Geospatial multi-criteria analysis for identifying high priority clean energy investment opportunities: A case study on land-use conflict in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a globally important emerging economy with rapidly increasing energy demand. The Bangladeshi government's primary capacity expansion plan is to install 13.3 GW of new coal by 2021, including the 1.3 GW Rampal coal power plant to be developed in the Sundarbans. Inadequate geospatial and economic information on clean energy investment opportunities are often a significant barrier for policy makers. Our study helps fill this gap by applying a new method to assess energy investment opportunities, with focus on understanding land-use conflicts, particularly important in this context as Bangladesh is constrained on land for agriculture, human settlements, and ecological preservation. By extending a geospatial multi-criteria analysis model (MapRE) we analyze the cost of various renewable energy generation technologies based on resource availability and key siting criteria such as proximity to transmission and exclusion from steep slopes, dense settlements or ecologically sensitive areas. We find there is more utility-scale solar potential than previously estimated, which can be developed at lower costs than coal power and with minimal cropland tradeoff. We also find significant potential for decentralized roof-top solar in commercial and residential areas. Even with a conservative land use program that reserves maximum land for agriculture and human settlement, there is more renewable energy capacity than needed to support Bangladeshi growth. This study provides critical and timely information for capacity expansion planning in South Asia and demonstrates the use of geospatial models to support decision-making in data-limited contexts

Freshwater ecosystem services in mining regions : modelling options for policy development support

The ecosystem services (ES) approach offers an integrated perspective of social-ecological systems, suitable for holistic assessments of mining impacts. Yet for ES models to be policy-relevant, methodological consensus in mining contexts is needed. We review articles assessing ES in mining areas focusing on freshwater components and policy support potential. Twenty-six articles were analysed concerning (i) methodological complexity (data types, number of parameters, processes and ecosystem-human integration level) and (ii) potential applicability for policy development (communication of uncertainties, scenario simulation, stakeholder participation and management recommendations). Articles illustrate mining impacts on ES through valuation exercises mostly. However, the lack of ground-and surface-water measurements, as well as insufficient representation of the connectivity among soil, water and humans, leave room for improvements. Inclusion of mining-specific environmental stressors models, increasing resolution of topographies, determination of baseline ES patterns and inclusion of multi-stakeholder perspectives are advantageous for policy support. We argue that achieving more holistic assessments exhorts practitioners to aim for high social-ecological connectivity using mechanistic models where possible and using inductive methods only where necessary. Due to data constraints, cause-effect networks might be the most feasible and best solution. Thus, a policy-oriented framework is proposed, in which data science is directed to environmental modelling for analysis of mining impacts on water ES

3D geological models and their hydrogeological applications : supporting urban development : a case study in Glasgow-Clyde, UK

Urban planners and developers in some parts of the United Kingdom can now access geodata in an easy-to-retrieve and understandable format. 3D attributed geological framework models and associated GIS outputs, developed by the British Geological Survey (BGS), provide a predictive tool for planning site investigations for some of the UK's largest regeneration projects in the Thames and Clyde River catchments. Using the 3D models, planners can get a 3D preview of properties of the subsurface using virtual cross-section and borehole tools in visualisation software, allowing critical decisions to be made before any expensive site investigation takes place, and potentially saving time and money. 3D models can integrate artificial and superficial deposits and bedrock geology, and can be used for recognition of major resources (such as water, thermal and sand and gravel), for example in buried valleys, groundwater modelling and assessing impacts of underground mining. A preliminary groundwater recharge and flow model for a pilot area in Glasgow has been developed using the 3D geological models as a framework. This paper focuses on the River Clyde and the Glasgow conurbation, and the BGS's Clyde Urban Super-Project (CUSP) in particular, which supports major regeneration projects in and around the City of Glasgow in the West of Scotland

