A Public Participation GIS for Geodiversity and Geosystem Services Mapping in a Mountain Environment: A Case from Grayson County, Virginia, U.S.A.

Abstract

Geodiversity and geosystem services are essential concepts for conservation efforts in mountain regions. Approaches that integrate both natural and human dimensions of mountain abiotic nature are best suited for this purpose; however, geodiversity research and associated conservation efforts along this vein are still developing. Here, we explore the potential of a public participation GIS, which integrates qualitative surveys with quantitative geodiversity information, to assess possible relationships between geodiversity and geosystem services for Grayson County, Virginia, U.S.A. Specifically, we: (1) used a geodiversity index to model geodiversity for the study area, (2) used a public participation GIS to map geosystem services markers, and (3) visualized geodiversity–geosystem services hotspots to uncover potential relationships between geodiversity and geosystem services values. Participants placed 318 markers, most frequently representing aesthetic (32%), artistic (22%), and educational (15%) geosystem services values. The majority (55%) of these markers corresponded to low and very low quantitative geodiversity index scores. Geosystem services value markers were clustered around population centers and protected areas. Although quantitative geodiversity measures are often used to identify and prioritize areas for conservation, our results suggest that locations valued by respondents would be missed using quantitative metrics alone. This research thus supports the need for holistic approaches incorporating place values to conserve and best understand relationships between people and abiotic aspects of mountain landscapes.

Morphometric analysis of Halda River basin, Bangladesh, using GIS and remote sensing techniques

“…Moreover, the length of overland flow, along with these parameters, indicates a medium flow path with low to gentle slopes. Analysis of these parameters supports the identification of hazard potential zones [ 62 , 117 , 125 , 126 ], groundwater availability and recharge potential zones [ 10 , 56 , 58 , 104 , 114 , 115 ] and agricultural suitability zones. The areas containing lower-order streams and moderate to very steep slopes are highly vulnerable to landslides and flash floods [ 61 , 93 , 117 , 126 ].…”

“…Analysis of these parameters supports the identification of hazard potential zones [ 62 , 117 , 125 , 126 ], groundwater availability and recharge potential zones [ 10 , 56 , 58 , 104 , 114 , 115 ] and agricultural suitability zones. The areas containing lower-order streams and moderate to very steep slopes are highly vulnerable to landslides and flash floods [ 61 , 93 , 117 , 126 ]. Areas with higher-order streams and low slopes have a high potential to be affected by riverine floods with short to medium duration [ 31 , 37 , 128 , 129 ].…”

“…It illustrates the degree of stream development in the studied basin. It numerically appraises the capacity of surface runoff generation and landscape dissection in the basin [ 62 , 116 , 117 ]. According to Horton (1945) [ 12 ], it also reveals the water travel time because close proximity of the steam network produces high drainage density.…”

“…The discharge will be higher in these regions of the Halda Basin. Water travel time in these areas will be low, but high rainfall can cause flash floods [ 63 , 117 , 125 , 126 ]. The spatial distribution indicates the presence of the Halda basin in subtropical humid climate zones [ 122 ], which was difficult to infer from the overall basin value.…”

Geodiversity and Geoheritage to Promote Geotourism Using Augmented Reality and 3D Virtual Flights in the Arosa Estuary (NW Spain)

“…These were implemented in different formats (mpeg, avi, wma) so that they could be played on different multimedia systems (PC, DVD, etc.). The described methodology is compatible with the implementation of geoheritage cartography in web applications, viewers and geoportals, which allows the different thematic layers generated in this study to be supported in various applications of virtual viewers and geoportals [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. This procedure facilitates the use of "augmented reality", the purpose of which is to view and manage graphic information through an Internet browser, a mobile phone, a PDA or a laptop.…”