Articles tagged with Geographic Information Systems
A PSU study finds that historically underinvested neighborhoods with lower median incomes and higher racial diversity are most vulnerable to multiple climate hazards. These areas, including East Portland, face the highest risk from landslides, wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat.
A study proposes an operational framework combining machine learning models with Sentinel-2 data to estimate agricultural drought conditions in irrigated and non-irrigated maize fields. Deep Neural Network (DNN) achieved the best performance, showing higher prediction accuracy and lower error metrics for non-irrigated fields.
A novel cross-modal fusion framework integrates low-altitude drone RSI with ground robot LiDAR-inertial measurement unit (IMU) odometry to create accurate digital models of orchards. The system achieved localization accuracy on the order of a few centimeters, demonstrating robustness to seasonal variations and long-term drift.
A new study proposes a switching-based pervasive augmented reality framework that integrates location-based AR, deep learning, and context-awareness to improve landmark recognition. The framework significantly enhanced detection accuracy compared with conventional LBAR systems, while demonstrating high user satisfaction.
A new catalog centralizes publicly available soil moisture content datasets, streamlining data discovery and comparison. The UB-SMDC portal provides a unified platform for researchers to efficiently access and analyze global soil moisture data.
The study systematically evaluates popular Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) methods and metrics for AI/ML-based geospatial applications. It demonstrates that Deep Ensembles and Bayesian Neural Networks achieved the best performance, while highlighting framework-specific differences between TensorFlow and PyTorch.
A new study introduces a free, open-source Web Crop Phenology Metrics Service (WCPMS) for analyzing large Earth observation satellite time series, enabling efficient crop monitoring. The tool calculates phenological metrics from data cubes and validates its effectiveness using soybean sowing dates in Brazil.
The CA-MTransU-Net architecture achieves superior mIoU of 87.00% and faster inference speeds compared to benchmark algorithms, providing a scalable solution for post-fire damage assessment in cloud-prone landscapes.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that neighborhoods with high housing costs and crowded households are associated with shorter breast cancer survival among women. The research team identified four specific variables that drive this relationship, including financial toxicity and stress.
The Big Earth Data journal is launching a special issue to reflect on its decade-long impact and showcase cutting-edge advancements in big data research. The journal focuses on Earth-related big data, emerging as a flagship platform at the intersection of Earth science, space science, information science, and sustainability science.
A new methodology uses photogrammetry and microtopographic analysis to analyze fine engravings in Late Paleolithic portable art, improving the reliability of archaeological interpretations. The technique provides a detailed characterization of groove morphology and variations in depth and width.
A new study evaluates the accuracy of ten satellite-based and reanalysis precipitation datasets using in-situ rain gauge measurements across Czechia from 2001 to 2021. The GSMaP dataset showed superior performance for rainy days, while ERA5-Land overestimated annual precipitation by 15–35%.
The study presents a comprehensive roadmap for building an integrated GGBEO to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and advance climate science. The system would integrate regional and global ground-based in situ and remote sensing systems, marine, and airborne observational data.
A team of researchers from Binghamton University has created the first-ever high-resolution 3D model of Rano Raraku quarry, revealing over 1,000 moai statues. The model allows users to zoom in and pan across various features, providing a detailed look at the island's quarries and challenging previous theories about its history.
The new HeiGIT dataset combines PlanetScope imagery with deep-learning models to analyze major transport routes, providing a high-accuracy global classification. The dataset supports better routing for logistics, infrastructure management, and emergency planning, highlighting disparities in road quality and its link to human development.
Researchers create digital twin facility management system for relocatable modular buildings, improving asset management and decision making. The DT-FMS enhances the lifecycle management of RMBs, minimizing waste and maximizing value through reuse and reconfiguration.
This paper advocates for recursive intelligent geographic modeling based on the 'data-knowledge-model' tripartite collaboration. The approach aims to provide accurate geographic modeling solutions that are automated and adaptable to application contexts.