Solving the tasks of subsurface resources management in GIS RAPID environment

Purpose. Solving the tasks of subsurface resources management based on the created GIS RAPID geoinformation technology. Methods. Close spatial relationships of lineament network characteristics and earthquake epicenters were detected in 3 seismically active areas located in the mountainous regions of Central Europe. Digital elevation models (DEM) based on ASTER satellite surveys and earthquake epicenter data were used. The nature of spatial relationship of lineament network and vein ore objects was studied in the territory of Congo DR, in the Lake Kivu area using space imagery. Gold ore objects were searched and forecasted in Uzbekistan in the site of Jamansai Mountains. High- resolution imagery from QuickBird 2 satellite, geophysical field surveys, geological and geochemical data were used. Findings. It was found that a significant number of epicenters are located in areas of high concentration of “non-standard” azimuths lineaments – from 27 to 34% of the total number of lineaments. It was revealed that 59.6% of the epicenters are located within 10% of sites with the highest values of complex deformation maps; 50% of the areas with the highest values of these maps contain, on average, 89% of all earthquake epicenters. It was found that satellite image lineament concentration maps with “non-standard” azimuths reflect the spatial relationship with known deposits much better than the concentration map of all lineaments. It was detected that the total area of gold ore objects perspective sites is about 20 km2. Originality. The use of GIS RAPID in a number of earth’s crust areas has allowed to establish new regularities linking the networks of physical field and landscape lineament characteristics with ore bodies and earthquake epicenters localization. Practical implications. A new technology has been developed for solving geological forecasting and prospecting problems. The technology can be used to solve a wide range of practical problems, especially in difficult geological conditions when searching for deep objects weakly presented in external fields and landscape.Мета. Рішення задач надрокористування на базі створеної геоінформаційної технології ГІС РАПІД. Методика. Виявлення тісних просторових взаємозв’язків різноманітних характеристик мереж лінеаментів і епіцентрів землетрусів проводилося у 3 сейсмоактивних ділянках, розташованих в гірських районах Центральної Європи. Використовувалися цифрові моделі рельєфу (DEM), побудовані за зйомками зі супутника ASTER і дані по епіцентрах землетрусів. Дослідження характеру просторового взаємозв’язку мережі лінеаментів і жильних рудних об’єктів проводилися на території Демократичної Республіки Конго, в районі озера Ківу із використанням космічних зйомок. Дослідження пошуку та прогнозу золоторудних об’єктів виконувалися в Узбекистані на ділянці Джамансайскіх гір. Використовувалися високоточні космічні зйомки зі супутника QuickBird 2, зйомки геофізичних полів, геологічні та геохімічні дані. Результати. Виявлено, що значна частина епіцентрів приурочена саме до ділянок підвищеної концентрації лінеаментів “нестандартних” азимутів, складаючи від 27 до 34% загального числа лінеаментів. Встановлено, що 59.6% епіцентрів знаходяться всередині 10% території ділянок, що володіють найвищими значеннями комплексних карт деформацій; 50% території з найвищими значеннями цих карт вміщають, в середньому, 89% усіх епіцентрів землетрусів. Визначено, що карти концентрації лінеаментів космознімків з “нестанартними” азимутами значно краще відображають просторовий взаємозв’язок з відомими родовищами у порівнянні з картою концентрації всіх лінеаментів. Встановлено, що сумарна площа перспективних ділянок золоторудних об’єктів склала близько 20 км2. Наукова новизна. Застосування ГІС РАПІД на ряді ділянок земної кори дозволило встановити нові закономірності, що зв’язують характеристики мережі лінеаментів фізичних полів і ландшафту з локалізацією рудних тіл та епіцентрів землетрусів. Практична значимість. Розроблено нову технологію рішення прогнозних і пошукових геологічних завдань, яка може застосовуватися для вирішення широкого кола практичних задач, особливо у складних геологічних умовах при пошуках глибокозалягаючих об’єктів, що слабо виявляються в зовнішніх полях і ландшафті.Цель. Решения задач недропользования на базе созданной геоинформационной технологии ГИС РАПИД. Методика. Выявление тесных пространственных взаимосвязей разнообразных характеристик сетей линеаментов и эпицентров землетрясений проводилось в 3 сейсмоактивных участках, расположенных в горных районах Центральной Европы. Использовались цифровые модели рельефа (DEM), построенные по съемкам со спутника ASTER, и данные об эпицентрах землетрясений. Исследования характера пространственной взаимосвязи сети линеаментов и жильных рудных объектов проводились на территории Демократической Республики Конго, в районе озера Киву с использованием космических съемок. Исследования поиска и прогноза золоторудных объектов выполнялись в Узбекистане на участке Джамансайских гор. Использовались высокоточные космические съемки со спутника QuickBird 2, съемки геофизических полей, геологические и геохимические данные. Результаты. Выявлено, что значительная часть эпицентров приурочена именно к участкам повышенной концентрации линеаментов “нестандартных” азимутов, составляя от 27 до 34% общего числа линеаментов. Установлено, что 59.6% эпицентров находятся внутри 10% территории участков, обладающих наивысшими значениями комплексных карт деформаций; 50% территории с наивысшими значениями этих карт вмещают, в среднем, 89% всех эпицентров землетрясений. Определено, что карты концентрации линеаментов космоснимков с “нестанартными” азимутами значительно лучше отражают пространственную взаимосвязь с известными месторождениями по сравнению с картой концентрации всех линеаментов. Установлено, что суммарная площадь перспективных участков золоторудных объектов составила около 20 км2. Научная новизна. Применение ГИС РАПИД на ряде участков земной коры позволило установить новые закономерности, связывающие характеристики сети линеаментов физических полей и ландшафта с локализацией рудных тел и эпицентров землетрясений. Практическая значимость. Разработана новая технология решения прогнозных и поисковых геологических задач, которая может применяться для решения широкого круга практических задач, особенно в сложных геологических условиях при поисках глубокозалегающих объектов, слабо проявляющихся во внешних полях и ландшафте.The work is performed as a part of planned research of the geoinformation systems department of the Dnipro University of Technology. The results are obtained without any financial support of grants and research projects. The authors express appreciation to reviewers and editors for their valuable comments, recommendations, and attention to the work

