2012 GIST Masters Project Abstracts

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2012 Geographic Information Systems Technology

Master’s Project Presentations

UA – Student Union – Presidio Room

December 5th, 2012

   

Start Time

End Time

Name

Title

6:00

6:20

Cesar Duran

Monitoring Sonoran Desert Vegetation Phenology with LiDAR Remote Sensing

6:20

6:40

Carrie Williams

Spatial Analysis of Filming Locations in Los Angeles, California from 2008-2012

6:40

7:00

Atticus Zavelle

Climate and Stand-Replacing Wildfires: The Role Climate Plays in the Severity of Wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico 

7:00

7:20

Break

 

7:20

7:40

Sarah Sillars

Wildlife Linkage Design in Cochise County, Arizona

7:40

8:00

Nathan Casler

Targeting Silver Occurrences of Mexico through Proximity and Geologic Analysis

8:00

8:20

Sean Des Portes

Maximum Buildout Potential and Optimized Business Site Location Along the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar Corridor

8:20

8:30

Break

 

8:30

8:50

Adrian Sonnenschein

Landslide Hazard and Risk Modeling of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range in Southern Arizona

 

2012 Geographic Information Systems Technology

Master’s Project Presentations

UA – Student Union – Tubac Room

 

December 6th, 2012

   

Start Time

End Time

Name

Title

6:00

6:20

Jessica Alisdairi

The National Geothermal Data System Feature Search & Map Web Application: An Introduction to its Design, Development & Use

6:20

6:40

John Tighe

Campus by Night: The Spatial Relationship between Nighttime Luminosity and Campus Infrastructure

6:40

7:00

Phillip Brown

Campus by Night: The Spatial Relationship between Nighttime Luminosity and Campus Infrastructure

7:00

7:20

Break

 

7:20

7:40

Rod Pollock

Neighborhood Assessment and the Potential for Harvesting Street Water: Garden District Neighborhood, Tucson, Arizona

7:40

8:00

Joe Forish

The Colorado River Basin: Encouraging Public Awareness & Use of Toxics Release Inventory

8:00

8:20

Randy Taylor

Using GIS to Mitigate Hurricane Damage on Grand Bahama Island

8:20

8:30

Break

 

8:30

8:50

Jen Dvorsky

Accuracy Analysis of Modeling Burn Severity Techniques

 

2012 Geographic Information Systems Technology

Master’s Project Presentations

UA – Student Union – Tubac Room

 

December 10th, 2012

   

Start Time

End Time

Name

Title

6:00

6:20

Abby Huggins

Understanding Heartworm Disease in the Southwest United States: Prevalence of positive Heartworm cases in dogs in correlation with household income

6:20

6:40

Ben Brandt

Plant Collections of Arizona: A Look at Collecting Patterns and Botanical Diversity within the State

6:40

7:00

Greg Leonard

Satellite-Based Evaluation of Glacier-Related Catastrophic Flood Hazards in the Astore Valley, North Pakistan

7:00

7:20

Break

 

7:20

7:40

Brian Thaxton

Finding Sustainability in Vernacular Fisheries in Sonora, Mexico

7:40

8:00

Smaran Harihar

USAdapt: a WebGIS Tool for US Agriculture

8:00

8:20

Yinan Zhang

USAdapt: a WebGIS Tool for US Agriculture

8:20

8:30

Break

 

8:30

8:50

Laura Bookman

Stay in the Shade:  Interactive Analysis of Solar Exposure on Tucson, Arizona Hiking Trails

 

2012 Geographic Information Systems Technology

Master’s Project Presentations

UA – Student Union – Copper Room

 

December 11th, 2012

   

Start Time

End Time

Name

Title

6:00

6:20

Russell Biggs

GIS methods in the Estimation of Feudal Land Holdings of the Bagli in Western Sicily

6:20

6:40

Travis Smith

Mobile GIS: Using ArcGIS to Improve Flexibility and Functionality

6:40

7:00

Tawny Lochner

Technology Asset Management at the University of Arizona

7:00

7:20

Break

 

7:20

7:40

Louise Misztal

Mapping Areas of High Conservation Priority in the Sky Island Region

7:40

8:00

Brad Mitchell

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Game Management Units Online

8:00

8:20

Nathan Lothrop

Enhancing the Pima County, AZ Indicators of Neighborhood Stress Map with City of Tucson Violent Crime Data

8:20

8:30

Break

 

8:30

8:50

Gabe Grateron

Maximum Buildout Potential and Optimized Business Site Location along the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar Corridor

 

2012 Geographic Information Systems Technology

Master’s Project Presentations

UA – Student Union – Copper Room

 

December 12th, 2012

   

Start Time

End Time

Name

Title

6:00

6:20

Leslie Carpenter

Use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Multi-spectral Imagery to Characterize Riparian Vegetation in Eastern Pima County, Arizona

6:20

6:40

Kacey Carter

GIS Method for Identifying and Defining Fresh Food Deserts: Geographic access in Tucson, Arizona

6:40

7:00

Scott Bennett

A Hydro-Geologic Framework of the Paleozoic Rocks Within the Canyonlands Aquifer of the Upper Colorado River Basin

7:00

7:20

Break

 

7:20

7:40

Jessica Orto

Facilitating Pima County’s Zoning Review through a Spatial Search Tool

7:40

8:00

Jim Riedmann

Generating Least-cost Paths for the Mars Science Laboratory in Gale Crater, Mars

       

 

2012 Geographic Information Systems Technology

Master’s Project Presentations

ABSTRACTS

 

Title:                     Monitoring Sonoran Desert Vegetation Phenology with LiDAR remote sensing

Author:                                Cesar Duran, mdurans@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          LiDAR, Tumamoc Hills, vegetation area, vegetation perimeter, vegetation structure, percentage of ground points, mean height value, plant growth, rainfall

Abstract:              This project determined the interannual variability in the vegetation structure of the Tumamoc Hills area, located in the west side of Tucson. For this process monthly scans were performed with a tripod-mounted LiDAR unit from March 2011 to May 2012. The collected LiDAR data was used to calculate percent of returns for vegetation density, percent of returns from ground surface, vegetation height, canopy area, and canopy perimeter. These metrics were calculated for every month for every plant to determine the monthly changes of the vegetation per plant and per species, with these calculated values and to understand the relation between the LiDAR processed information and the precipitation, correlations between the LiDAR recollected information, the NDVI data and the rainfall data were performed. As a result the analysis performed demonstrated the potential utility of LiDAR for the quantification of plant growth in response to rainfall and the monthly variability in vegetation structure.


