Multi-objective transportation route optimization for hazardous materials based on GIS

Safety and security are of paramount importance, it is important to optimize and improve the routes of trucks that carry hazardous materials. In this study, we not only ensure the risk in the network, but also consider the transportation cost and the factors such as buildings and emergency facilities around the routes. The Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to quantify the factors on each section in the network. We present an epsilon constrained multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming optimization model to find the robust and stable transportation optimization solutions. At the end, we complete a case analysis of the proposed methodology to determine the motorway segments in Jiangsu province, China and test the above algorithm on the network, which has 144 nodes and 388 sections. The results we get show that the factors of buildings play a very important role in the model, and the multi-objective mixed-integer linear optimization model is reasonable and performs good quality.     

Developing the interaction matrix technique as a tool assessing the impact of traffic on air quality

This paper develops a technique which can be used as a preliminary tool for assessing air quality related to urban traffic. It combines a Geographic Information System (GIS) with an interaction matrix-type methodology based on a system analysis approach. The matrix identifies and quantifies interactions between all selected variables involved in a system as well as their interaction with the system as a whole. This matrix is used to determine the weightings to apply to spatial datasets within a GIS to develop a pollution vulnerability map. The focus of the paper is to introduce and assess a more versatile coding of the interaction matrix with respect to previously used coding. A case study is presented in which the modified interaction methodology is applied to data for a busy urban location. The resulting vulnerability map, in terms of pollution vulnerable hot spots, was compared to a pollution map derived from an advanced dispersion model. The interaction matrix technique with GIS can be used as a tool complementary to sophisticated numerical modelling and has potential as an analytical tool to evaluate multidisciplinary systems.     

An Analysis of Spatial Clustering and Implications for Wildlife Management: A Burrowing Owl Example

Analysis tools that combine large spatial and temporal scales are necessary for efficient management of wildlife species, such as the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). We assessed the ability of Ripley’s K-function analysis integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) to determine changes in burrowing owl nest clustering over two years at NASA Ames Research Center. Specifically, we used these tools to detect changes in spatial and temporal nest clustering before, during, and after conducting management by mowing to maintain low vegetation height at nest burrows. We found that the scale and timing of owl nest clustering matched the scale and timing of our conservation management actions over a short time frame. While this study could not determine a causal link between mowing and nest clustering, we did find that Ripley’s K and GIS were effective in detecting owl nest clustering and show promise for future conservation uses.     

Using GIS to Generate Spatially Balanced Random Survey Designs for Natural Resource Applications

Sampling of a population is frequently required to understand trends and patterns in natural resource management because financial and time constraints preclude a complete census. A rigorous probability-based survey design specifies where to sample so that inferences from the sample apply to the entire population. Probability survey designs should be used in natural resource and environmental management situations because they provide the mathematical foundation for statistical inference. Development of long-term monitoring designs demand survey designs that achieve statistical rigor and are efficient but remain flexible to inevitable logistical or practical constraints during field data collection. Here we describe an approach to probability-based survey design, called the Reversed Randomized Quadrant-Recursive Raster, based on the concept of spatially balanced sampling and implemented in a geographic information system. This provides environmental managers a practical tool to generate flexible and efficient survey designs for natural resource applications. Factors commonly used to modify sampling intensity, such as categories, gradients, or accessibility, can be readily incorporated into the spatially balanced sample design.     

Groundwater vulnerability assessment using an improved DRASTIC method in GIS

Groundwater management can be effectively conducted by using groundwater contamination map assessment. In this study, a modified DRASTIC approach using geographic information system (GIS) was applied to evaluate groundwater vulnerability in Kerman plain (Iran). The Wilcoxon rank-sum nonparametric statistical test was applied to modify the rates of DRASTIC. In addition, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed to evaluate the validity of the criteria and sub criteria of all the parameters of the DRASTIC model, which proposed as an alternative treatment of the imprecision demands. The GIS offers spatial analysis in which the multi index evaluation can be effectively conducted through the AHP. The non-point source pollution was effectively determined by the modified DRASTIC method compared with the traditional method. The regression coefficient revealed the relationship between the vulnerability index and the nitrate concentration. The best result was obtained by using AHP–AHP, followed by DRASTIC–AHP, modified DRASTIC–AHP, and AHP–DRASTIC models. In this study, the DRASTIC method failed to provide satisfactory result. Additionally, by using both the original DRASTIC and the modified DRASTIC methods in the study area, AHP–AHP performed highly in the Kerman plain, suggesting that the southern and south east parts of the area considerably calls for conservation against contamination.     

