Use of geographic information system technology to compare the environmental impacts of human development on Mobile bay, Alabama, and Galveston bay, Texas

Date

1993

Authors

Roscigno PF
McNiff ME
Watzin MC
Ji W

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Publ by ASCE, New York, NY, USA

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS) can synthesize information rapidly and efficiently from many different sources. GIS-generated maps, which integrate multiple information layers, can provide managers with regional assessment of the impacts associated with development. Inn this study, information for Mobile Bay, Alabama, and Galveston Bay, Texas, was processed by using ARC/INFO to produce a regional synthesis of environmental impacts on fish and wildlife resources. The two ecosystems were then compared for similarities and differences in responding to these cumulative impacts. Analyses indicated that while each ecosystem experiences stresses from industrialization and urbanization, the magnitude and duration of these stresses differ. The ecosystems' different responses result from differences in sediment mineralogy, freshwater inflows, salinity patterns, and other factors

Description

825-837

Keywords

Coastal engineering, Ecosystems, Environmental impact, Management information systems

Citation