, manage and analyze spatial information. The main purpose of this study was to create an upwelling prediction model using GIS methods and adapt it for prediction of upwellings at the Lithuanian coast in Baltic Sea.

Web GIS is becoming the developing hotpot for GIS With the development of Internet technology .Geographical Information System (GIS) is an information system which stores analyzes and visually express spatial data . WebGIS can Provide not only simple text and data , but also graphics and images to more and more people. WebGIS is the outcome of Internet development and information sharing . However, many traditional GIS software adopts file-based data organization, which only publishes GIS data less. The technology of publishing mass vector and image database would be restricted . It is necessary to take the proper syncretizing among such technologies as Web, software engineering, programming languages, database and GIS functions into account and consider how to provide a simple and convenient application mode to client. In This paper the author first discuss the model about the data-memory, organizing and the data publishing, then research the design model and the realize model of the Web GIS based on J2EE. Analyse the work principle , merit , demerit and the realizing method of the constitutes of Web GIS, i.e. the structure of three layers.

Towards simulating non-lane based heterogeneous road traffic of less developed countries using authoritative polygonal GIS map

BackgroundCutaneous leishmanisis (CL) is found worldwide and is considered to be endemic in 88 countries such as Iran. Geographic information system (GIS) is a method that can create, archive, analyze traditional map and place data of the disease distribution. The aim of this study was to produce distributional maps of CL over five years and evaluate the role of GIS in control of CL in Khuzestan province where an endemic area of CL in Iran is.MethodsCL epidemiological data on the District and village levels for the period 2010–2013 were provided as census by health surveillance system in all counties and in control diseases center (CDC) of Khuzestan province. After collection of CL data, the collected data of CL from 2010 to 2013 were analyzed using GIS. The collected data of CL from 2010 to 2013 was analyzed using GIS. The endemic areas of CL during 2010–2013 were recognized using GIS maps and the control programs of CL were done in these regions based on epidemiological situation and the stratification of risk areas.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 4672 recorded cases of clinical cases of CL by Khuzestan Health Center. Data of GIS referring to CL patients showed that center and eastern districts of Khuzestan had a significant number of cases. In 2014 that control program was done, ten distinct of Khuzestan Province didn’t show any cases of the disease.ConclusionIn conclusion, analyses of data distributed in the geographic spaces are increasingly appreciated in leishmaniasis control management. GIS tools promoted greater efficiency in making decisions and planning activities in the control of vector born disease such as leishmaniasis.

The importance of geographic information system (GIS) in daily life is well known as it is really helpful and eases the user. GIS is basically a database system with software that can analyse and display data using digitized maps and tables for planning and decision-making. Unfortunately, there are people in rural area that far from unreachable to apply this GIS tool in life. Thus, this reviewed study aimed to provide further understanding of the application of GIS in emergency preparedness for rural areas. It also will be able to recognize a management information system for rural planning. This systematic literature review concentrates on previous research starting from 2015 to 2020 to evaluate the application of GIS in mapping, transportation planning and network service. From 24 papers that have been analysed under eligibility test, 37.5% of them reviewed on the application of GIS, another 37.5% on emergency preparedness and 25% for rural area. The result shows there is a common type of knowledge and the way it can respond to emergency preparedness. Nevertheless, there are fewer cases related to rural areas and it shows the need for more case studies and experimental research to support this promising field. In conclusion, to meet present day and future information needs for emergency preparedness, more attention needs to be given to evaluate the effectiveness of GIS in rural areas.