Perceived and actual wildfire danger: An economic and spatial analysis study in Colorado (USA)

Over the last 20 years, costs for wildfire initial attack in the U.S. have increased significantly. The increased cost relates to wildfire suppression practices, as well as the growing number of homes in the wildland urban interface. Requiring wildland urban interface residents to pay an annual tax for their wildfire risk could lower costs to the general taxpayer. Willingness-to-pay for wildfire prevention, in relation to both perceived and actual wildfire danger, was the focus of this study. Surveyed Colorado wildland urban interface residents were found to have a high awareness of wildfire risk and were willing-to-pay over $400 annually to reduce this risk. Respondents' beliefs about wildfire frequency were comparable to the wildfire regimes of their areas' pre-European settlement.     

基于加权叠加模型的高原湖泊流域重要生态用地识别——以星云湖流域为例

生态用地在维持区域生态平衡和保障区域生态安全具有重要意义。以云南星云湖流域为研究区,运用层次分析法和GIS技术,从水土保持、地质灾害规避与防护、生物多样性保护和水资源安全4个方面,构建了流域重要生态用地识别指标及其识别方法,并识别出流域重要生态用地空间分布。结果表明:(1)加权叠加模型更适用于高原湖泊流域重要生态用地识别;(2)根据生态用地重要性分为核心型、辅助型、过渡型和非重要生态用地,面积分别为75.98 km~2、105.05 km~2、89.47 km~2和65.11 km~2,分别占流域生态用地总面积的22.64%、31.30%、26.66%和19.40%。识别结果能较好地反映重要生态用地维护流域的生态安全。以星云湖流域作为高原湖泊流域的典型,为高原湖泊生态保护提供科学方向,以期协调流域经济发展与生态保护的矛盾,促进可持续发展。     

Is climate-smart conservation feasible in Europe? Spatial relations of protected areas,soil carbon,and land values

The expectations on protected areas to deliver not only biodiversity conservation but also to provide an array of different ecosystem services rise. Sequestration and storage of carbon are promising services that protected areas may provide. This study integrates spatially explicit data on terrestrial Natura 2000 sites, soil organic carbon, and agricultural land values to estimate the potential for climate-smart conservation planning in the European Union. The objectives of this study are to analyse spatial relations between protected areas soil carbon content, and land values on the European Union's land area as well as to locate and quantify the proportion of land with high carbon and low economic value within and outside protected areas. We apply a unique interdisciplinary framework with methods ranging from analyses based on geographical information systems, agricultural economics to statistics. Findings indicate that there is a significant overlap between Natura 2000 sites and regions with high carbon content across Europe. Statistical analyses show that carbon-rich regions have significantly lower land values than other areas. Our results suggest that biodiversity protection and mitigation of climate change through conservation of soil carbon could be simultaneously achieved in Europe's protected areas and beyond. We conclude that there is a notable potential for climate-smart conservation in Europe that needs further investigation.     

高含硫油气矿安全管理与应急系统研究

为了使高含硫油气矿的安全管理与应急更直观高效,通过研究地理信息系统(GIS)空间分析技术、事故演化动态过程模拟等技术,基于应急过程驱动,开发了高含硫油气矿安全管理与应急系统.该系统主要研究高含硫油气矿的安全管理以及井喷事故应急处置流程的数字化,包括井喷风险分级管理、公众防护、事故后果预测模拟、人员疏散以及应急辅助决策等功能.研究表明,该系统能为高含硫油气矿安全管理和应急决策提供重要手段.     

基于EFDC和WASP模型的突发水污染事故影响的预测预警

近年来，我国突发水污染事故频发。长江作为我国最重要的水源地，其水质安全受到沿江众多化工企业可能突发污染事故的威胁。因此，开展南京化工园突发水污染事故影响的预测预警研究意义重大。基于EFDC和WASP模型，建立了南京化工园突发水污染事故影响的预测模型，并以龙翔甲苯罐区泄漏为例进行了事故情景模拟。研究表明：所建的预测模型能够对南京化工园突发水污染事故后污染物的水环境行为进行快速的模拟和预测，并且能够在地理信息系统的图层上以动画的形式实时展示事故影响的范围和程度，可以为南京化工园突发水污染事故的预警应急提供决策依据；基于EFDC构建的二维水动力模型能够较为准确地反映研究区的水动力情况；事故情景中排放的甲苯在研究江段能够较快地稀释扩散，挥发作用对甲苯的衰减过程影响显著，平水期比枯水期更有利于水体中甲苯的衰减