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.

September 21 – Ed van Ouwerkerk
Research Associate
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU

Abstract: I-FARM is a free web-based database-driven farming systems simulation model that predicts economic returns and ecosystem impacts of farm operations, integrating both crop and livestock components. http://i-farmtools.org
To accommodate the I-FARM user, an optional embedded field drawing and data finding GIS tool has been added to I-FARM. The first generation tool was developed based on ASP.NET and ArcSDE version 9.3 technology with map layers, like ESRI World Street Map and images from the Iowa Geographic Map Server. The tool works for the state of Iowa.
A second generation tool was developed and integrated in cooperation with the GIS-group at the Institutes of Energy & the Environment of Penn State University and Spatial Information Technologies Inc. in Pennsylvania. The tool uses OpenLayers JavaScript technology, base maps Google Earth and Virtual Earth, and calls software components and data from servers at both universities. The application also calls SSURGO soil data live online from a national USDA-NRCS server. The second tool works US nationwide. It returns values for max. 20 drawn fields: pre-dominant soil type, average hill slope (%), aspect (degrees from north), field area, and closest weather station. All values are stored in the SQL database and used in later I-FARM evaluations.

September 28 –Mônica A. Haddad
Associate Professor and GIS Extension Specialist
Department of Community and Regional Planning, ISU

Do poverty alleviation strategies match social need? A case study of cash assistance in Iowa

Abstract: From A “safety net” of public and private cash and non-cash assistance exists to alleviate poverty in the United States. Very little is known about how community characteristics influence the allocation of public cash assistance. The objective of this paper is to understand the relationship between data on county characteristics, poverty, and public cash assistance in the State of Iowa. Results from spatial econometric regressions demonstrated that the data were spatially dependent, and that patterns of poverty rate and public cash assistance were different across spatial regimes. Additionally, two major findings were identified. First, the county characteristics that were related to poverty did not exactly coincide with the characteristics that were related to cash assistance. Second, high income coincided with high cash assistance allocation for both spatial regimes, indicating that there is a discrepancy between cash assistance allocation and need in the state. Therefore, there may be “holes” in the state’s safety net. This calls for a more careful consideration of the role that non-cash assistance plays in helping the poor become economically self-sufficient in Iowa and similar Midwestern states.

October 05 – Amber Kobler
Planning Intern
Neighborhood Development Division - City of Des Moines

Abstract: What is itNeighborhood planners at the City of Des Moines use GIS in a variety of ways to provide data at public meetings for both informational and discussion purposes. Learn how neighborhood planners are using GIS to analyze demographics and property conditions in the Drake neighborhood, in order to assist neighborhood residents in formulating housing strategies. GIS is also being used by the Neighborhood Development Division to track foreclosures and applications for the Jumpstart program (flood recovery assistance).

October 12 – Paul F. Anderson and Jonathan D. Nelsen
Professor - Departments of Landscape Architecture and Agronomy, ISU
Graduate Research Assistant - Department of Landscape Architecture, ISU

Site Structure GIS descriptive modeling of historic timber distribution in 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 describe the predominant vegetation each mile—prairie, timber, scattering trees, wetland, and so on. The spatial pattern of timber distribution appears to be affected by the drainage system and its associated river valley landforms. In particular, rivers and associated steep slopes acted as fire breaks, protecting trees on their north and east sides. To better understand these “fire shadow” effects on spatial distribution of timber, we used GIS descriptive modeling procedures to measure spatial location and pattern of timber in relation to rivers in Polk County, Iowa, and help answer the following spatial questions: (1) Is there spatial evidence of the “fire shadow” effect? And (2) Are areas of GLO timber disproportionately located on east and north sides of rivers?

Preliminary results show that (a) the area of timber north and east of rivers (protected areas) is greater than the area south and west of rivers (exposed areas) and (b) edaphic factors (slope, drainage, and soil texture) are not significantly different in protected areas than exposed areas. Therefore, the results provide spatial evidence of the “fire shadow” effect. We recommend that (1) data and models be developed to analyze the composition of witness and bearing trees in terms of their fire tolerance and resistance, (2) models be developed to investigate spatial relationships between GLO timber and Aeolian sand deposition, and (3) the models be applied to other counties and statewide.

October 26 – Gregg Hadish
State GIS Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Abstract: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)-derived high resolution elevation datasets are an important tool in planning conservation practices and analyzing the landscape in USDA-NRCS offices. The level of detail provides new ways of visualizing the landscape and assessing field-level natural and cultural resource concerns. We will review various LiDAR-derived data products from the Iowa state-wide LiDAR project, and how they are being used by GIS specialists, conservation planners, and engineers.

Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium Niche Wall/Tree Inventory GIS database Updating

Abstract: Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is our nations most sacred shrine and the final resting place for our most revered military and political leaders. We are tasked with providing Geographic Information System support services and Tree Inventory data collection to Arlington National Cemetery. This includes collecting in-the-field data and measurements, editing existing ArcGIS shapefiles and database. The data that was scoped includes: physical features (structures, walkways, planting beds, roads, and trees) in the newly developed LD90 Niche Wall project.