 

Title:                     Spatial Analysis of Filming Locations in Los Angeles, California from 2008-2012

Author:                                Carrie Williams, cwilliams1@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Los Angeles, California, filming locations, filmmaking, 30-Mile Studio Zone

Abstract:              Los Angeles County, California has been integral in creating the culture that is filmmaking, with over 100,000 daily film permits issued in the last five years alone, there is little doubt that Los Angeles is still the modern center for filmmaking in the United States. Productions requesting these permits are not just feature films, but also television, commercials, documentaries, still photography, and more. This project includes all data points geocoded for each daily film permit from 2008 through April 2012, placing particular emphasis on the 30-Mile Studio Zone, which is used by union film projects to determine per diem rates and driving distances for crew members. This zone is centered at the corner of Beverly and La Cienega and covers more than 90 cities. The data were obtained from the non-profit organization Film LA, Inc., which coordinate and processes film permits. This project analyzes the permit data to examine spatial distribution, density, and frequency by all data and by production type, with the study area being clipped to Los Angeles County. Data loss was negligible with 102,868 data points geocoded, 102,760 were matched to an address, and 108 were unmatched, resulting in a total data loss of 0.001%. Spatial analysis will show that the majority of major productions took place in the 30-Mile Studio Zone. It will also be determined that the most frequently filmed locations will fall into this zone. The most commonly filmed location was Griffith Park, home to the Griffith Park Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.

 


Title:                     Climate and Stand-Replacing Wildfires: The Role Climate Plays in the Severity of Wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico  

 

Author:                                Atticus W. Zavelle, atticusz@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          Wildfire, Climate, Forest, Temperature, Precipitation, High Severity 

 

Abstract:              This paper looks at the effects of different climate variables on high severity wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico from 1984 to 2010.  In the last two fire seasons there have been some monumental fires and extreme climate variables in the southwest that have killed off large areas of trees and have had major economic and environmental impacts.  To address this phenomenon fire and climate variables were correlated by extracting data from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity Database and monthly precipitation and temperature data from the PRISM Climate Group.  Winter precipitation and hot summer temperatures have an effect on fire size and severity; however there are still other environmental and social issues in play.   Dry winters and hot summers are important variables for predicting volatile fire seasons in Arizona and New Mexico.


 

Title:                     Wildlife Linkage Design in Cochise County, Arizona

 

Author:                                Sara E. Sillars, sillars.gis@gmail.com

 

Keywords:          GIS, wildlife corridor, linkage design, multi-species, Arizona wildlife, Cochise County

 

Abstract:              As roads are developed or reconstructed, mitigating the impacts of those roads is crucial to the health of wildlife populations. In particular, busy highways and interstate roads pose a large and dangerous threat to animals that attempt crossing them. This can cause wildlife populations to be segregated and thereby decrease the genetic diversity of those species. In order to mitigate this problem, adaptations to our roadways can help maintain habitat connectivity and lessen the negative impacts on surrounding wildlife. In response to a potential reconstruction project lead by the Arizona Department of Transportation on Interstate 10 (I-10) in Cochise County, Arizona, this study designed a wildlife linkage between the Dragoon and Galiuro mountains where I-10 is the largest obstacle for wildlife movement. To account for the various criteria required for movement by different species, a multi-species approach was used. This approach improves the quality of the recommendations given to the department of transportation. Based on the knowledge of local and regional biologists, thirteen species were selected to analyze. For each species, GIS tools were used to map habitat suitability, create patch maps, and model corridors that are biologically the best fit. Further analysis shows for which of those species it would be relevant to create wildlife passages within the study area. The final cartographic products will help produce recommendations for the reconstruction project on I-10 and serve as an example for future wildlife linkage designs in Cochise County.


 

Title:                     Targeting Silver Occurrences of Mexico through Proximity and Geologic Analysis

 

Author:                                Nathan Casler; ncasler@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          Geology, Open-Source, Proximity Analysis

 

Abstract:              Mexico is one of the world’s top silver producers however mineralogical datasets related to geology, and deposit locations are still highly proprietary or analog.  Mineral exploration companies depend on accurate area selection and geologic targeting to recover resources in an economically feasible manner. In an industry based heavily on spatial factors, targeting and prospectivity mapping can become a guessing game where data is unavailable or difficult to analyze. This project used open-source database management systems and GIS technology, to assimilate a spatial database from historical MRDS data and analyzed this data against geologic and structural datasets from INEGI to isolate characteristics of high producing silver deposits in Mexico. These characteristics from MRDS point data and INEGI line and polygon data were projected into Mexico Albers Equal Area Conic projection to preserve area during analysis, weighted and intersected to target areas where silver occurrences are most probable. These areas can be used as guides for prospect targeting in Mexico and for reference for mineral exploration in other areas.