The Climate Action Navigator offers data-driven answers for climate action, analyzing factors like walking and cycling infrastructure, heating emissions, and land use. Cities can develop targeted strategies using the tool's interactive dashboard and assessment tools, such as hiWalk and hiBike.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a holistic solution for structural monitoring, combining various technologies to provide usable findings for service life forecasts and proactive maintenance planning.
The World Cocoa Foundation and Alliance of Bioversity International assessed the accuracy of key maps for deforestation, tree planting, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. The study found that open access global maps are not accurate enough for cocoa analyses in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
The Whole Health Consortium at Virginia Tech has funded several research projects, including one that uses geospatial analysis to improve healthcare access for veterans. Another project aims to develop a 'just-in-time' intervention for chronic pain and opioid use disorder in Appalachia.
Researchers have developed microcomb technology to miniaturize optical atomic clock systems, offering significant benefits for navigation, autonomous vehicles, and geo-data monitoring. The new system uses integrated photonics to integrate optical components on tiny photonic chips, reducing size and weight.
A study published in Science Bulletin has created a comprehensive tree density map of China, estimating 142.6 billion trees across the country, with varying densities by region and ecosystem type.
A global real-time monitoring system is being developed to track bleaching severity, crown-of-thorns starfish populations, disease outbreaks, and reef fish abundance. The integrated system aims to provide predictive models for conservation efforts, enabling earlier intervention.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has received USGIF accreditation for its online graduate certificate and master's degree in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science. The partnership will train students to address large-scale problems using geospatial sciences, mathematical and statistical sciences, and cyberinfrastructure.
Researchers at Cranfield University used drone mapping to uncover a 3000-year-old mega fortress in the Caucasus, which was found to be significantly larger than initially thought. The site's complex structure and landscape evolution provide new insights into Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age societies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals a significant influence of home food environments on adolescent dietary patterns. Home food availability, particularly fruits and vegetables, promotes healthier eating habits, while neighborhood fast-food options negatively affect dietary quality.
A scoping review of community health indices has identified a broad range of indicators covering health outcomes and vulnerabilities. These indices offer potential for multi-factorial assessments to inform regional and local policy strategies, aiming to reduce social inequities and improve community health.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
A cross-sectional study in California finds that legacies of redlining contribute to increased severe maternal morbidity, highlighting the need for place-based interventions. The study suggests that addressing structural drivers of adverse pregnancy outcomes and racial inequities is crucial.
A new study found that rural regions in Ontario have significantly higher rates of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. The researchers suggest that stigma and socio-cultural dynamics may contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as telehealth services.
Researchers found that the presence of clinics had the greatest effect on rural children's access to pediatric subspecialists, reducing median driving times by 5-46 minutes. The study suggests expanding outreach clinics can boost access and improve outcomes for children in need.
This study found that higher hypertension rates among Black adults persisted across levels of socioeconomic disadvantage. Living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods was associated with higher hypertension rates among people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
This special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores pressing topics in policing, including evidence-based practices and research-informed policy. The articles featured in the issue aim to guide police reform efforts and improve public safety.
Researchers used GIS software to analyze data on tornado frequency, transportation infrastructure, and household income to determine where populations are likely to be more resilient. The study's findings can help local governments pinpoint regions with vulnerable communities and fragile transportation networks.
This study uses large-scale GPS data to assess pedestrian movement around Tokyo's stations and its relationship with urban characteristics such as density, diversity, and design. The findings highlight that TOD attributes significantly impact pedestrian count, distances, and durations, but the impact varies across different metrics.
Researchers unveil a monumental earthen wall, trench, and 34 structures spanning 405 kilometers. The study contributes to understanding medieval wall systems, raising questions about motives, functionality, and socio-political implications.
Researchers have developed a new web-based software platform called Wildfire Safe Egress (WISE) that allows emergency planners to design custom-made evacuation plans. The tool uses data on demographics and road networks to simulate wildfire scenarios and calculate safe evacuation probabilities. By analyzing the Camp Fire disaster, rese...
Researchers found that drones could improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), a portable device for treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The simulation model suggests that drone delivery systems could reduce response times in urban and rural areas, with greater improvements expected in rural areas.
