Traditional evaluations of habitat quality fail in their spatial incompleteness, their lack of contextual information and their poor consideration of urban environments. These issues are addressed here through the derivation and application of an urban-specific multi-criteria Habitat Value Index (HVI), providing relevant data in a straightforward, rapid and replicable manner. Both the current distribution and projected changes in landscape HVI are shown using the IDRISI Geographical Information System, providing quantitative information to land-management decision-makers. Using an urban-specific habitat classification in combination with aerial photographic interpretation habitat patches were identified in study areas in the West and South of Wolverhampton. The classification and location of the habitat patches were fieldchecked then each patch was evaluated using four criteria: structural elements, indicator species, general habitat structure and aesthetics. Using a tick-list approach the total number of structural elements and indicator species from pre-determined lists was noted in the field. General habitat structure and aesthetics were also evaluated in the field with each patch assigned to a single category for each. The criteria details for each patch were then transferred onto a GIS and for each criterion a map was generated showing its spatial distribution over the study area. The structural elements and indicator species totals were converted to scores based on scoreclasses, while the categories for general structure, aesthetics and the specific habitat type classification were used as weights by determining each to be either quality (weight = 2) or non-quality (weight = 1). For each habitat patch the structural elements and indicator species scores were then combined with the total weights to produce an HVI. All the habitat patch values for the study area were displayed in map form to give a contextual view of the distribution of ecological 'value' within the area. An additional, simple measure was also devised for measuring the status and quality of connectivity and contiguity within the study area. Sample criteria totals were then used predictively to quantitatively demonstrate the effects of landscape alteration on both the spatial distribution of the HVI and the connectivity and contiguity measures.

Kαταγραφή και Επεξεργασία για το Δήμο Νηλέως των τοπογραφικών, γεωλογικών και πληθυσμιακών χαρακτηριστικών με τη χρήση των Γ.Σ.Π. / The analyse of the topographical and geological characteristics and also elements about the popularity of area Nileos with the use of G.I.S.

This thesis has two main aims. First, to establish whether the strengthening in 1988 of the right of parents to choose a secondary school for their child has led to increased travel to out-of-catchment schools in a case study area. Second, to identify the extent of socio-spatial variation of patterns and trends in choice of school. Secondary school transfer data relating to over 16,000 children for 1991 and 1993 to 1995 was analysed in a Geographical Information System (GIS). One hundred and sixty two parents of children about to transfer to secondary school were interviewed with the objective of revealing the contextual factors underlying the patterns and trends of pupil movements identified in the course of the GIS analysis. The practice and outcomes of parental choice were examined at four scales: the parent, the neighbourhood, the school and the LEA Area. Whilst the main value of this thesis lies in its presentation of empirical evidence of the socio-spatial outcomes of school choice, the results are placed in the context of relevant theoretical perspectives. The study finds that the proportion of children transferring to out-of-catchment secondary school has increased between 1991 and 1995 but that any increase in parental choice is constrained by a variety of factors that interact in complex ways to produce substantial socio-spatial variation in its expression. It is concluded that policy and practice relating to school choice can substantially affect educational equity and efficiency. It is recommended that the operation of local education markets be more closely monitored by LEAs and that GIS analysis, as used in this study, is an important tool for this purpose.

No description available.

A set of procedures for geographical information system analysis of wildlife-related problem areas associated with Virginia National Parks is presented. Analyses of both faunal and floral topics were made. The procedures presented address (1) evaluation of habitat resources available for reintroduction of bobcat (Lynx rufus); (2) mapping of avian species richness, (3) impacts of park boundary development on forest-interior bird species, and (4) identification of areas Suitable for threatened and endangered species (e.g., the small whorled pogonia, Isotria medeoloides). The GRASS GIS was used for the analyses. Inputs included data on elevation, slope, soils, landuse/landcover, roads, and hydrography. The procedures are built upon standard GIS techniques (e.g., overlays and “buffer” zones) and should be applicable to the mapping of habitat, species richness, and other information for various taxa in other resource areas. / Master of Science