 


Title:                     Maximum Buildout Potential and Optimized Business Site Location Along the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar Corridor

 

Author:                                Sean Des Portes, desports@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Tucson, development, Sun Link, modern, streetcar, downtown, University of Arizona

 

Abstract:              With the coming of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar and potential increase of infrastructure improvements, transit oriented development is a current trend in the City of Tucson. An important component in planning for future transit oriented development is determining the buildout potential of available properties within the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar buffer area based on parcel ID, lot size, and zoning. The study area for this project is the northern and eastern end of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar corridor. As well, it creates a maximum density model of available parcels allowing for a representation of a fully developed streetcar corridor. This study further examines the potential financial costs for the buildout of specific parcels and a market analysis of those parcels. Using Esri’s Business Analyst, a marketplace potential analysis examines the leakage or surplus of different types of industries to determine appropriate businesses for specific parcels. Google SketchUp was used to create a 3-D model of the proposed structures. Finally, the populated model was imported into Google Earth to provide a possible future buildout scenario. Using an iterative process based on the leakage surplus factor, the best combination of maximum potential buildout and optimal site location was determined. The final scenario depicts an idealized mixture of potential future land uses.


 

Title:                     Landslide Hazard and Risk Modeling of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range in Southern Arizona

 

Author:                                Adrian L. Sonnenschein, asonnenschein@email.arizona.edu         

 

Keywords:          Landslide, Santa Catalina Mountains, cartographic model, geographic information systems, remote sensing, python, R.

 

Abstract:              In the most ambiguous sense of the term, a landslide is any down slope movement of soils, minerals or rocks under the force of gravity.  Being situated in the basin and range province of southern Arizona, the Santa Catalina Mountain area is particularly susceptible to landslides, debris flows and rock falls in the steep slopes of its ranges.  Due to the low warning time associated with landslides, the most threatening aspect associated with the phenomena is the hazard to human life; other negative impacts include financial cost, reduction in real estate values and tourism, destruction of infrastructure, substantial soil erosion or the complete loss of topsoil and the adverse effects of large sedimentary deposits on natural water sources.  Using a combination of remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and modern machine learning techniques, this analysis develops cartographic models that can predict the susceptibility of topography to landslides with high degrees of accuracy and precision based on correlations of different input variables with the dependent variable.  This analysis uses GIS software, remote sensing software, the R statistical programming language and the Python programming language to explore these correlations and produce a landslide risk and hazard model.


 

Title:                     The National Geothermal Data System Feature Search & Map Web Application: An Introduction to its Design, Development & Use

Author:                                Jessica Good Alisdairi, jalisdairi@gmail.com         

 

Keywords:          Web map, OpenLayers, GeoExt, javascript, WFS, CSW, open source, geothermal features

 

Abstract:              The National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) Feature Search & Map application was developed as a lightweight, open-source, publicly accessible web mapping application which facilitates the discovery of geothermal features without the need to switch between multiple interfaces. An integrated search of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) Geothermal Data Catalog will list relevant feature services available for attribute querying and display on a map. The search can be limited to a specific geographical extent for further refinement. Once added to the map, attributes for features can either be shown in a feature popup or a table. Users can also select features from different data services for display in a single table. The NGDS Feature Search & Map application is primarily for geologists and other researchers needing a quick and easy way to retrieve information about U.S. geothermal features without the need for software beyond a web browser or the knowledge of who hosts which services. http://data.geothermaldatasystem.org/


 

Title:                     Campus by Night: The Spatial Relationship between Nighttime Luminosity and Campus Infrastructure

Author:                                John Tighe, jtighe@email.arizona.edu         

 

Keywords:          Luminosity, University Infrastructure, Mapping Campus Lighting, Residence Halls, Fraternities, Sororities, Mobile Data Collection

Abstract:              The visibility on the University of Arizona campus can become occluded at night depending on where you are on campus.  This project mapped the nighttime luminosity to create an isometric surface.  This surface was then compared to residential and non-residential buildings as well as other campus infrastructural features, mainly blue light emergency phones.  Android tablets, Google fusion tables, and AndroSensor were used for data collection. Luminosity values were collected based on a point grid over-layered on a base map of the University of Arizona Campus. The study area for this project consisted of the area bounded by Campbell Avenue to the East, Mountain Avenue to the West, Speedway Avenue to the North and University Boulevard to the South.  The study area was chosen because it has an equal mix of residential and non-residential campus buildings. The implications for this research are far ranging. First, it provides a base map of current night lighting conditions on campus. Further, it can be used to improve the future placement of lighting in relation to blue light emergency boxes and walking paths, all of which can help improve the overall safety on the campus.


 

Title:                     Campus by Night: The Spatial Relationship between Nighttime Luminosity and Campus Infrastructure

Author:                                Phillip Brown, phillipbrown@email.arizona.edu         

Keywords:          Luminosity, University Infrastructure, Mapping Campus Lighting, Residence Halls, Fraternities, Sororities, Mobile Data Collection

Abstract:              The visibility on the University of Arizona campus can become occluded at night depending on where you are on campus.  This project mapped the nighttime luminosity to create an isometric surface.  This surface was then compared to residential and non-residential buildings as well as other campus infrastructural features, mainly blue light emergency phones.  Android tablets, Google fusion tables, and AndroSensor were used for data collection. Luminosity values were collected based on a point grid over-layered on a base map of the University of Arizona Campus. The study area for this project consisted of the area bounded by Park Avenue to the West, Mountain Avenue to the East, Speedway Avenue to the North and University Boulevard to the South. The study area was chosen because it has an equal mix of residential and non-residential campus buildings. The implications for this research are far ranging. First, it provides a base map of current night lighting conditions on campus. Further, it can be used to improve the future placement of lighting in relation to blue light emergency boxes and walking paths, all of which can help improve the overall safety on the campus.