A new study finds that warming temperatures may triple groundwater depletion rates in India under a business-as-usual scenario, with approximately 60% of the country's irrigated agriculture depending on the threatened groundwater. The study calls for policies to conserve groundwater and reduce energy subsidies.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a Roman road network spanning Devon and Cornwall using LiDAR scans and geographical modelling. The network, which connected settlements with military forts, reveals that North Tawton was a strategically vital connection point.
This paper proposes an FSSiamese target tracking algorithm based on Digital Twins network, building a GeoAI experimental platform to analyze urban video data. The proposed framework enhances geospatial perception, understanding, and decision-making in urban Digital Twins.
A new global study published in the leading cancer journal finds that funding for cancer patient navigators improves medical outcomes, increases screening rates, and reduces healthcare costs. Navigators provide personalized care, support patients with diagnosis, treatment options, and relevant medical information.
A team of researchers from the Complexity Science Hub and Central European University created more-detailed poverty maps for Sierra Leone and Uganda, identifying poor areas with greater accuracy. The maps use a combination of survey information, satellite imagery, and social media data to provide a more accurate picture of wealth distr...
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that even with broad coverage, public transit systems may still exclude low-income and vulnerable populations. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to evaluate travel times by location and economic conditions, finding that routes often leave behind those who rel...
A UTHSC team developed a unique community-focused COVID-19 data registry, MEMPHI-SYS, to guide public health policies and interventions nationwide. The registry collects demographic information, geographic locations, medical history, and risk factors, providing insights into the spread and presentation of COVID.
The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a massive geographic dataset, USA Structures, using deep learning to forecast potential damage and accelerate emergency response. The dataset provides critical information on building outlines and attributes, enabling FEMA to prioritize response efforts.
Researchers from Portland State University introduced a four-week GIS training workshop in Dallas, Texas, to teach high school students spatial reasoning skills. The project partnered with CityLab High School and incorporated the curriculum into an existing course focused on transportation networks and environmental justice.
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
Researchers at West Virginia University are using machine learning and geographic information systems to identify areas with low COVID-vaccine uptake. They aim to pinpoint counties with increased risk of outbreaks, predict where testing is most crucial, and develop targeted interventions to increase testing rates. By acknowledging comm...
A new analysis found that low-income households in New Orleans lost nearly 35% of their income after Hurricane Katrina, while high-income households in NYC lost only 5.8%. The study highlights the need for diversified income sources to mitigate economic harm from extreme weather events.
Research by Jason Huh found that Medicaid expansion can increase the number of dentists per capita in low-income counties, with a 13% increase. This growth is driven by private practice dentists responding to financial incentives offered by expanded coverage.
Researchers developed a computational tool that combines cellphone records with satellite and geographic information systems to create timely and incredibly detailed poverty maps. The study focused on Senegal, creating maps detailing the poverty levels of 552 communities.
A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that living in areas with greater mixed land use was associated with poorer perceived health among New Jersey residents with spinal cord injury. This contrasts with general population studies, which suggest benefits from more populated areas with mixed land use.
Researchers developed a mobile app that transforms digital sketches into walking routes, allowing users to share unique experiences with friends. The app aims to encourage reflection and communication, rather than competition or efficiency, and explores how GIS mapping technology shapes our experience of walking.
SeaSketch, the next-generation MarineMap program, will enable worldwide stakeholders to create plans protecting marine life based on scientific values and governmental policies. The tool's launch in New Zealand and other countries aims to address ocean conservation planning, with participation from top researchers and organizations.
Dr. Scholten recognized for pioneering work on GIS and spatial analysis, with over 100 articles and nine books published. He received the award at the ESRI User Conference in San Diego, CA.
The Dartmouth Flood Observatory uses satellite images from NASA's Terra spacecraft to pinpoint flooded areas and provide precise mapping accuracy, aiding United Nations World Food Program staff. The new composite surface images have been used to identify the worst-hit areas of the current flooding in Southeast Asia.