Monica A. Haddad

The seminar starts sharply at 12:10 p.m. and ends around 1:00 p.m. The GIS Lab is located in Room 526 at the College of Design.

February 16 – Natalia Rogovska
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department of Agronomy, ISU

Abstract: Remote sensing is widely used in agriculture to detect various plant diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and aid in in-season nitrogen fertilization. Simply speaking, remote sensing is a practice of gathering information about object by means of measuring visible and infrared radiation that is either adsorbed or reflected by the plant. The differences in reflection can be quantified and used in calculating various vegetative indices. The objective of the research was to explore how remote sensing and GIS technologies can be used to map the areas of chlorotic soybean plants caused by low availability of iron in high pH, calcareous soils. Four-band aerial imagery (red, green, blue, and near infrared) of soybean canopy was used to calculate green normalized difference vegetative index (GNDVI) and guide plant and soil sampling. Soil samples were analyzed for pH and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE). It was found that GNDVI was well correlated with soybean grain yield, pH, and CCE. Results suggest that remote sensing of soybean canopy and GNDVI can be used to quantitatively describe distribution of alkaline soils on the field scale.

February 23 – Paul Anderson
Professor
Departments of Landscape Architecture and Agronomy, ISU

GIS Descriptive Modeling of Surveyor Bias in GLO Soil Ratings for Polk County, Iowa

Abstract: From 1832 to 1859, over 180 deputy surveyors from the US General Land Office (GLO) surveyed approximately 120,000 miles of section lines in Iowa. The Surveyor General required that the deputy surveyors rate the soils each mile—first rate, second, rate, or third rate. Because criteria for rating soils were not included in the Surveyor General’s instructions, there was potential for inconsistency, subjectivity, and bias in the surveyors’ ratings. These can make it difficult to compare GLO soil ratings to modern soil survey classification of agricultural suitability. To better understand the potential for surveyor bias in GLO soil ratings, we used GIS descriptive modeling procedures to measure surveyor bias in soil ratings for Polk County, Iowa, and help answer the following spatial question: How similar are soil ratings by different surveyors for the same landscape?

Preliminary results show that when rating similar landscapes, ratings by six deputy surveyors varied by up to 43.0 percent. Standard deviations of means ranged from 13.7 percent to 28.0 percent. Based on these preliminary results, we conclude that there was significant surveyor subjectivity and bias in soil ratings for Polk County. We recommend additional statistical measures of variability, content analysis of surveyors’ general township descriptions, and literature search regarding historical criteria for soil ratings.

Good Money after Bad? Small Town Downtown Revitalization Programs, a Geospatial Statistical Analysis

Abstract: What is it that preserves or restores the downtown of a rural community in a region with declining population, employment and retail trade? What investments can such a community make to have a sustainable future?

The Red Oak, Iowa, downtown experienced its share of economic decline, building deterioration, and loss of vitality. In 1996, the studio planning class of the ISU Department of Community and Regional Planning developed a “Downtown Design Plan” for Red Oak, which the city consequently adopted.

This study addresses the questions: Has this program made any difference, if so what? Statistical studies of retail sales, property values, spatial analyses utilizing GIS, and community perceptions all lead to the findings of this study. Findings are both expected and surprising. Rural communities will continue to struggle with finding their way in the future. Recommendations here shine cautious, positive light for discovering a more sustainable future for them.

March 9 – Joe Alan Artz
Director, Geospatial Program
Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa

Site Structure and Landscape Context of the Chalcolithic Mortuary Site of Bolores, Portugal

Abstract: Bolores, a small rockshelter about 40 km northwest of Lisbon, Portugal, was used from 2800-1800 BC as a mortuary for over 20 individual Parts of the site were excavated in 2007 and 2008 by University of Iowa archaeologist Dr. Katina Lillios. This presentation examines the geospatial contet of Bolores at multiple scales. At a microscale, multiple points on individual bones and rocks, combined with photographs, reveal the spatial fabric of cultural and natural deposits. At a mesoscale, three dimensional reconstruction of the outcrop where the shelter is located helps conceptualize the ritual space within which the mortuary itself was situated. Macroscale topographic mapping and geological borings permit reconstruct of the landscape when the site was in use, as well as subsequent landscape alterations.

