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Selected Data About Geographic Locations

Selected Data About Geographic Locations

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rely on two core types of data: spatial data and attribute data.Spatial DataSpatial data defines the physical location of features within a coordinate system, typically expressed in terms of latitude and longitude. It provides precise positioning for elements like roads, rivers, or buildings.Attribute DataAttribute data complements spatial data by adding descriptive information about these features. For example, a road's spatial data includes its start and...

Manipulation and Analysis

Manipulation and Analysis

GIS manipulation and analysis functions are vital for decision-making and planning. These activities range from data retrieval tasks, such as selecting information based on specific criteria, to advanced analytical techniques that address complex spatial problems.One critical GIS analysis method is overlaying, which combines multiple data layers to examine impacts. For example, overlaying a river-dammed lake boundary with road networks can identify affected infrastructure. Another common...

Levels of Use of a GIS

Levels of Use of a GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operate across three levels of application, each representing an increasing degree of complexity: data management, analysis, and prediction. These levels reflect the expanding functionality and versatility of GIS technology in handling spatial data for diverse purposes.Data ManagementAt its foundational level, GIS serves as a tool for data management, enabling the input, storage, retrieval, and organization of spatial data. This level is often employed in...

Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response

Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is essential for risk identification, action prioritization, and resource optimization in critical situations like flooding and earthquakes. By integrating spatial and demographic data, GIS provides a comprehensive framework for emergency response.GIS integrates data layers, like rainfall intensity, topography, elevation profiles, and river levels, to model high-risk flood zones. These layers assess areas susceptible to flooding based on their...

Design Example: Alignment of a Road Line Using GIS

Design Example: Alignment of a Road Line Using GIS

The alignment of a road line using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a critical process in civil engineering, combining advanced technology with practical decision-making. This methodology begins with the collection of geospatial data, including information on land cover, geomorphology, drainage patterns, slope, and contour details. Such data is typically acquired through satellite imagery and GIS tools, offering a comprehensive understanding of the terrain.Once the data is gathered, it...

GIS Software, Hardware, and Sources of GIS Data

GIS Software, Hardware, and Sources of GIS Data

A Geographic Information System (GIS) combines specialized software and hardware to effectively manage, analyze, and present spatial and related data. GIS software includes critical functionalities such as a user interface for easy navigation, database management tools for handling spatial and attribute data, and data retrieval features for efficient access. Analytical tools transform raw data into insights, while display functions produce maps and reports in various formats for effective...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm

Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm

Published on: December 9, 2012

Modeling agricultural nonpoint source pollution using a geographic information system approach.

Lisa A Emili¹, Richard P Greene

¹Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Penn State Altoona, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA 16601, USA. lae18@psu.edu

Environmental Management

|September 18, 2012

Summary

Geographic Information System (GIS) protocols were developed to model agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution. Practices increasing year-round soil cover are most effective for reducing sediment and phosphorus losses in watersheds.

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Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm

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Published on: December 9, 2012

Use of Principal Components for Scaling Up Topographic Models to Map Soil Redistribution and Soil Organic Carbon

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Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

Published on: July 24, 2016

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Hydrology
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Background:

Agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution, mainly sediment and nutrients, significantly impacts North American surface waters.
Effective watershed management requires accurate spatial and temporal modeling of soil, hydrology, and land-cover changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop GIS protocols for modeling watershed-scale changes in soils, hydrology, and land cover.
To assess the effectiveness of management strategies in reducing sediment and nutrient pollution using the agricultural non-point source pollution (AGNPS) model.
To create a GIS method for characterizing land-cover change in urban fringe watersheds for improved temporal modeling.

Main Methods:

Spatially integrating watershed data (soil erodibility, land use, runoff) using GIS to identify pollution source areas.
Applying the AGNPS model in the Muddy Creek, Ontario, watershed to evaluate management strategies.
Measuring water quality parameters and sediment/phosphorus loadings.
Developing a GIS method to characterize annual land-cover changes in the Blackberry Creek, Illinois, watershed.

Main Results:

Practices promoting year-round soil cover were identified as most effective for reducing sediment and phosphorus losses.
The study demonstrated the utility of GIS for integrating diverse watershed data for pollution assessment.
The developed GIS method allows for improved annual accounting of land-use changes, enhancing watershed process modeling.

Conclusions:

GIS protocols can effectively facilitate spatial and temporal modeling of watershed processes and pollution.
Management strategies focusing on increased soil cover are crucial for mitigating agricultural NPS pollution.
The developed GIS methods offer flexibility for various planning levels with accessible data and adjustable outputs.