GIS Odyssey Journal

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE INVASIVE PLANT VERNONANTHURA POLYANTHES ACROSS LAND COVER TYPES OF CHIKUKWA COMMUNITY IN CHIMANIMANI DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

Takwana Muindisi Bishi, Tawanda Tarakini — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding species spatial distribution and invasiveness is vital in assessing its potential impacts to the ecosystem and livelihoods of communities affected. Due to climate change, invasion by alien woody species particularly, in mountain ranges bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique, is increasing with potential impacts indicating significant loss of biodiversity on affected areas. The distribution of the invasive plant Vernonanthura polyanthes is poorly documented in eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, an area important for food production and endemic plants and animals. This study mapped the spatial distribution of V. polyanthes and predicted its invasion hotspots across various land cover types of Chikukwa, Ward 10, Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe. Chikukwa being in proximity to the Zimbabwe-Mozambique boarder, V. polyanthes is rapidly spreading into different land covers of Chikukwa thereby affecting livelihood of this community. Supervised land cover classification was used to develop the land cover types. Vegetation attributes (species abundance, diversity, evenness, height and diameter at breast height) were assessed on 30 sampling plots which were randomly selected across the land cover categories. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used for vegetation assessments and predict invasion hotspots for V. polyanthes. This study shows that forest and shrub land had higher vegetation diversity compared to other land covers. The V. polyanthes formed the most densely populated patches, and 26.3% of Chikukwa is regarded as its hotspot areas. Intervention strategies in Chikukwa are therefore recommended based on the identified hotspots for V. polyanthes.

IDENTIFYING AND SELECTING THE OPTIMAL SITE FOR KINDERGARTEN PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF AS-SALT USING SPATIAL SUITABILITY ANALYSIS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Walaa AlHyari, Othman. M. Ghnaim — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to identify the optimal kindergarten site in As-Salt using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Data was collected from various sources and experts, and three alternatives were selected from Batna neighborhood, Wadi Al-Halabi neighborhood, and Al-Naqab neighborhood. The spatial suitability method was used to analyze the data, determining the most suitable neighborhood for kindergartens. The study adopted a descriptive approach and analyzed the data using GIS to ensure the optimal site selection.

The study found that the Batna neighborhood is the optimal site for establishing a kindergarten project, ranking eighth in the classifications . The most important criteria for site selection were distance from main roads and proximity to residential roads, which ranked up to 18%. The study also highlighted the effectiveness of GIS and the spatial suitability method in achieving optimal site selection for educational facility projects. The study recommends selecting Batna neighborhood for kindergartens due to its high suitability for most proposed criteria and suggests enhancing GIS technology in other educational projects. Future studies should evaluate and improve the process of selecting kindergarten sites using GIS and the spatial suitability method.

APPLICATION OF GIS TOOLS TO DELIMIT THE HISTORIC CENTERS OF SMALL TOWNS

Agnieszka Szczepańska, Katarzyna Pietrzyk — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Preservation and continuity of cultural heritage is an important task for local authorities, especially concerning the historic centers of small towns that have taken their shape over the course of past centuries. To this end, one develops revitalization programs which require the spatial extent of such centers to be determined. Indeed, accurate delimitation of the area to be revitalized based on transparent criteria is crucially important. Therefore, this study aims to formulate the rules that need to be followed when delimiting historic centers of small towns using GIS technology. The suggested solutions have been tested on selected examples, i.e. several historical towns from the Polish regions of Warmia and Powiśle qualified for the research. The proposed methodology for delimiting the historically shaped centers of small towns may be applied by city authorities to designate areas where various types of revitalization undertakings and repair works are to be carried out, as well as manage and implement effective spatial planning that allows for the conservation of cultural heritage.

