Geographic Information Systems for Reclamation Applications

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents an overview of geographic information systems technology applicable for reclamation specialists. Historically, mining applications were one of the first uses of spatial data; however, the applications were limited by hand calculation and hand graphical techniques. The demands for technically competent spatial methods by surface mining and reclamation applications were greater than the ability of spatial methods to produce results. With the development of micro-computer technology, enabling rapid calculation of spatial algorithms, geographic information systems (GIS) are presently in an enhanced position to conduct mining and reclamation investigations. This process has been labelled, "Mapematics." GIS mapematics can provide technical assistance in multi-factor applications and can generate useful spatial information that was impossible to generate in the past.There are a variety of platforms suitable for conducting GIS projects that use MACINTOSH, DOS and UNIX operating systems and are affordable to small firms and operators. However, data input into GIS software has continued to be a limiting barrier, requiring digitizers, tape drives, and often labor intensive or cost prohibitive data input. In many instances, once the data has been placed within the computer, heuristic models and empirical models to conduct the investigation have not yet been fully developed, requiring more fundamental and applied research in model building. Consequently, the development of heuristic and empirical models is a rapidly expanding topic in GIS studies. Models can be generated to estimate the character of material deposits, predict post-mining wildlife suitability, prime farmland productivity, direct efficient placement of overburden materials, and post-mining visual quality, and assist in a wide variety of other applications. The results can be presented in a two-dimensional format, printed output, and in film format for public consumption. This paper documents the types of output that can be generated through GIS and describes present interfaces these technologies contain with surface mining and reclamation algorithms and ecological models.

Anthropization and Growth of the Electricity Grid as Variables for the Analysis of Urban Infrastructure

“…First, compile a database with general spatial and temporal information of the power network and the city. There are three types of data: points (users, transformers, poles, buildings), lines (power, drinking water, sewers), and polygons (districts, electric coverage area, population density), which integrate swiftly into the GIS software [58][59][60].…”

“…First, compile a database with general spatial and temporal information of the power network and the city. There are three types of data: points (users, transformers, poles, buildings), lines (power, drinking water, sewers), and polygons (districts, electric coverage area, population density), which integrate swiftly into the GIS software [58][59][60]. The integrated time series is processed using a mathematical model to adjust them to a sigmoid curve to predict future behaviour of parameters such as power network densification, transformer overload, and future power network expansion with sustainability criteria, using current transformer capacity as a hard cap for network densification [61].…”