Recent uci_libs_ucgisweek_24 items

Ecology: Seed Collection, Desert Fires, and Tropical Lagoons

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I can seed clearly now: A GIS triage protocol for prioritizing areas for seed collection efforts:

Climate change and wildfire are increasing, stressing limited reforestation seed supplies. Tree stands at low elevation and southern latitudes with hot conditions are potentially both at the highest risk and contain the most climate change-adapted seeds. We present a partially-automated GIS framework to guide seed scouting for tree species in California. Its intended use is to identify areas at the highest risk of extirpation and with the least representation in CalFire’s current seedbank.

We begin by creating new, highly-accurate species range maps (see my other presentation this week) and intersecting each with “seed zones and elevation bands” (SZEBs), used for cataloging the state’s seed lots and reforestation efforts. Next, we combined place-based climate change exposure, processed using principal components analysis in RStudio, and potential wildfire intensity...

National Zoning Atlas: A New Public Tool & Database

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Digitize, Demystify, Democratize: Exploring the National Zoning Atlas Map Viewer:

The National Zoning Atlas (NZA) is a publicly-available database that aims to collect and standardize all zoning codes across the U.S. into a single, easy-to-read format. It allows the public to assess zoning in their area, advocate for policy reform, and keep politicians and public administrators accountable. It can also be a powerful tool for researchers.

In this workshop, we will begin by reviewing the GIS and attribute data collection methods used by the UC Davis Center for Regional Change to build the California Zoning Atlas, the largest component of the NZA. Then, we will walk through how to use the NZA map viewer and compare jurisdictions within California and between states. We will conclude with an open discussion of policy implications, advocacy outcomes, ongoing challenges, and possible research questions. Attendees only need to use the NZA Map Viewer; there are no software...

Geospatial Opportunities: From Humanitarian Work to the UCs & Bhutan

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

NASA Lifelines Introduction:

This talk will introduce NASA Lifelines - a recent initiative to bridge the gap between geospatial data and humanitarian action.

Happiness is... GIS in Bhutan!:

UC Davis offers its LDA/ABT 150 (Upper division “Introduction to GIS”) course as a study abroad class in the mountainous Kingdom of Bhutan, which is also known as “The Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Dr. Karen Beardsley has taught this 4-week course four times since its inception in 2018, most recently in the summer of 2024. The class is open to students from all UCs and will be held again August—September of 2025. Together with IT Manager Carlos Barahona, Dr. Beardsley will present the course syllabus, teaching methodology, and experience with the final group projects. In addition, they will share some advantages (and challenges!) of teaching GIS in a culturally and biologically rich environment, at over 8000 feet in elevation.

GeoConnect: Centralizing Geospatial Resources...

GIS for Policy: Health, Transportation, and Zoning

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Analyzing the Impact of COVID-19 on College Enrollment Rates Across California High Schools: A Geospatial Approach:

This study examines the impact of various demographic and socioeconomic factors on college enrollment rates among high schools across California, with a primary focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic altered these trends. By analyzing county-level enrollment data before and during the pandemic, we identified key patterns related to gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The research further investigates the correlation between the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and income levels, highlighting geographical disparities and pinpointing counties most affected by the pandemic. Data from the California Department of Education and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was utilized to perform a geostatistical analysis. A paired t-test was conducted to evaluate the significance of changes in enrollment...

Urban Enivronment: From Latin America to California

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Migration and Structural Transformation: The case of Mennonites in Latin America:

Using novel geospatial data on Mennonite colonies in Latin America and satellite night lights data, I study the effects of the introduction of the colonies on structural change in a host country. I find that on average, colony establishment attracts increased growth nearby, and de-growth far away from colonies. The results suggest that the colonies, which present persistent shocks to agricultural productivity, may induce a reallocation of human and economic activity in the host country.

(In)Visible Urban Geographies: Cartographic Approach to Visualizing Anti-Homeless Topography in Venice, CA:

Using Venice, CA as a case study, the lightning talk will cover the ways our urban environment is shaped to exclude unhoused people from public spaces. First, examples of physical additions to the urban topography—through the use of sleep-deterrent benches, sidewalk planters, fences, and...

GIS & AI: Tree Range Maps, Drones, and Digitizing

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sky High Insights: Campus Facility Management with Drones:

This lightning talk will explore the integration of drone technology in university campus facility management. We will discuss how drone flights capture high-resolution images, enabling the creation of detailed 3D models of campus infrastructure. Leveraging advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms, these models facilitate enhanced data analysis for maintenance and planning.

Key benefits include enhanced accuracy in monitoring facility conditions, proactive maintenance strategies, and optimized resource allocation. Through case studies, we will demonstrate how to prepare for drone flights and illustrate how the integration of drones with AI and machine learning can transform facility management, fostering smarter and more sustainable campus environments.

Building accurate range maps for California’s 104 tree species:

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of biota across...

Opportunities for Current Students: Panel

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

National Park Service:

This panel session is aimed at undergraduate students to learn more about opportunities to get involved with geospatial data while still in school. Hear from several colleageus about opportunities through the National Park Service, a County GIS Program, and more.

Solano County GIS:

NASA Develop:

GIS Integrations for Campus Operations

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

UC San Diego Campuswide Construction Alert: GIS Application:

Provide an overview of UC San Diego’s new Construction Alert Process. Easy-to-learn and use construction alert applications, within ArcGIS Enterprise, for use by Project Managers/Specialists in Construction Program Management and Facilities Management, were created. These GIS products provide the ability for PMs/Specialists to directly edit construction alert layers to facilitate:

• Improved efficiency for the campus construction alert process, as it pertains to geospatial layers/graphic creation/modification, and

• Standardization of campus construction alert maps for use by the campus community

Enhancing Campus Life: ArcGIS Indoors for Smart Space Management:

This presentation will introduce ArcGIS Indoors and its impactful applications in university campus facility management. ArcGIS Indoors offers a comprehensive platform for effective space management, enabling universities to optimize...

Climate Effects on Food, Agriculture and the Environment

Fri, 7 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Comparing GIS-Based and WUDAPT Approaches for Local Climate Zone Mapping: A Case Study in Denton County:

The Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification scheme offers a standardized framework for characterizing the local thermal environment, revolutionizing urban climate studies by moving beyond the traditional urban-rural dichotomy. This method classifies the landscape into 10 built types and 7 land cover types to provide a better representation of the urban fabric and morphology. While machine learning approaches using satellite imagery have gained tremendous popularity in LCZ mapping, they often require high-quality training samples and can introduce uncertainties depending on model performance and data quality.

In this study, we applied a GIS-based approach to map LCZs in Denton County, TX at a 100-meter resolution. Utilizing 1-meter resolution land cover data and LIDAR-derived products, we extracted key indicators such as building height, building surface fraction,...