 

Title:                     Neighborhood Assessment and the Potential for Harvesting Street Water: Garden District Neighborhood, Tucson, Arizona

Author:                                Rod Pollock, rwpollock@email.arizona.edu          

Keywords:          Water harvesting; Water reclamation; Rainwater harvesting; Water conservation; Runoff collection; Storm water runoff; Water reuse; Tucson; Arizona

Abstract:              Water in the desert is precious. Reclaiming rain is a way to maximize the use of available water. If local governments in desert communities were to implement street water harvesting projects, which streets would present the most cost-effective opportunities?  Examining street widths and curb-to-parcel widths is a means to begin to identify areas that would more readily accommodate the construction necessary to the development of a water retention basin.  Understanding these areas and, additionally, accounting for the existing vegetation canopy, local governments would then have a tool to more effectively formulate a cost/benefit analysis for potential street water harvesting projects.  This project explores sub-watershed prioritization and neighborhood-level analysis of street water harvesting potential focused on the Alvernon Wash sub-watershed impacting the Garden District Neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona.


 

Title:                     The Colorado River Basin: Public Awareness & Use of Toxics Release Inventory

Author:                                Joseph Forish, forish@email.arizona.edu           

Keywords:          Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), environmental hazards, longitudinal study, Upper Colorado River Basin, Lower Colorado River Basin, pollution, GIS, visual analysis

Abstract:              In December 1984 a deadly cloud of highly toxic pesticide killed thousands of people in Bhopal, India. Eight months later, at a West Virginia plant operated by the same company, a serious chemical release hospitalized 100 individuals. In the wake of these two disasters, public demand for chemical release information increased. In 1986, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was passed thus making toxic chemical release data publically available in support of community awareness and public health initiatives. Could a disaster like what happened in Bhopal, India occur along the 1,450 miles of the Colorado River? The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the Southwest: tens of millions of people across seven states rely on the Colorado River for agriculture, drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it unlikely that a similar tragedy could occur in the U.S., the agency does recognize the need for increased public awareness and community use of TRI data as a matter of public health education. Based on ten years of TRI data, this paper presents a longitudinal study detailing water, air, and surface pollution along the Colorado River Basin region. A visual analysis identifying trends in facilities that emit pollution and trends in the most highly present chemical groups is also presented. The goal in analyzing a decade’s worth of TRI data along the Colorado River Basin region is to create a local resource tool that supports an informed community and facilities public health awareness.


 

Title:                     Using GIS to Mitigate Hurricane Damage on Grand Bahama Island

Author:                                Randy Taylor, r80taylor@email.arizona.edu            

Keywords:          Hurricane Jeanne, Hurricane Frances, Caribbean, Bahamas, Grand Bahama, flooding, proximity analysis

Abstract:              During the 2004 hurricane season the Caribbean was severely affected by a cluster of severe hurricanes that repeatedly battered the region and in some cases several major storms and hurricanes hit the same territory.  The Commonwealth of the Bahamas experienced the impact of two devastating hurricanes: Jeanne and Frances, in one month’s time. The island of Grand Bahama was the most severely impacted due to the damage and subsequent closure of the Royal Oasis Resort, in which 1,600 hotel employees were laid off. The objective of this project seeks to utilize GIS to better plan for, and thereby help mitigate, future disasters. This project employed a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the island to predict areas prone to storm surge flooding, and proximity analysis to identify and survey shelter locations. The results will inform residents, bankers, and insurance underwriters of the associated flood risks linked to a property as well as building code officials to determine minimum elevation requirements.


 

Title:                     Accuracy Analysis of Modeling Burn Severity Techniques

 

Author:                                Jennifer L. Dvorsky, jldvorsky@gmail.com

Keywords:          Burn severity, NBR, NDVI, EVI, supervised classification, wildfire

 

Abstract:              Burned Area Reflectance Classification (BARC) Maps are a result of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team’s assessment and these maps are used to make recommendations for post-fire treatments. These maps are derived by comparing pre and post fire satellite imagery and vegetation condition. Various methods of modeling burn severity were compared for accuracy using the Horseshoe II wildfire and field data collected following the burn severity coding matrix (fire monitoring handbook). The official BAER team’s BARC Map for the Horseshoe II Fire in the Chricahua National Monument in 2011 was only 58% accurate compared to the field data. Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) indices as well as a supervised classification were performed to see if these methods could model the Horseshoe II better than the BARC map. The results demonstrate that each highlight a specific aspect of the remote sensing imagery. Overall, the supervised classification and differenced NBR maps were comparable in accuracy to the BARC map. When choosing a method to model burn severity the type of fire, vegetation, imagery dates, and terrain must be considered to achieve the highest accuracy.

 


Title:                     Understanding Heartworm Disease in the Southwest United States: Prevalence of positive Heartworm cases in dogs in correlation with household income

 

Author:                                Abby Huggins, akhuggs@gmail.com

Keywords:          Heartworms, roundworms, United States, income, veterinary, southwest, parasites, dogs 

 

Abstract:              Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that are spread through the bites of mosquitoes.  Although Heartworms are most commonly found in the eastern United States, delta regions, and shorelines of Texas they have been reported in every state, including the southwest states. Some veterinarians argue that the prevalence of Heartworms in dogs in the United States is an epidemic.  With several types of prevention being sold at every veterinary practice nationwide, this study seeks to better understand why there are positive cases in the southwest even though preventative products are readily available to the public. This study statistically compares census data on median household income with positive Heartworm cases on a county by county basis using data from the Companion Animal Parasite Council website for California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.  Ordinary Least Squares and Geographically Weighted Regression analyses were performed on positive cases and median household income. Results indicate an extremely low R-value, suggesting no correlation between low income and positive cases of Heartworm disease of dogs in the southwest United States.  Conclusions show that positive cases in this study area could be from other variables such as climatic factors or lack of information available to the public.


