scholarly journals Integrated use of GIS-based field sampling and modeling for hydrologic and water quality studies

2005 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique R. Vivoni ◽  
Kevin T. Richards

Enhancements to traditional catchment-scale water quality assessments can be realized by leveraging geographical information systems (GIS) for both field data collection and hydrologic and water quality (H/WQ) modeling. In this study, we describe a GIS-based data collection system for geo-referenced environmental sampling utilizing mobile, wireless and Internet technologies. Furthermore, sampled field data is combined with historical measurements within a GIS-based semi-distributed watershed model for simulating water quantity and quality in a large regional catchment. The GIS-based sampling and modeling system is intended to streamline water quality assessments as compared to current practices. We describe an application and field study in the Williams River, New South Wales, Australia designed to assess the impacts of point and non-point source pollution on water quality. Historical data were utilized for calibrating and validating the Hydrologic Simulation Program – Fortran (HSPF) with the BASINS GIS interface over the 1988–2000 period. Results from the study indicate that short-duration, spatially extensive field campaigns provide useful data for enhancing modeling studies based on historical measurements at sparse sites. In addition, the study suggests that the conjunctive use of data collection and modeling is a step towards real-time integration of field data in hydrologic and water quality modeling efforts.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 5) ◽  
pp. e001606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Dougherty ◽  
Masduq Abdulkarim ◽  
Fiyidi Mikailu ◽  
Usman Tijani ◽  
Kazeem Owolabi ◽  
...  

Geographical information systems (GIS) can be effective decision-support tools. In this paper, we detail a GIS approach implemented by the Bauchi and Sokoto state primary healthcare development agencies in Nigeria to generate and convert routine immunisation (RI) paper maps to digital maps for microplanning. The process involved three stages: primary and secondary data collection and reconciliation, geospatial data processing and analysis, and production and validation of maps. The data collection and reconciliation stage identified a number of challenges with secondary data sources, including the need to standardise and reconcile health facility and settlement names. The study team was unable to apply population estimates generated from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to RI planning because operational boundaries for polio activities are defined differently from RI activities. Application of open-source GIS software enabled the combination of multiple datasets and analysis of geospatial data to calculate catchment areas for primary health centres (PHCs) and assign vaccination strategies to communities. The activity resulted in the development of PHC catchment area digital maps, and captured next steps and lessons learnt for RI microplanning in the two states. While the digital maps provided input into the microplanning process, more work is needed to build capacity, standardise processes and ensure the quality of data used to generate the maps. RI service providers and communities must be engaged in the process to validate, understand the data, the contextual factors that influence decisions about which vaccination strategies RI microplans include and how resources are allocated.


1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 (1) ◽  
pp. 499-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Lamarche ◽  
Edward H. Owens

ABSTRACT An analysis of the work performed by the various teams involved in shoreline cleanup operations has been applied to the design of an approach for the integration of data collected by the SCAT process with electronic maps produced by geographical information system (GIS) technology. This has led to the implementation of a PC-based system that incorporates a database of SCAT information, a knowledge base on oil behavior and shoreline cleanup, and a GIS. The system provides support to data collection using the SCAT approach for field teams and to map-based data analysis for planners and managers. In the course of this work, a set of the maps that are considered the most useful for summarizing information about shoreline conditions was designed and evaluated. This evaluation initially involved consultation with individuals experienced in shoreline cleanup. The applicability of the map representation for decision making was further tested during spill drills. SCAT surveys generate a large volume of data that need to be captured and integrated. There is a risk that this large amount of information might overwhelm decision makers involved in the management of shoreline cleanup operations. The paper describes the various modifications that were made to the SHORECLEAN software package to provide some solutions to these problems. These include providing specialized SCAT data entry forms, automating the links between a SCAT database and a GIS, and producing map representations that provide clear, useful, and nonmisleading information for decision makers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 98 ◽  
pp. 09002
Author(s):  
Meriem Ameur ◽  
Fadoua Hamzaoui-Azaza ◽  
Moncef Gueddari

The Triassic aquifer is located in southereastern Tunisia, in the Medenine region, and being part of Jeffara's multilayer aquifer system. The aquifer is currently overexploited with an exploitation rate of 163%, which led to a generalized drop in the piezometric level in the order of 20 cm/year. This study applied conventional techniques such as hydrochemical compositions, multivariate statistical methods and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). To better identify the processes controlling the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater quality of Triassic aquifer and its suitability for drinking uses, 14 well water samples from the Triassic aquifer were analysed for physical character and chemical composition. In the groundwater, the respective order of cation and anion concentration was Na>Ca>Mg>K and SO4>Cl>HCO3. The chemical data of water samples from the study area presented by plotting on a Piper diagram reveals the predominance of two hydrochemical types: a Na-Ca-Mg-SO4 facies and a Na-Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 facies. Analytical results demonstrate that the chemical composition of groundwater in Triassic aquifer is strongly influenced by residence time and flow path. Water quality deteriorates going from southwest to northeast across the region, coincident with the appearance a clay layer limiting the infiltration of rainwater. The majority of ions are above the maximum desirable limits recommended for drinking water by WHO guidelines and Tunisian Standards (NT.09.14). Based on the Water Quality Index (WQI), 36% of water samples of the Triassic aquifer are classified as "poor water" and they cannot be used for drinking purposes without prior treatment.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Morton ◽  
J. Lee Levy

AbstractGathering essential health data to provide rapid and effective medical relief to populations devastated by the effects of a disaster-producing event involves challenges. These challenges include response to environmental hazards, security of personnel and resources, political and economic issues, cultural barriers, and difficulties in communication, particularly between aid agencies. These barriers often impede the timely collection of key health data such as morbidity and mortality, rapid health and sheltering needs assessments, key infrastructure assessments, and nutritional needs assessments. Examples of these challenges following three recent events: (1) the Indian Ocean tsunami; (2) Hurricane Katrina; and (3) the 2010 earthquake in Haiti are reviewed. Some of the innovative and cutting-edge approaches for surmounting many of these challenges include: (1) the establishment of geographical information systems (GIS) mapping disaster databases; (2) establishing internet surveillance networks and data repositories; (3) utilization of personal digital assistant-based platforms for data collection; (4) involving key community stakeholders in the data collection process; (5) use of pre-established, local, collaborative networks to coordinate disaster efforts; and (6) exploring potential civil-military collaborative efforts. The application of these and other innovative techniques shows promise for surmounting formidable challenges to disaster data collection.


2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.C. Liu ◽  
H.H. Chen ◽  
W.H. Hsieh ◽  
C.H. Chang

The Shihmen Reservoir, located in northern Taiwan, features the second storage volume of impoundments on the island. The watershed of the Shihmen Reservoir has been subjected to serious pollutants due to anthropogenic interference. This study applies a watershed model, BASINS, to simulate the flow and nutrients loads from the watershed. BASINS then drives the CE-QUAL-W2 model for water quality predictions in the reservoir. The watershed modelling results are compared with field data. They reveal that significant nutrient loads were generated from the watershed during storms. The model calibration and verification were achieved with water surface elevation, temperature, and water quality constituents including nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a in the reservoir using the eutrophication model.


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