This thesis proposes the use of an Advanced Engineering Geographical Information System (AEGIS) for the improved design of onshore pipelines, from concept to operation. The system is novel in that it is function rather than discipline or software specific. The thesis statement has been developed, and an aim and set of research objectives identified (along with the success criteria for the evaluation of the system), based on a review of current pipeline design methods. Drawing on a design science research methodology (DSRM), the thesis proposes the development of the system as an artefact in order to validate the proposed constructs, models, methods and implementations. The thesis discusses the underlying issues of data interoperability, the application of open data standards, and the integration of computer aided design (CAD) and geographical information systems (GIS). These challenges are addressed in the thesis and demonstrated through the implementation of the system. To support the development of the system, research was undertaken in the fields of pipeline engineering, environmental engineering and engineering design. As part of this research, a number of peer-reviewed journal papers were published, and conference papers presented in Kampala, Houston, London and Split. These papers covered the key fields contained in the thesis including, fluid mechanics, bio-systems engineering, environmental engineering, CAD/GIS integration (CGI), and the application and development of geospatial pipeline data models. The thesis concludes that the approach is valid, offering significant improvement across all fields compared to the current method of pipeline design. By taking a functional approach to the challenges of the design of pipelines, a system has been developed that addresses the requirements of the pipeline engineer, environmental engineer and engineering designer. The system enables the user to select the software of their choice, thereby reducing the problems associated with data interoperability, retraining and system integration. The sharing of data and outputs from analysis carried out within the system, provides an integrated approach, which can subsequently be used for the integrity management of the pipeline during the operational phase of the project. The scope for further development of this approach to pipeline design is also discussed. In addition to the inclusion of further engineering and environmental analysis, there is the potential for using the system for the design of subsea pipelines.

By dealing with aspects of coastal aquaculture and resources management, an analysis is herein presented at the macro-scale using GIS techniques for the coastal zone of Tabasco state, and at the micro-scale with the description of the characteristics of a coastal community located in the Mecoacan estuary. Transfer of appropriate aquaculture technologies and introduction of sustainable farming systems are major challenges. The total area identified for aquaculture development through the GIS modelling accounted for 23 462 ha, 80% of which were located in the Centla Biosphere Reserve (Centla and Macuspana). The suitable area identified through the multi-criteria evaluation provided a structure in which requirements for aquaculture development could be met. An analysis of the fanning systems in the Mecoacan estuary was carried out to understand local attitudes, capabilities and processes and evaluate whether the potential identified by the GIS modelling can be realised. The results from participatory assessments showed that conditions within Mecoacan cooperatives have deteriorated and increasing interest in restructuring the organisations is regarded as a means of integrating employment and income generation alternatives such as aquaculture practices, to support and improve current levels of fisheries production, and to achieve gains in market development. The analysis of the economics of Mecoacan fishermen suggests that rural problems have not yet been engaged in progressive policies. It seems that previous forms of governance have been maintained to shore up power instead of laying the groundwork for viable rural production, as it is clear that some fishermen are competitive while others are not, regardless of whether or not they are associated in cooperatives. The large-scale exploitation of resources, degradation of the environment and increased conflict over resources in coastal communities suggest the need of an integrated multi-sectoral approach. A strategy towards an integrated coastal management for Tabasco coastal zone is discussed, including those related to aquaculture development.

This thesis investigates the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping in UN Peace Operations. On the one hand, GIS use has been assumed to increase the efficiency and coordination of multi-dimensional peace missions. On the other, the Western universalist epistemology underlying GIS is thought to render its application, particularly in non-Western contexts neo-colonialist. These two framings of GIS as either inherently scientifically progressive or politically oppressive are over-deterministic. I argue that the politics of GIS use is contingent upon the ways in which understandings of the map are negotiated in practice. As an ethnographic study of three UN GIS mapping sites (a field mission in Timor-Leste, the Cartographic Section at the UN headquarters, and the GIS Center at the UN Logistics Base), drawing on interviews with practitioners, the thesis gives an account of a) the role of GIS in the field mission, b) GIS practitioners’ management of the technology and their everyday interaction with their clients, and c) its organization within the United Nations. In the thesis I conceptualize an epistemological fault between the professional communities of mappers and their clients which organizes GIS use. This fault separates those who understand the map as political abstract model from those who see it as a mere image of the world. As a consequence, it also separates those who understand mapping as a political practice from those who see it as mere matter of logistics. The meaning and organization of GIS use is thus contingent upon how these different understandings are contested or affirmed in the interaction between mappers and clients. Overall, this thesis emphasizes the role of understanding technology, space and logistics in the context of the politics of Peace Operations.

RENR 405 GIS Environmental Problem Solving is a course offered at Texas A

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of New South Wales, 2002. / Also available online.