 

Title:                     Plant Collections of Arizona: A Look at Collecting Patterns and Botanical Diversity within the State 

 

Author:                                Benjamin D. Brandt, bbrandt@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          Plant collections, Arizona, Herbarium data, Biotic communities, Botanical diversity, Botany, Ecology

 

Abstract:              Herbarium plant specimens collected from Arizona date as far back as the early 1800s. With over 9,500 distinct taxa occurring within 18 recognized biotic communities, Arizona represents one of the most botanically diverse states in the country. Advances in the digitization and dissemination of herbarium specimen data have made it possible for the analysis of large datasets of plant collections from within the state. Biases in collection sites have been long regarded within the botanical community, but little work has been done to ascertain their true extent and how they have affected the understanding of the diversity of the state. Over 366,000 collection records were converted to point features for the purpose of this project. Hot spot and roadway analysis were then performed on these features to determine to what degree collections were concentrated within specific areas of the state, and how many of the collections were taken in proximity to roadways. The collection points were then overlaid on biotic community polygon features in order to determine the collection density and species richness of each community. The results of this project will illustrate to what degree botanical collections have centered on specific areas within the state and along roadways. These results will also show how effectively the collections represent the biotic communities within the state and how those communities compare in diversity. This will serve to guide future collections by providing better understanding of previous collection biases and illustrating areas of potential high diversity.


 

Title:                     Satellite-Based Evaluation of Glacier-Related Catastrophic Flood Hazards in the Astore Valley, North Pakistan

 

Author:                                Gregory J. Leonard: gleonard@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          Glacier, hazards, flooding, Pakistan, Astore Valley, DEM, modeling

 

Abstract:              Glacier-related natural hazards are common across the western Himalayas and Karakoram Range, sometimes resulting in the loss of lives and infrastructure. The identification of potential hazards is therefore essential for the possible mitigation of such losses. Multispectral satellite imagery and DEMs were analyzed to assess glacier-related catastrophic flooding hazards in the Astore Valley, North Pakistan. A glacier advance or surge event that occurred between 2004 and 2008 was identified at the Bazhin Glacier along the south face of the Nanga Parbat massif; this thickened the terminus by up to ~50m. Continued or larger events at this or other nearby glaciers have potential to impede flow of the Rupal River, a tributary of the Astore River, thereby initiating dammed lake growth. DEMs and regional hydrographic data were used to model dimensions and growth rate of hypothetical ice-dammed lakes. Dams with heights of 50m, 100m, and 200m were modeled for the blockage of the Rupal River at the Bazhin Glacier terminus resulting in maximum lake areas of 0.9, 4.2, and 10.1 km2 respectively, and associated volumes of 12 to 873 (x 106) m3 water. Analyses of hydrographic data indicate that the smallest dammed lakes could be filled to capacity within several months; the 200m lake would require ~3.6 years. Downstream communities could be acutely at risk from catastrophic dam failure as portions of their infrastructure occur near stream level. This evaluation serves as a model for the unique glacier-related natural hazards that may occur within this western Himalayan region.


 

Title:                     Finding Sustainability in Vernacular Fisheries in Sonora, Mexico

Author:                                Brian Thaxton; thaxman@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez, PANGAS Project, sustainability-model, GIS, small-scale fisheries, CEDO

Abstract:              The Gulf of California is a region of unique geomorphology that provides a protected marine environment juxtaposed by a harsh, barren landscape.  In this region traditional land-based resources are scarce, therefore the sea becomes the viable economic alternative.  Fishermen have operated along the upper Gulf for generations.  The abundance of marine biology has not been evenly matched against the zealousness of the small-scale fishermen who have already overfished some species into extinction.  The PANGAS Project’s mission is to understand the impact of small-scale fisheries on the marine population and seek sustainable fishing management.  Spearheading the project is the Intercultural Center of the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO).  Compiled information stored at CEDO includes species monitoring, catch data and local knowledge volunteered by fishermen detailing what, where, and when they fish.  This data is combined with new data collected in situ for actual fishing sites along the Gulf in Sonora, Mexico.  Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis of catch data reveals spatial definable baselines of catch rates of economically-important species.  The results can be used by the shared-stakeholders to draft plans for sustainable fisheries in the study area.


 

Title:                     USAdapt: A WebGIS Tool for Climate Change

Author:                                Smaran Harihar, smaranh@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Agriculture, WebGIS, Economic Change, Counties, ArcGIS JavaScript API, Model Simulation, ArcServer, Geoprocessing

Abstract:              This project created a web GIS application called USAdapt. The main objective of the project is to depict the changes in the US Agriculture due to the variations in Climate, Soil and Human Intervention. The data ranges from present, past and future scenarios of the US Agriculture based on 85 variables. USAdapt provides the user with the functionality of selecting from 48 different factors and generating their own scenario to visualize the impact on US agriculture. The key feature of USAdapt is to provide the user with an interactive web application that allows them to create and visualize the impact in the farmland dollar value loss or gain. The project has two main parts: the front-end built on ArcGIS JavaScript API; and the back-end, which utilizes ESRI’s Model Builder and Python script for the geoprocessing of the tasks. My contribution to the project is on the front-end. The front-end interface provides the user with the ability to give the inputs, which simulates the output accordingly. The output eventually displays the dollar value loss and the accuracy of the result. This interface simplifies the complicated economic model and allows users to obtain the result with utmost simplicity. This report provides the technical details, the challenges faced and the key features of this interface.


 

Title:                     USAdapt: A WebGIS Tool for Climate Change

Author:                                Yinan Zhang, zhangyn@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Agriculture, Web Application, Economic, change, counties, GIS, ArcGIS JavaScript API, scenario

 

Abstract:              This project creates a web GIS application called USAdapt. The main objective of the project is to depict the changes in the US Agriculture due to the changes in Climate, Soil and Human Intervention. The data ranges from present, past and future scenarios of the US Agriculture. It provides the user with the functionality of selecting from 48 different factors and generating their own scenario to visualize the impact on the US agriculture. The key feature of USAdapt is to provide the user with an interactive web application that allows the user to create and visualize the impact in the farmland dollar value loss or gain. The project has two main parts: the front-end built on ArcGIS JavaScript API; and the back-end, which utilizes ESRI Model Builder and Python script for the geoprocessing of the tasks. My contribution to the project is on the back-end, which mainly focuses on the construction and publishing of the map services and geoprocessing services. This report provides the details of some of the basic theories of the whole project, data processing of map services, and construction of the model.


