Integration of GIS and a dynamic spatially distributed model for non-point source pollution management

• Published in: WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol. 33; no. 4-5; pp. 211 - 218
• Main Author: Meiner, Andrus
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 1996; IWA Publishing
• Subjects: Computer programs; Computer simulation; Geographic information systems; Geographical information system; Geographical information systems; GIS/model integration; Integration; Mathematical models; Modelling; network analysis; non-point source pollution; Nonpoint source pollution; Point source pollution; Pollution; Q1; raster/vector data model; Routines; Simulation; simulation modelling; Software; Spatial analysis; spatial disaggregation; Spatial distribution; Water pollution; watershed; Watersheds; watershed; spatial disaggregation; GIS/model integration; raster/vector data model; network analysis; Geographical information system; non-point source pollution; simulation modelling
• ISBN: 9780080428987; 0080428983
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.1016/0273-1223(96)00233-8

The integrated system described in the paper combines GIS software based on a vector data structure with a simulation model for non-point source pollution management. Territory is disaggregated to spatial modelling units through a series of map overlays. The two major software components are linked through a set of the GIS package's macro language routines and operating system script files. The level of integration can be described as "running the model as a GIS subsystem." It contains the following steps: invoking the GIS software; calling the model for a simulation run (with possible input editing); import of the model output to a GIS compatible database file; establishing a file relation between the model output and the georeferenced attribute file; and displaying and analysing model results. The user interface is menu driven, and options are provided for defining the temporal and spatial extent of the modelling session. After a simulation run, results are available for further analysis in the form of a classification map and a network loaded with the simulated variable.