This is my second post on the topic Site Selection using GIS. The first one - Shortlisting Suitable Sites using Geospatial Business Analytics - involved querying economic datasets on a Map to shortlist suitable regions for launching a new mobile phone.
2023 update: My third article on this topic has been released - Comprehensive Walkthrough on Site Suitability Modelling using Spreadsheet as well as GIS. Access it here.
In this post we will analyze various types of Geospatial datasets to Map the potential Habitat of Cougars in Oregon, USA.
The approach I have used is called 'Suitability Analysis' - this involves the use of multiple criterion to qualify, compare and rank the attributes within Geospatial Datasets.
Video 1 shared below will take you through the process involved in an easy-to-understand way and you'd appreciate the positive impact of doing such studies for real-life Problem Statements which affect us on a daily basis.
Case Background
Wildlife Officials want to study the habitat of Cougars - a deadly wild cat - in the National Forest located in Oregon, USA. Adjacent to the National Forest is a State Park frequented by tourists for hiking purposes. Cougar sightings by these tourists have increased recently, although no untoward incidents have occurred, thankfully. The purpose of this study is therefore, two-fold - a) to determine the Habitat where the ever-increasing Cougar population resides and traverses and b) to set up a Tourist Early Warning System so as to mitigate the risk of Human-Wild Animal conflict - where the Tourist hiking routes and Cougar habitats intersect.
This 3 minute video is best viewed in YouTube's HD setting either on PC or on Landscape mode in Mobile Phone. You may reduce / increase the play speed as per your viewing preferences
Video 1: Suitability Modeling Workflow to identify Cougar Habitat in National Forest, Oregon, USA
I hope you found the video to be informative and the application of the Site Suitability Modeling technique to be useful. We can analyze the output even further - for example, if the parameters of the two Habitat Models used differed from each other, we can address important questions such as -
- What are the common regions shortlisted by both the models?
- Which areas have a greater likelihood of being a Cougar Habitat Zone (based on previous sighting records)?
You can actually see and compare both the model outputs from this engaging StoryMap accessible from this URL.
(2024 Update: The link doesn't appear to be active at the moment. Access an alternative report here)
The authenticity of the Geodata is of supreme importance for such studies. Without quality datasets, the output will not hold any significant value and perhaps, maybe even be grossly misleading (and dangerous in our case). The powerful Location Analytics (GIS) platform is only a means to an end - Geodata is the fuel which drives quality Location Intelligence outputs.
Update 19th October, 2020: Wondering why is it important to map Wildlife Habitat? This just happened a few days ago on a hiking route within Utah, USA -
Video 2: Menacing Cougar Encounter in Utah
Scary! isn't it?
Update: 1st March 2022
Below is a video prepared by an Intern at my firm - Tanisha Jain - which demonstrates how Geographic Information System is useful to Site the Location of a New Hospital. Have a look!
Video 3: Siting a New Hospital using GIS. Video prepared by Tanisha Jain
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to - Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities.
Our 'Mapping for Operations'-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this flyer. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,
(The case has been analyzed using Esri's ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS StoryMap module. Much thanks to LearnArcGIS. For informative purposes only)