 

Title:                     Stay in the Shade:  Interactive Analysis of Solar Exposure on Tucson, Arizona Hiking Trails

Author:                                Laura Bookman, Lmbookman@gmail.com

Keywords:          Outdoor recreation, solar exposure, hiking, spatial analysis, Tucson

Abstract:              Outdoor recreation, including hiking, is a popular activity in Tucson, Arizona. In a desert environment it is important to make use of shade when hiking, particularly at higher altitudes, with increased exposure to ultraviolet light, absence of trees, and limited sources of water. Solar exposure varies in relationship to landscape, time of day, and season of the year. This project uses spatial analysis tools to quantify sun exposure and determine the best time for hiking on sample trails within the mountains and canyons around Tucson. Solar analysis was performed on the hour in two hour intervals starting at 8:00 am and continuing to 4:00 pm, the period of the day during which an average person hikes. Different seasons of the year were also taken into account. Using this information a simple interactive web map tool was created using ArcGIS viewer for Flex and its time slider component. Through the use of the web map a hiker can view the projected sun and shade conditions for specific trails and plan the day accordingly. This promotes safe hiking and encourages responsible pursuit of outdoor recreation.


 

Title:                     GIS methods in the Estimation of Feudal Land Holdings of the Bagli in Western Sicily

Author:                                Russell Biggs, rbiggs@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          bagli, Sicily, feudi, latifondi, viewshed, cost surface, thiessen polygons, GIS

Abstract:            Bagli, rectangular and often fortified farmsteads with open central courtyards, are an understudied archaeological feature despite their connection to Sicily’s agricultural history.  The central building in the feudal agricultural system, which extended into the late 19th century, the bagli are linked to a variety of aspects of Sicilian social structure and economy.  Although a modern archaeological feature, bagli also give insight into the land tenure systems of the island extending back to Roman times.  Bagli are an ideal dataset for the reconstruction of land boundaries in the hinterland of the western portion of the island.  I apply four GIS methods including viewshed, cost distance, thiessen polygons, and qualitative analyses to reconstruct the traditional feudal territories of the bagli of western Sicily.  The analyses address the variability of visibility of the landscape, the effect of the topography on movement, the distribution of the bagli and linear features such as road and rivers and how each contributes to the territorial boundaries for the bagli.  The results indicate that a complex relationship between visibility, movement across the landscape and natural and man-made features all play and integral part in defining the landscape of the Sicilian baglio.  Additionally, the reconstructed territories create a framework for further study in the dynamics of the feudal landscape and the role of the large land holdings on the economy, history and archaeology of the island. 


 

Title:                     Mobile GIS: Using ArcGIS to Improve Flexibility and Functionality

 

Author:                                Travis Smith, tsmith28@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          mobile, mobile project, services,  ArcGIS for Windows Mobile, Mobile Project Center, ArcGIS for Server

 

Abstract:              This project aims to improve the flexibility and functionality of a working mobile geographic information system (GIS) using Esri’s ArcGIS for Server, ArcGIS for Desktop, and ArcGIS for Windows Mobile. This project was completed for Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.’s (FCX) Historic Mine-Openings Safety Program (HMOSP) to improve the mobile GIS workflow when collecting information about abandoned mines and the resources required close them. Flexibility and functionality can be achieved by leveraging the power of ArcGIS. First, a mobile map service was created representing the editable data in ArcGIS for Desktop and published to ArcGIS for Server. Next, a mobile project was created using Mobile Project Center by packaging the editable operational layers from the mobile map service and basemap layers. The basemap layers are comprised of compressed aerial imagery and property boundary layers and converted into a tile package with a custom tiling scheme. The mobile project was published to the mobile content server and made available for download. Using ArcGIS for Windows Mobile, the project can be downloaded by the user to the mobile device. Edits can be made in the field while disconnected from the internet and synchronized to the back-end database when connection is reestablished. This enhanced workflow promotes a seamless and complete mobile GIS.


 

Title:                     Technology Asset Management at the University of Arizona

Author:                                Tawny Lochner, tawnyl@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          mobile, mobile project, services,  ArcGIS for Windows Mobile, Mobile Project Center, ArcGIS for Server

 

Abstract:              At the University of Arizona, locating a computer can sometimes be an urgent matter. Whether a computer needs immediate attention or daily service/support, proper location is important. This project aims to utilize geographical information systems to spatially locate assets/inventory of computers under the domain of Social and Behavioral Science Technology in the University Services Building and Richard A. Harvill buildings. This project further aims to tie assets (computers) to allocated spaces (in a hierarchal system: college, units, and individuals) to create a foundation for space-asset allocation analysis. Using the USB and Harvill buildings as a case study, the research first needed to develop topological enabled floor plans which where assets can be assigned to polygons.  After the topological layers were created and assets mapped, the case study then ran a few ‘real world’ scenarios to test its use.  Scenarios were based on questions from SBS Tech staff and I was better equipped to answer them. GIS can better facilitate technology asset management at the University of Arizona, however, there is up front development and implementation issues to overcome.  Spatially locating this data will allow analysis to be run against differing product specifications to determine the best placements for new or reallocated equipment as well as locating computers that have software vulnerabilities.