Urban Regeneration in a ‘City of Culture’ the Case of Pécs, Hungary

The development of Pécs is essentially due to its historically central location and to the fact that the regional institutions and the revenues generated by them have enriched the city. This functional wealth elevated the city to a position above the surrounding settlements. In its development, culture has always played a significant role. From the second half of the 19th century, it was industrial development which contributed most to its growth, a trend which was reversed at the end of the 20th century. The crisis arrived with the transition in the 1980s and has so far not been resolved. The city once more based its growth concept on human capital and on the cultural tradition when formulating new development strategy, and, as a result, it won the title of European Capital of Culture 2010. However, market processes and EU development funds necessarily generate trends which are rather more global, and in the post-socialist cities there are insufficient funds for endogenous development based on local factors to be realised

Integrated Freight Network Model: A GIS-Based Platform for Transportation Analyses

The models currently used to examine the behavior transportation systems are usually modespecific. That is, they focus on a single mode (i.e. railways, highways, or waterways). The lack of integration limits the usefulness of models to analyze the intermodal movement of freight. This project developed a GIS-based model of the three primary surface modes as well as intermodal connections. The resulting Integrated Freight Network Model (IFNM) accommodates highly detailed about shipping costs, transfer costs, traffic volumes (including non-freight auto traffic), and network interconnectivity properties. As a proof of concept, the research team conducted an exploratory analysis that asked what the potential impact would be to Kentucky highways if approximately half of the freight currently transported by barges on the Ohio River were shifted onto trucks. Coal-haul roads in the northeastern and western part of Kentucky would be particularly hard hit by a broad scale modal shift. The IFNM highlighted that roads emanating from the Western Coalfields would experience explosive growth in freight transport, with the proportion of trucks relative to overall traffic significantly increasing. Applying the IFNM to a range of freight-related transportation questions could greatly enhance system efficiencies and positively impact local economies and environments

Development of a GIS-based decision support tool for environmental impact assessment and due-diligence analyses of planned agricultural floating solar systems