November 16 – Kevin Kane
Director
GIS Support and Research Facility, ISU

Abstract: The Iowa State University Geographic Information Systems Support and Research Facility has partnered with many agencies over the past five years to provide spatial analysis support to local, state, and federal research projects. Kevin will give an overview of a university GIS research facility and describe example research projects the lab has completed including terrestrial and aquatic wildlife inventory and prediction, emergency management inventory and planning, and providing large imagery-based data sets to Iowans. A wide variety of tools will be highlighted from traditional spatial analysis to customized web applications to delivering GIS data and service via the Internet.

November 30 – Stephanie Linde
GIS Certificate Candidate, Fall 2009
Adviser: William Clark
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Abstract: Historically, bobcats (Lynx rufus) were widespread throughout North America, but were extirpated from the Corn Belt region in the late 1800s due to habitat loss and unregulated harvest. Since the early 1990s, bobcats have been slowly recolonizing southern Iowa by dispersing from Missouri. I used GIS, remotely sensed habitat data, and bobcat location data from sightings by bowhunters to assess the importance of landscape-level factors in predicting favorable bobcat habitat. I will create a multiple regression model based on locations where bobcats are known to occur in southern Iowa, and applied it to northern and central Iowa to estimate the amount and spatial distribution of bobcat habitat in the state. This prediction of favorable habitat will provide state wildlife managers with information to contribute to a statewide management plan for bobcats as they continue to spread throughout the state.

Marcus Anderson
GIS Certificate Candidate, Fall 2009
Adviser: Paul F. Anderson
Department of Anthropology

Spatial analysis of the Frazier site, an Agate Basin locality in Northern Colorado

Abstract: Few Agate Basin sites have been excavated, and the Frazier site in northern Colorado represents the only site with Agate Basin as the sole component represented. Though two masters’ theses have documented and analyzed the lithic and faunal remains, neither included a full spatial analysis of the artifacts. By using the data provided by these previous studies, this study assesses the thesis authors’ classification of the site as a kill/butchery locale. This study also answers the following questions: how are the artifacts arranged in space? How do they relate to each other? What can this tell us about the behavior of the people? These questions are answered using the functions of kernel density, LISA maps, and Moran’s I. It can be seen that this site is more likely to be a butchery site with the original kill location being close by. The faunal remains are clustered in the eastern portion of the site, while the lithics are in the western portion. This suggests that the site was segregated into a butchery area and a disposal area. Though the site represents a single event in Agate Basin use, the Frazier site can help us understand their adaptations and life ways.

Carissa Miller
GIS Certificate Candidate, Fall 2009
Adviser: Mônica A. Haddad
Department of Community and Regional Planning

Urban characteristics and their effects on property values: the case of Des Moines, Iowa

Abstract: Residential property values are a major concern for citizens within a city and are commonly determined by each houses structural attributes, neighborhood attributes, and proximity to urban amenities such as open space. Using a hedonic model along with a GIS, this study takes a variety of attributes into account and combines them to determine how open space may affect property values throughout the City of Des Moines. The results will lead to a better understanding of how urban planners should consider urban amenities for future planning.

Jason Ehrig
GIS Certificate Candidate, Fall 2009
Adviser: Paul F. Anderson
Department of Community and Regional Planning

Abstract: Public spaces can and are often a defining element of the neighborhoods and communities that they are surrounded by, each providing features and amenities allowing for various types of activities and entertainment. The uses of these public spaces often become a vital part of the neighborhood, creating a unique place to those who live there. The design of the park features and amenities are essential in attracting certain uses that create a unique identity for the public space, the neighborhood as well as the entire community. At the same time, the creation and designs of public spaces is a product of the neighborhood and community characteristics. In this study, the city of Davenport, Iowa contains a variety of public spaces with a range of features that serve its communities. With its location, physical and social features, and unique history; many of the public spaces provide the city with several unique neighborhoods. The relation between neighborhood characteristics and design of its public spaces will be evaluated, showing features of desirable neighborhoods and desirable public spaces.

Alyson Lutz
GIS Certificate Candidate, Fall 2009
Adviser: Mônica A. Haddad
Department of Community and Regional Planning

Abstract: Farmland is a very important asset in the State of Iowa because over 90 percent of the state’s economy is devoted to agricultural production. Scott County, like many other Iowan metropolitan counties, faces urban growth pressures, and at the same time, wants to assure that its valuable soil is available for agricultural production. This study will use GIS technology to rank Scott County territory, using criteria to assess what farmland areas should be preserved. The criteria will take into account preservation needs based upon a point system using: soils evaluations, boundaries and buffers, local commitment, size and density, and farm and family characteristics as factors. From a methodological perspective, a case study of farmland preservation created for Hunterdon County, New Jersey will be used. This GIS application will ultimately result in a recommended land use revision of 1999 Scott County Plan, with the addition of a new “Farmland Preservation” use.