 

Title:                     Mapping Areas of High Conservation Priority in the Sky Island Region

Author:                                Louise Misztal, lmisztal@email.arizona.edu, louise@skyislandalliance.org

Keywords:          sky islands, conservation planning, conservation prioritization, expert opinion, spatial analysis

Abstract:              The Sky Island region of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico and northern Mexico is characterized by complex habitats, steep elevational gradients and high biological diversity. Sky Island Alliance, a non-profit organization, works to understand, protect, and restore native species and their habitats in the region. In order to inform Sky Island Alliance’s choices about where to focus conservation actions on the landscape, I undertook a spatial conservation prioritization for the region using a map-based survey. Regional experts were asked to identify areas they value for conservation on a map of the Sky Island region according to Sky Island Alliance’s conservation goals which include protecting and restoring cores and linkages and developing science. Participants were required to identify conservation values and threats associated with each area on their map. Results were represented in a Geographic Information System for spatial analysis and overlay. This approach enabled rapid identification of areas of high priority and overcame the issue of disparity in spatial data between the US and Mexican portion of the region. Spatial conservation prioritization products include an interactive map delineating areas of highest priority and their key attributes which can be easily used in organizational planning and individual decision-making about where to direct conservation actions.


 

Title:                     New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Game Management Units Online

 

Author:                                David B. Mitchell, dbradmit@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          New Mexico, hunting, wildlife, game management, JavaScript, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, Department of Game and Fish

 

Abstract:              Recreational hunting and game management resources are typically managed by state governments in the U.S. Through subunits such as game management units (GMUs), resources can be administered adequately.  In meeting the needs of the recreational hunter, the public requires accurate knowledge of game management unit boundaries, transportation access, and land ownership.  Current access to this information for the State of New Mexico is available online at the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish’s (NMDGF) website.  However, this information is highly fragmented and requires the opening of PDF files.  A web mapping application was created that builds upon the existing web resources and creates a condensed, user-friendly experience. Utilizing published map services with ArcGIS for Server, ArcGIS API for Javascript, and HTML, game management unit information can be conveniently accessed while maintaining detail.  By converting the data contained in the PDF maps into a statewide application that requires only a Javascript-enabled internet browser and does not require browser plug-ins, the public can better access this information.  The improved online accessibility includes the ability to select GMUs via a dropdown menu or by clicking on a unit on the statewide map, zooming in on units, viewing cities, land ownership, and transportation within a unit, and the ability to query additional maps, unit descriptions, and printable maps all within a single webpage.  Ultimately Natural Heritage New Mexico would take over custodianship for inclusion on the NMDGF website.


 

Title:                     Enhancing the Pima County, AZ Indicators of Neighborhood Stress Map with City of Tucson Violent Crime Data

 

Author:                                Nathan Lothrop, Lothrop@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          socio-economic stress, socio-economic need, ArcGIS, Python, ArcPy, Census, American Community Survey, neighborhood, violent crime, crime mapping

Abstract:              The Indicators of Neighborhood Stress Map (INSM) for Pima County, AZ was developed in the early 1980s from US Census data to help evaluate the needs of City of Tucson neighborhoods and accurately direct funding towards areas that contain higher-than-average levels of socio-economic stress indicators like unemployment, poverty, or vacancy rates.  Since then, the INSM been used by various organizations to measure twenty-six different socio-economic metrics of need and dependency in Pima County, AZ.  However, the annual version of the INSM may not be created soon enough for organizations requiring regularly-updated, tract-level socio-economic data.  To make annual updates of the INSM faster and easier, I wrote a Python programming language script that creates the INSM with minimal user input and programming knowledge.  The user needs to download appropriate data from the American Community Survey (ACS) website and the script completes the map using basic Python modules and ESRI’s ArcGIS ArcPy module.  To give a fuller picture of neighborhood-level stress, I augmented the INSM with City of Tucson violent crime data.  The crime data corresponds to the same years as the ACS 5-Year data used in INSM creation and measures violent crime in crimes per capita by census tract.  The INSM is enhanced with the violent crime map to produce a more robust vision of neighborhood-level stress in the City of Tucson.  Organizations can place more trust in the INSM enhanced with violent crime data when making decisions with socio-economic data at a neighborhood-scale in the City of Tucson.


 

Title:                     Maximum Buildout Potential and Optimized Business Site Location along the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar Corridor

 

Author:                                Robert Gabriel Grateron, grateron@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Tucson, development, Sun Link, modern, streetcar, downtown, University of Arizona

 

Abstract:              With the coming of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar and potential increase of infrastructure improvements, transit oriented development is a current issue in the City of Tucson.  An important component in planning for future transit oriented development is determining the build out potential of available properties within the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar buffer area based on parcel ID, lot size, and zoning.  The study area for this project is the downtown and western end of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar corridor. As well, it creates a maximum density model of available parcels allowing for a representation of a fully developed streetcar corridor. This study further examines the potential financial costs for the build out of specific parcels and a market analysis of those parcels.  Using Esri’s Business Analyst, a marketplace potential analysis examines the leakage or surplus factors of different types of industries to determine appropriate businesses for specific parcels. Google SketchUp was used to create a 3-D model of the proposed structures. Finally, the populated model was imported into Google Earth to provide a possible future build out scenario. Using an iterative process based on the leakage surplus factor, the best combination of maximum potential buildout and optimal site location was determined. The final scenario depicts an idealized mixture of potential future land uses.


