|
Data collected during the investigation and reclamation of lands
disturbed by mining is often located spatially. Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) provide a platform for organization, visualization,
and analysis of spatially-located data. The mapping and analysis
capabilities of GIS transcend the non-spatially based spreadsheet
and statistical packages and enhance the usefulness of data collected
by aiding in data presentation and communication of results.
The applicability of GIS to mine reclamation traverses from the
beginning phases of area investigation to the final assessments
of reclamation success. A global positioning system (GPS)
might be used in the field to map the extent of historically mined
areas that require reclamation. These mapped mined areas can then
overlay a topographic map or an air photo to provide a map of the
affected areas.
A GIS can create maps for use during field sampling activities;
a map of proposed sample locations can direct the efforts of the
field crew and ensure that proposed samples do not overlap with
previous sampling efforts. Once in the field, a GPS can be used
to record sample locations to sub-meter accuracy.
Acreage of mining impacts can be calculated with GIS software.
Cost analyses for reclamation efforts may be done once a cost per
acre for specific reclamation types or intensities has been determined.
Once sampling information has been organized in a GIS, the software
can be used to quickly visually assess spatial patterns. The sample
locations and associated analytical data can overlay a topographical
map or air photo base and portray information at a glance. For example,
contaminant concentrations in surface soil can be classed by severity
of contamination and color-coded on a map overlay to quickly highlight
contaminant hot spots in certain areas. Similarly, more sophisticated
analyses may be performed with spatial relationships among data
points. Vegetation growth as it relates to slope and aspect, contaminant
concentrations as they relate to distance from a smelter, or fish
populations in acid mine drainage affected streams may all be analyzed
in terms of how they relate to each other and to natural attributes
on the landscape.
Once data are analyzed, they can be displayed visually and create
a powerful tool for communication of results to both technical and
non-technical audiences. A GIS can be used in a meeting with a projector
to quickly flash photos or analytical results to a questioning audience.
The capabilities of GIS programs allow environmental scientists
and site managers to evaluate spatially located information easily,
in unprecedented ways. The probable leader in GIS technologies is
the "Environmental
Science Research Institute (ESRI) with its headquarters in Redlands,
CA, USA.
Problem | Compliance
| Health & Safety | Sampling
| Analytical | Data
Quality
Site Assessment | Prediction
| Construction | GIS
| Monitoring & Assessment
|