Text in EnglishIn recent years, there have been tremendous advances in information technology, robotics, communication technology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence, resulting in the merging of physical, digital, and biological worlds that have come to be known as the "fourth industrial revolution”. In this context, the present study engages such technology in the green economy and to tackle the techno-economic environmental impact assessments challenges associated with floating solar system applications in the agricultural sector of South Africa. In response, this exploratory study aimed to examine the development of a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based support platform for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and due-diligence analyses for future planned agricultural floating solar systems, especially with the goal to address the vast differences between the environmental impacts for land-based and water-based photovoltaic energy systems. A research gap was identified in the planning processes for implementing floating solar systems in South Africa’s agricultural sector. This inspired the development of a novel GIS-based modelling tool to assist with floating solar system type energy infrastructure planning in the renewable energy discourse. In this context, there are significant challenges and future research avenues for technical and environmental performance modelling in the new sustainable energy transformation. The present dissertation and geographical research ventured into the conceptualisation, designing and development of a software GIS-based decision support tool to assist environmental impact practitioners, project owners and landscape architects to perform environmental scoping and environmental due-diligence analysis for planned floating solar systems in the local agricultural sector. In terms of the aims and objectives of the research, this project aims at the design and development of a dedicated GIS toolset to determine the environmental feasibility around the use of floating solar systems in agricultural applications in South Africa. In this context, the research objectives of this study included the use of computational modelling and simulation techniques to theoretically determine the energy yield predictions and computing environmental impacts/offsets for future planned agricultural floating solar systems in South Africa. The toolset succeeded in determining these aspects in applications where floating solar systems would substitute Eskom grid power. The study succeeded in developing a digital GIS-based computer simulation model for floating solar systems capable of (a) predicting the anticipated energy yield, (b) calculating the environmental offsets achieved by substituting coal-fired generation by floating solar panels, (c) determining the environmental impact and land-use preservation benefits of any floating solar system, and (d) relating these metrics to water-energy-land-food (WELF) nexus parameters suitable for user project viability analysis and decision support. The research project has demonstrated how the proposed GIS toolset supports the body of geographical knowledge in the fields of Energy and Environmental Geography. The new toolset, called EIAcloudGIS, was developed to assist in solving challenges around energy and environmental sustainability analysis when planning new floating solar installations on farms in South Africa. Experiments conducted during the research showed how the geographical study in general, and the toolset in particular, succeeded in solving a real-world problem. Through the formulation and development of GIS-based computer simulation models embedded into GIS layers, this new tool practically supports the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA Act No. 107 of 1998), and in particular, associated EIA processes. The tool also simplifies and semi-automates certain aspects of environmental impact analysis processes for newly envisioned and planned floating solar installations in South Africa.GeographyM.Sc. (Geography

The American Multi-modal Energy System: Model Development with Structural and Behavioral Analysis using Hetero-functional Graph Theory

In the 21st century, infrastructure is playing an ever greater role in our daily lives. Presidential Policy Directive 21 emphasizes that infrastructure is critical to public confidence, the nation\u27s safety, and its well-being. With global climate change demanding a host of changes across at least four critical energy infrastructures: the electric grid, the natural gas system, the oil system, and the coal system, it is imperative to study models of these infrastructures to guide future policies and infrastructure developments. Traditionally these energy systems have been studied independently, usually in their own fields of study. Therefore, infrastructure datasets often lack the structural and dynamic elements to describe the interdependencies with other infrastructures. This thesis refers to the integration of the aforementioned energy infrastructures into a singular system-of-systems within the context of the United States of America as the American Multi-modal Energy System (AMES). This work develops an open-source structural and behavioral model of the AMES using Hetero-functional Graph Theory (HFGT), a data-driven approach, and model-based systems engineering practices in the following steps. First, the HFGT toolbox code is made available on GitHub and advanced to produce HFGs of systems on the scale of the AMES using the languages Python and Julia. Second, the analytical insights that HFGs can provide relative to formal graphs are investigated through structural analysis of the American Electric Power System which demonstrates how HFGs are better equipped to describe changes in system behavior. Third, a reference architecture of the AMES is developed, providing a standardized foundation to develop future models of the AMES. Fourth, the AMES reference architecture is instantiated into a structural model from which structural properties are investigated. Finally, a physically informed Weighted Least Squares Error Hetero-functional Graph State Estimation analysis of the AMES\u27 socio-economic behavior is implemented to investigate the behavior of the AMES with asset level granularity. These steps provide a reproducible and reusable structural and behavioral model of the AMES for guiding future policies and infrastructural developments to critical energy infrastructures

Infrastructure systems modeling using data visualization and trend extraction

“Current infrastructure systems modeling literature lacks frameworks that integrate data visualization and trend extraction needed for complex systems decision making and planning. Critical infrastructures such as transportation and energy systems contain interdependencies that cannot be properly characterized without considering data visualization and trend extraction. This dissertation presents two case analyses to showcase the effectiveness and improvements that can be made using these techniques. Case one examines flood management and mitigation of disruption impacts using geospatial characteristics as part of data visualization. Case two incorporates trend analysis and sustainability assessment into energy portfolio transitions. Four distinct contributions are made in this work and divided equally across the two cases. The first contribution identifies trends and flood characteristics that must be included as part of model development. The second contribution uses trend extraction to create a traffic management data visualization system based on the flood influencing factors identified. The third contribution creates a data visualization framework for energy portfolio analysis using a genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic. The fourth contribution develops a sustainability assessment model using trend extraction and time series forecasting of state-level electricity generation in a proposed transition setting. The data visualization and trend extraction tools developed and validated in this research will improve strategic infrastructure planning effectiveness”--Abstract, page iv