Kentucky GIS Conference 2024

Mining affects vegetation cover, soil, landscape, etc. during the mining and many years after mining has stopped. Monitoring geomorphic changes can help in identifying the most effective reclamation approaches in mining regions.  The objective is to assess the impact of mining on geomorphology, including changes in topography, area, extraction and accumulation volume. The DEM of Difference (D0D) and Slope local length of autocorrelation (SLLAC) techniques were used for this study. The analysis was conducted using SRTM DEM from 2000 and Lidar DEM from 2019. DoD is created by subtracting one elevation model from another to assess changes in geomorphology. SLLAC calculates changes in landscape by comparing the autocorrelation of slope values at different times. Preliminary results suggest significant changes in topography including slope and aspect. This research provides insights useful for sustainable environmental planning by comparing the geomorphology of two different periods

The City of Houston has created a solution to ensure equitable decision making throughout the city. Using a Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) combined with Houston-specific data, the goal is to create flexible indices to influence prioritization of projects. The first phase produced a Sidewalk Index – this index aims to promote sidewalk equality and just funding allocation by prioritizing funding for vulnerable areas, addressing socio-economic disparities and considering factors like natural disasters that impact critical infrastructure, such as bus stops and high pedestrian areas. Attendees will see an innovative demo of the data and learn how this initiative was achieved. 

Each of Kentucky's major river basins, supported by Basin Teams and community partners, uses priority watersheds to address environmental issues and direct resources for focused implementation through coordinated efforts. River basins in surface mining and reclamation areas are critical concerns, particularly in eastern Kentucky. Temporal and spatial mapping of LULC at the watershed level is important for understanding landscape dynamics and ensuring sustainable resource management. This study analyzed LULC dynamics in selected priority and non-priority watersheds of the Big Sandy River Basin, utilizing the NLCD between 2001 and 2021. The results revealed significant changes in LULC, indicating the effects of surface mining and reclamation activities on landscape composition. The findings could help watershed managers, land managers, and policymakers to manage land for the sustainable supply of different ecosystem services and the well-being of the local people in the study area.

ESRI, a prominent GIS software provider, is planning to phase out support for Web App Builder in the first half of 2025, signaling a transition towards the newer Experience Builder. Presentation illustrates how Experience Builder can be used to create and enhance GIS-based solutions, making it a versatile tool for various applications. Demonstration showcases general functionalities of ArcGIS Experience Builder, with a specific focus on the Louisville MSD mowing application.