GIS SECURITY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT: PRACTICAL APPROACHES AND STANDARDS

Maciej Kiedrowicz — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the face of growing cyber threats, security incident management in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) systems is becoming a key element in ensuring the integrity and availability of spatial data. The aim of this article is to analyze practical approaches to security incident management in GIS systems and to assess compliance with international standards. The study used real-life incident case analysis methods, a literature review and interviews with industry experts. The results point to the need for integrated incident management procedures that include monitoring, detection, response and incident reporting. In addition, compliance with ISO 27001, ISO 19115 and OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) standards is crucial for effective spatial data security management. The article ends with recommendations for the implementation of best practices and proposals for further research in the area of security incident management in GIS systems.

THE DATA GOVERNANCE ACT - A STEP TOWARDS A EUROPEAN DATA SPACE

Agnieszka Piskorz-Ryń, Marlena Sakowska-Baryła — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article attempts to explain how the DGA is a step towards a European data space. An assessment of the DGA is undertaken in relation to the re-use of protected data and data altruism. The article asks the research question whether the DGA is an important instrument in this matter and whether it is an effective tool to improve access to data in the EU. The answer to the question thus posed is as follows. DGA has an impact on the re-use of protected data. However, this act does not grant the right to re-use such data. It is further left to the Member States to decide on this. The DGA, on the other hand, normalizes procedures and provides institutional support in the process of implementing requests. This gives grounds to consider that the DGA will significantly affect the re-use of these data. What will be important, however, is not the procedure described as such, but the obligation under the DGA to assess whether a request for protected data can be granted. It is also important to provide institutional support to public sector entities as well as data users. A component of the European data space is the concept of data altruism. This idea has been regulated in the DGA, providing a normative basis for the sharing of personal data by data subjects and non-personal data holders. The use of such data can be considered an important opportunity for broader and fuller management of data as modern information capital. At the same time, data altruism embodies the tenets of sustainable development and the exercise of information freedoms on the part of those willing to take advantage of the opportunity to share data. Data altruism is a concept in which organizations and individuals share data openly and altruistically for social, scientific or economic benefit. Nowadays, however, the application of this idea is associated with a number of problems mainly of regulatory and organizational nature. The analysis conducted here aims to introduce the concept of data altruism and identify the reasons for the low interest in its implementation.

THE VISION OF THE IDEAL STUDENT CAMPUS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article discusses a study on the concept of the ideal university campus from an international perspective. The study uses the Large Language Model (LLM) to analyze student survey responses and investigate if the concept of the ideal campus is universal. Specifically, the study examines the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn to determine if it reflects elements of this universal campus vision. The effectiveness of the LLM in identifying key themes and patterns in student responses is also assessed. The study analyzes both positive and negative aspects of campuses as identified by Polish and international students and explores whether these elements can be applied in different academic contexts. Additionally, the study examines if the UWM campus can serve as a reference model for other universities while considering the diverse needs and expectations of students worldwide. The article also highlights the evolution of university campuses and emphasizes the importance of on-campus services in enhancing student satisfaction. Furthermore, three-dimensional visualization is discussed as an effective tool for presenting the analyzed results and spatial data, aiding in understanding student expectations for academic spaces.

INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS INTO THE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Jerzy Stanik, Maciej Kiedrowicz — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the era of increasing digitization and dependence on information technologies, cybersecurity is becoming a key element of critical infrastructure management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a vital role in monitoring, analyzing, and managing infrastructure assets. This paper explores the integration of national cybersecurity standards with GIS systems, focusing on critical infrastructure security management. A literature review and case studies of cybersecurity standards implementation in GIS systems allow for the identification of the main challenges and requirements. The article also presents methods of risk assessment and incident management in the context of GIS. The results of the research indicate the need for close cooperation between cybersecurity professionals and GIS users to ensure comprehensive protection of critical infrastructure. The article concludes with practical conclusions and proposals for future research directions in the area of integration of cybersecurity standards with GIS systems.