March 23 – Scott Mattes & Pete Lovell
Geospatial Group
Howard R. Green Company

Abstract: Planning and designing new transportation corridors is a complicated process. These corridor projects may have negative environmental implications that can be time consuming and costly to mitigate. Further, local landowners may create impediments when planning new transportation corridors. Prioritizing alternatives efficiently is necessary to weigh the challenges that accompany the corridor alternatives and to simplify project design. Using geographic information systems (GIS) models, the Corridor Screening Process automates the corridor impact analysis to streamline projects. This tool, which is repeatable and adjustable, aids in selecting the preferred corridor by running alternatives through a multi-level screening process with criteria developed by stakeholders. This automated process allows decision makers to consider traffic, safety, cost, and multiple environmental sensitivity criteria. By assigning each alternative corridor a score based upon these factors, the Corridor Screening Process results in a list that can be prioritized.

March 30 – Lisa Swanson
Environmental Health Officer/GIS
Black Hawk County, Iowa

Abstract: Environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by interactions with physical, chemical, biological, and social factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling and preventing those factors in the environment that may adversely affect the health of present and future generations. The Black Hawk County Health department utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) to manage geographically based data pertaining to environmental health such as water quality, environmental contamination, visualizing distribution of resources, tracking chemical application for vector control, disease prevention, stream-lining workflow, environmental assessment and permit/licensure management. Projects from the department will be presented along with general overviews of other applications of GIS, demonstrating the power and challenges of using GIS technology as a tool in environmental and public health.

April 6 – Chris Seeger
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Landscape, ISU

Abstract: One of the first steps in creating or updating a Safe Route to School (SRTS) plan is to "obtain maps, collect information about where children live, the routes they take to school and the condition of the streets along the way." Web 2.0 mapping technologies and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) methodologies can be used to facilitate the collection and management of this information allowing school administrators, city officials and parents to better plan improvements that will create a safer and more walkable community.

This presentation demonstrates the implementation of a geospatial tool that allows students and their parents to self report the routes they use (or would use) to get to school, the barriers preventing them from using existing routes and additional information necessary for administrators to efficiently evaluate the use and awareness of existing routes to school.

April 13 – W Scott Lincoln
Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences
Advisor: Kristie J. Franz
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Spatial and Quantitative Analysis of NEXRAD Precipitation Estimates in a Distributed Watershed in Central Iowa

Abstract: A study was conducted to analyze the NEXt generation weather RADar (NEXRAD) precipitation estimates over two distributed watersheds in central Iowa, the Skunk River upstream of Riverside Drive and the Squaw Creek upstream of Lincoln Way. Observed precipitation data was obtained from the city of Ames' ALERT network and GIS analysis wasused to interpolate the observations to a raster grid. NEXRAD precipitation estimates were obtained through the University of Iowa's Hydro-NEXRAD project in which three different algorithms used: NWS PPS, 1.3km CAPPI height, and HiFi. Precipitation from spring 2007 and spring 2008 was used to compare interpolated observations and remote-sensed NEXRAD estimates. NEXRAD biases were calculated both spatially and quantitatively, and then averaged over each subbasin. The CAPPI and NWS PPS algorithms were found to take the least time to process and had the least variability between basins and events. The data calculated for the entire spring of 2007 was likely the most accurate and could be used to implement bias adjustments in a streamflow model.

Lisa Crabbs
Department of Community & Regional Planning
Advisor: Paul Anderson
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Directing and Diverting Development: Protecting Environmentally Critical Areas from Development Pressures in Waukee, Iowa

Abstract: Development pressures in the Midwest have caused a low density, sprawling effect that continues to spread across the agricultural landscape. In the city of Waukee, which is located on the western fringe of Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, tremendous growth for the once rural town has been occurring in the last 20 years. As a result, the city continues to annex more farmland in order to accommodate suburban development pressures, but what effect does this have on the natural environment? In this study, GIS tools are used to show where environmentally sensitive lands are located and how the city has grown since 1938 through 2008. Moreover, these descriptive models are used in Build-Out Analysis in CommunityViz to demonstrate areas where infill can occur so that Waukee can plan to expand in a way that respects agricultural land, open spaces, and the overall natural environment.