 

Title:                     Use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Multi-spectral Imagery to Characterize Riparian Vegetation in Eastern Pima County, Arizona

Author:                                Leslie Carpenter, dippetidaho@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          LiDAR, Multi-spectral Imagery, Riparian, Habitat Monitoring, Vegetation Characterization, Pima County

Abstract:              Pima County’s Riparian Habitat Protection Ordinance preserves riparian vegetation to provide flood control and enhance wildlife and recreation values. Disturbed riparian must be mitigated based partially on the vegetation volume. The Pima County Regional Flood Control District (PCRFCD) manages riparian and wanted to investigate the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. LiDAR and NDVIs (normalized difference vegetation indices), derived from multi-spectral imagery, are remote sensing technologies suited to natural resource monitoring. The goal of this project was to asses the use of these tools for describing riparian and to determine if a relationship between remote values and field measurements could be established. LiDAR can provide precise measurements of canopy height. NDVI values can be used to distinguish between vegetation and non-vegetation. By combining these 2 tools canopy cover and vegetation volume were determined for 2 study areas, including potential restoration sites. NDVI also provides an index to vegetation density. A relationship for vegetation volume was determined between field measurements; LiDAR derived volume, and NDVI values. Because the LiDAR and NDVI years do not match the field measurement years this analysis should only be used as an investigation into methodology for future application. LiDAR and NDVI data may be used to characterize large areas. Ground data may then be able to be related to these characteristics and additional information obtained. The results of this study can be used for site specific mitigation by private land owners and restoration projects and long term monitoring of riparian health by the PCRFCD.


 

Title:                     GIS Method for Identifying and Defining Fresh Food Deserts: Geographic access in Tucson, Arizona

 

Author:                                Kacey Carter, bonniecarter@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          Food Deserts, Food Environment, Fast Food, Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, Food Marketing, Food Advertizing, GIS Spatial Analysis, Tucson, Arizona

 

Abstract:              There are many ways to define and locate a ‘fresh food desert’.  The USDA Food Desert Locator, and Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Working Group, along with many other researchers have broadly defined a food desert as a low-income area with low access to a supermarket or large grocery store at the census tract geographic region of the U.S.  This study compares this widely used definition to several additional barriers and influences to define and locate ‘fresh food deserts’ in Tucson, Arizona beyond the proximity to supermarket access in low income areas.  Two types of analysis are employed in order to examine the fresh food access environment of the City of Tucson, Arizona. One method involves using GIS data to determine the characteristics and location of ‘fresh food deserts’ at the census block level based on areas with low-income that also have low access to supermarkets and high access to fast food.  The other method involves determining if marketing and advertizing in the study area have an impact on low income areas and food choices.  The results of this study will determine if the widely used GIS data and definition of ‘fresh food deserts’ identified by previous studies accurately define and locate ‘fresh food deserts’ in Tucson, Arizona. 


 

Title:                     A Hydro-Geologic Framework of the Paleozoic Rocks Within the Canyonlands Aquifer of the Upper Colorado River Basin

Author:                                Scott C. Bennett, scbennet@email.arizona.edu

Keywords:          Canyonlands Aquifer, Hydrogeologic Framework, Art Geldon, Upper Colorado River Basin, U.S. Geological Survey, Paleozoic Rocks

Abstract:              The focus of this paper is the creation of a hydro-geologic framework of the Paleozoic rocks comprising the Canyonlands Aquifer of the Upper Colorado River Basin.  With increased demands on groundwater in the area due to population growth, agricultural demands, and fossil fuel extraction, it has become apparent that a comprehensive digital dataset of the aquifer systems in the entire Upper Colorado River Basin must be created. The impetus for this project stems from work done two decades ago by U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologist Art Geldon.  Geldon’s work comprised the only contiguous regional aquifer system analysis of the entire Upper Colorado River Basin.  The one major problem with this situation is that this work was done twenty years ago by hand, and thus no 3D digital representation of the geological structures and materials exists anywhere. This paper will outline the components and process of creating this framework, as well as its findings compared to Geldon’s previous work.

 


Title:                     Facilitating Pima County’s Zoning Review through a Spatial Search Tool

 

Author:                                Jessica Orto, jorto@email.arizona.edu

 

Keywords:          Zoning, Hillside, Search Application, Pima County, Arizona

 

Abstract:              This project created a spatial search tool that allows for critical zoning information to be queried and displayed during the initial screening of zoning and building plans submitted by the public for review.  The tool aids plan review staff in identifying overlays and rezoning conditions that may require additional steps in the review process.  Current methods involve verifying information stored in multiple locations.  This tool will centralize all the information that is needed for a zoning review.  Additionally, current maps lack comprehensive topographic contours which are necessary to identify the Hillside Development Overlay Zone.  A hillside overlay layer was created from a digital elevation model (DEM) which serves as a guide where topographic contours are not available.  The tool includes layers from Pima County’s GIS library that represent critical elements from the Pima County Zoning Code. 


 

Title:                     Generating Least-cost Paths for the Mars Science Laboratory in Gale Crater, Mars

Author:                                James Riedmann, jmriedmann@yahoo.com

Keywords:          digital elevation models, Gale Crater, Mars Science Laboratory, rover Curiosity

Abstract:              The Mars Science Laboratory, popularly known as the rover Curiosity, is being used to explore the geology and mineralogy of Gale Crater.  The crater is 145 km in diameter and is characterized by a flat floor with a 5-km high sedimentary mound in the center.  The rover is currently exploring the crater floor and will eventually reach and climb the central mound.  The rover can measure ground slope and is programmed not to travel on slopes greater than thirty degrees.  The purpose of this study is to define potential paths that the rover could safely follow in its exploration of the crater.  To generate the paths, digital elevation models (DEM) and corresponding orthophotos of the area were downloaded.  The elevation models were clipped to a smaller area, spatially adjusted and merged into a single unit.  A slope surface of the merged DEM was generated, then reclassified to contain a maximum slope of 30 degrees.  To define endpoints for the potential paths, a point layer was made denoting exploration sites of interest.  A least cost path procedure, using the reclassified slope and the exploration points, was used to generate potential traverse paths.  These paths could be used as guides to plan safe routes for the rover to follow.  High resolution orthophotos of the region were used to identify potential hazards along the paths, such as sand dunes, that the rover might need to avoid.  The paths coincided well with the slope layer and the orthophotos, demonstrating the efficacy of this method.