URBAN SPACE OPTIMIZATION – A CASE STUDY OF THE CITY OF BARTOSZYCE

Ewelina Tywoniuk, Andrzej Biłozor — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the optimization process aimed at identifying the most effective solution while accounting for all existing constraints, the objective is to determine the optimal variant from a set of admissible alternatives. In the field of spatial management, the term "optimization" is employed to assess the most efficient—optimal—allocation and utilization of land. This assessment primarily pertains to the spatial distribution of economic entities and is frequently applied to urban areas and their surroundings. Moreover, it serves to coordinate human activities while safeguarding ecological structures and natural resources to achieve sustainable development.

This article presents a procedure for urban space optimization, which could be incorporated into the process of modifying land-use functions. The primary objective of the analysis is to determine a new, optimal land-use function by considering key social, economic, and environmental criteria that significantly influence urban space utilization. Additionally, the study introduces the concept of optimizing spatial processes, the methodology for identifying optimal land-use states, and the potential application of optimization methods, which are regarded as decision-support tools in spatial planning and management. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools as analytical instruments facilitating the optimization of spatial structures.

ASSESSING SOLID WASTE MISMANAGEMENT IN TRIPOLI, LEBANON, USING GIS: A SPATIAL ANALYSIS WITH THE SWEPT MODEL

Douha Akkari — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of solid waste management in Tripoli, Lebanon, using the SWEPT model a suitability model incorporating multiple criteria to assess potential sites for recycling and waste management initiatives. The SWEPT model considers socio-economic factors, waste characteristics, environmental pollution, and topographical conditions, assigning each location a suitability score that ranges from unsuitable to very high suitability. The model allows for a comprehensive evaluation of potential sites for recycling and waste management infrastructure in Tripoli, taking into account the complex urban and socio-economic conditions that affect the city's waste management system.

In Tripoli, urban planning issues are exacerbated by a combination of factors, including high poverty rates, economic crises, water and river pollution, insufficient infrastructure, and mismanagement of vital facilities. These challenges are compounded by the city's inadequate waste management system, which struggles to meet the growing demands of its population. The SWEPT model helps identify areas that are most suitable for the establishment of recycling sites, based on a combination of criteria that consider both the environmental and socio-economic aspects of waste management.

The model's validation is achieved through a matrix analysis, which compares the suitability of the selected sites for recycling with existing waste collection points. This approach ensures that the chosen sites are both strategically located and viable for implementation. By integrating GIS technology and spatial analysis, the study provides a clear visualization of the relationships between various urban planning challenges and waste management issues in Tripoli. Through these analyses, the paper offers evidence-based recommendations for improving waste management practices, enhancing the city's infrastructure, and addressing broader environmental concerns.

Ultimately, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the urban planning challenges facing Tripoli, Lebanon, and proposes actionable solutions to improve the city's solid waste management system, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

REMOTE SENSING AND GIS BASED CROP MONITORING: A CASE STUDY OF TAVRA VILLAGE IN VADODARA

Umangkumar Zalavadiya, Himanshi Sabhadiya, Parth Kapupara — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Food security is increasingly challenged by environmental changes, natural resource degradation, and population growth. Crop yields have already stagnated in many regions and are further affected by rising temperatures. The growing global population imposes a direct demand on agriculture to produce food, fiber, and fodder, necessitating the consumption of vast amounts of water. To maximize agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable crop yields, continuous crop monitoring is essential. Remote sensing has emerged as a powerful technology for vegetation monitoring, enabling spectral analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery to assess crop health and development. This study utilizes remote sensing techniques in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to monitor crop conditions. The Green Chromatic Coordinate (GCC) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were estimated using Landsat-9 satellite imagery. The analysis was conducted using QGIS for Tavra Village Farm, near Parul University, Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. The observed GCC values ranged from 0.9352 to 0.3297, while NDVI values varied between 0.3300 and 0.0398 over the temporal period. The trend analysis of GCC and NDVI indicated an initial increase from November (early crop growth stage) to January (mid-growth stage), followed by a decline by February (crop maturity stage). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS in monitoring crop growth patterns, offering valuable insights for precision agriculture and resource management.