Fei Yang
Department of Community & Regional Planning
Advisor: Chris Seeger
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Abstract: Public participation is a crucial part for a healthy representative democracy, and also an important process for community planning. While participation has long been part of the tradition of planning, we continuously need to find new ways to actively engage in citizen in decision making. With an explosion of interests in using online geographic information, the Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) has become a promising way for public participation in the planning process via online mapping. This GIS application project is an extension of the Downtown Master Plan of the City of Waukee. It intends to build an online planning participation system using Google Maps and ArcGIS server, which allows the public to vote for existing planning projects of the plan, and to interact with online map to suggest other projects.

Justin Sullivan
Department of Anthropology
Advisor: Paul Anderson
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Abstract: The spatial distribution of prehistoric sites and their relationship to environmental variables are examined for six southwest Iowa counties: Pottawattamie, Cass, Harrison, Shelby, Monona, and Crawford. Site-environmental relationships were explored with univariate statistics providing a descriptive database of environmental variables relevant to site location. Utilizing these variables, Boolean and predictive models provided a composite score surface showcasing high, medium, and low site potential locations. The Boolean model predicts site potential based on documented patterns in relevant literature. In contrast, the predictive model employs logistic regression and site/non-site comparisons to generate a site probability surface. Besides modeling site location, models were evaluated using the popular “gain” statistic to provide a measure of each model’s predictive capability and reliability. Results for both models confine high potential areas to upland river valleys with moderate potential in the Loess Hills and Southern Iowa Drift Plain physiographic regions.

Tricia Sample
Department of Community & Regional Planning
Advisor: Mônica A. Haddad
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Abstract: Urban sprawl and growth management practices are not customary in a predominately agricultural state like Iowa. However, the northwest area of the Des Moines Metropolitan Region is experiencing rapid growth and needs attention in order to minimize unsustainable practices. This GIS application will examine intra-urban growth in Waukee, the fastest growing community in Iowa. Focusing on the period 2000-2008, this study will examine seven spatial measures of sprawl: density, continuity, concentration, clustering, centrality, mixed uses and proximity to evaluate Waukee’s current growth and assess growth management tools available to planners. Based on the findings of the spatial analysis, policies and strategies toward a more sustainable compact type of urban development will be recommended.

Bethany Wilcoxon
Department of Community & Regional Planning
Advisor: Mônica A. Haddad
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Abstract: The State of Iowa has established a goal of developing a state-wide targeted industry cluster-based economic development model for policy and program analysis. This paper specifically analyzes the wind energy industry in Iowa using two methodological steps. The first step focuses on asset mapping, while the second step implements cluster analysis. A geographic information system is a key tool for both methodological steps. The main goal of this study is to assist policy makers who are interested in the expansion of the wind industry in Iowa. After understanding the spatial dynamics of the wind industry, secondary data will be collected and mapped at the zip code level. This level of mapping will allow for detailed spatial analysis, including tools such as location quotient, tests for spatial autocorrelation, and shift-share analysis.

John Lambert
Department of Anthropology
Advisor: Matt Hill
GIS Certificate Candidate, Spring 2009

Abstract: Paleoindian site structure is poorly understood, and the Jim Pitts site represents a unique opportunity to investigate the spatial organization of activities at a Goshen base camp. In order to elucidate patterning within the Jim Pitts assemblage, spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 9.2 and Geoda 0.9.5-i. Large concentrations of burned faunal remains and lithic artifacts, coupled with the spatial relationships between artifact classes and the size sorting of artifacts at the site, indicate the presence of two exterior hearths where tool manufacture and maintenance were carried out. Tool manufacture also appears to have been carried out in a separate activity area. An additional butchery/secondary processing area is postulated to exist between the two hearths. The site structure at Jim Pitts indicates that relatively long tenure time, reduced residential mobility, and organization into a “collector” system of resource procurement were important facets of Goshen lifeways. Spatial analysis of the Jim Pitts assemblage illustrates the utility of software packages like ArcGIS 9.2 and Geoda 0.9.5-i, and value of moving beyond subjective, visual evaluation of spatial patterning.