Web-oriented GIS system for monitoring, conservation and law enforcement of the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

A web GIS (WGIS) system for the Brazilian Amazon, named ImazonGeo and based on open source and public domain data, is presented. ImazonGeo was built following three principles. First, the system is based on Spatial Data Infrastructure architecture and web interface built using free software and public domain data. Second, we went beyond visualization of maps and spatial queries by providing information obtained with spatial analysis models. To do that, we designed a database that stores the results of previously defined spatial analyses and developed customized reports and query tools to facilitate fast access of information by end-users. Finally, the system is application-oriented in the areas of forest monitoring, conservation and forest law enforcement, meaning that it aims to contribute to support the protection of Brazilian Amazon forests. We illustrate these principles by presenting ImazonGeo's technology, architecture, content and tools. Moreover, we present two successful cases to demonstrate how the system is being used. We conclude the paper discussing the challenges and potential solutions to turning our WGIS-SDI system into an internet hub of geoinformation about the Brazilian Amazon.

Design and Implementation of an Interactive Web-Based Near Real-Time Forest Monitoring System

“…These systems provide information about deforestation hotspots. Such information has made it possible for law enforcement, civil society, and the media to react to illegal activities quickly and reduce the rate of deforestation [ 74 , 75 ]. However, the reality is that most tropical countries have limited technical and financial capacities to design and operate such systems [ 14 ].…”

Bunjil Forest Watch a Community-Based Forest Monitoring Service

“…ImazonGEO is an open-source open-data Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) from Imazon that integrates remote sensing with law enforcement (Souza et al, 2009). Neither SAD nor DETER are good at detecting deforestation less than 25ha (Escada et al, 2011).…”

“…We hope that this type of geo-wiki tool can engage civil society in order to accelerate the cases and bring positive pressure on the enforcement system to properly punish violators. This is important, because the application of enforcement law represents the major bottleneck to stopping illegal deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon" (Souza et al, 2009). …”

Deforestation Around the World

“…This was the first description of microsporidiosis in wildlife animals in Brazil. The study emphasizes the importance of the animals, particularly small wild mammals, as potential sources of parasite infection to other animal populations, including man, in areas of deforestation (Lallo et al 2009;Pereira et al 2009). Few cases of human microsporidiosis had been reported until the advent of AIDS.…”