FORECASTING PROTEIN FOOD PRODUCTION IN AFRICA: TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND POLICY INTERVENTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

Benjamin Darkwa, Kwabena Danso — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Food security remains a critical challenge in Africa, particularly as the demand for protein-rich foods rises. Despite possessing vast agricultural potential, the continent struggles with optimizing protein food production due to limited access to modern farming technologies, inadequate storage facilities, and inefficient distribution networks. This study models and forecasts protein food production in Africa from 1997 to 2030 using a forest-based forecasting approach. The analysis focuses on key protein sources, including milk, livestock, eggs, and beans, utilizing data from the Food Production Index. The study employs ArcGIS Pro 2.8.2 to assess production trends and spatial variations across African regions. Findings reveal significant trends, with milk production peaking in 2022, livestock production increasing in 2028, egg production reaching its highest level in 2027, and bean production recording its peak in 2030. The results highlight the need for policy interventions to enhance protein production, particularly in low-performing regions such as Western Sahara, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Recommendations include strategic investments in infrastructure, technological advancements, and policy frameworks to boost protein food security and support sustainable agricultural development in Africa.

FOREST FIRE TRENDS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE HILLS OF NEPAL

Jenisha Oli, Nitant Rai, Rijan Sharma, Nishan Baral — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding the trends and patterns of forest fire is critical for effective fire management. This study aimed to analyze forest fire incidences, trends, and management practices in the six different community managed and government managed forests in the Salyan district of Nepal. We analyzed active fire data for 2001-2017 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), to understand the fire trend. Our results suggested that fires are common during the dry, windy, pre-monsoon season from March to May, with Pinus roxburghii forests being the most fire-prone, followed by Shorea robusta-dominated forests. Anthropogenic factors were identified as the primary cause of fire ignition. The fire management practices adopted by the Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) have been effective in managing and preventing fires. These findings are valuable for prioritizing forest areas for fire control and management. We recommend close coordination and cooperation between CFUGs, governmental and non-governmental agencies to design and implement effective forest fire management strategies.

APPLICATION OF DORA STANDARDS IN OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT IN GIS SYSTEMS

Jerzy Stanik — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the article is to investigate the application of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) standards in operational risk management in GIS (Geographic Information Systems). The study focuses on identifying the benefits and challenges of integrating these standards and assessing their impact on the operational resilience of financial institutions. A literature review shows the growing importance of DORA standards in digital risk management and the benefits of implementing them in GIS systems. Examples of DORA implementations in sectors such as banking and ICT services show that the integration of these standards can improve operational risk management and resilience to digital threats. The results of the research point to numerous benefits, such as increased resilience to cyber threats and better risk management. Recommendations include investments in technology, employee training, and cooperation with ICT service providers.

ELEVATION-ONLY VS FULL PCC MODELS - THE IMPACT ON POSITIONING

Karol Dawidowicz, Radosław Baryła — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Antenna phase center corrections (PCC) are now mandatory for high-accuracy Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications. Such corrections are being created nowadays using an anechoic chamber or an outdoor robot calibration method. Based on these two methods PCCs are created in the function of the zenith angle and azimuth of the incoming GNSS signal. However, some antennas still lack complete PCC as both approaches are time and money-consuming. In the case of some antennas, mostly low-cost ones, no real phase centrum location information is provided. For another group of antennas, so-called elevation-only PCC derived from relative outdoor calibration is available. Elevation-only PCC, after transformation, could be utilized together with full PCC models in common GNSS observation processing. In the publication, the authors analyzed the differences resulting from the use of elevation-only instead of full PCC models. Values of such differences can be treated as a bias introduced into the solution due to the use of simplified PCCs. The results obtained demonstrate that, in the analyzed case study, such biases are negligible and do not exceed 1 mm in any instance.