Lab # 6: Fire Hazard Mapping

The undertaking of creating a fire map took determination and patience. Raster spatial analysis is very interesting but requires immense attention to detail. The tutorial was very helpful in learning these processes and giving a me a base to try them with my own data. The process of finding the correct data was an adventure of its own. On the FRAP website there were a plethora of shapefiles that were alike and could easily trick you. This lab entailed an understanding and knowledge of the reclassifying of layers, analysis masking, using the raster calculator and more to create the station fire hazard map.

This lab really accentuated the unique differences between the manipulation of raster data and that of vector data. These two methods are distinct and require the user to think differently about each one. The biggest problem I encountered was reclassifying the slope of the DEM. Originally the shapefile had too many classes and could not be used in the raster calculation. This took patience to look back through the tutorial and learn the proper way to reclassify the data.

Although some of the raster spatial analysis techniques were difficult, overall they gave me a better understanding of how valuable they can be in GIS. This lab showed the importance that GIS can have when attempting to mitigate fire hazards and other natural disasters. GIS might be a computer program, but the data is real and the calculated fire hazard is real too. GIS can save lives if used properly and fully understood. This lab moved me closer to understanding the ins and outs of raster data manipulation as well as the mitigation analysis of hazards.

Lab # 5: Landfill Analysis

As my GIS map shows, there is a plethora of different land analysis that must be considered in order to build something as controversial as a landfill. Landfills can contain dangerous chemicals and materials and can be dangerous to nearby human populations and the land itself. The data for the analysis is real and must be taken seriously. The data can be used by local and federal governments along with land-use planners in order to figure out the best place to put a new landfill.

In this GIS lab I analyzed the slope of elevation of the land, distance of already in place landfills, soil drainage, proximity to streams, and land cover. Once I analyzed all of these different unique aspects of the surrounding landscape, I was able to make a final analysis in order to collaborate the information and allow for an informed decision to be made.

As the article "Feinstein, Boxer call for delay on plans to expand Central Valley Landfill" shows placing a landfill, or in the article expanding a landfill, is a complicated process that may affect communities daily lives. In the article California senators Boxer and Feinstein want to delay the expansion of a central valley landfill so that a inquiry can be made about the birth defects and deaths of local children that live in communities near the landfill. The landfill questions these allegations and claims that their landfill has nothing to do with birth defects.

GIS maps, like the ones I made in the lab, can be used to help solve this problem. If real data is given then it is possible to map the area round the landfill and which areas it possibly affects. If the information shows that there is no way that the landfill radiation or pollution reaches the community then they shouldn't be punished. If the data shows there is a high probability that the community is affected then they should take responsibility.  Although the company denies their involvement, they have been fined by the EPA for previous violations. Also, GIS can be used to be used to figure out the best place for the expansion of the landfill and the effects it will have to local land and communities. 

GIS is vital to solving real world problems like these. Analyzing individual land data then combining it to make a comprehensive report is crucial to the decision making process. Toxic waste companies should use GIS before expanding or creating new landfills in cooperation with local authorities in order to make the best decisions. GIS gives an objective analysis of information that can be easily presented.

Quiz #1

 

After deep analysis and the use of ArcGIS technology, I have come to the conclusion that I am against the proposed ordinance requiring 1,000-foot Buffer Zones around places where children congregate. If you look at my GIS map I have mapped every school, library, and park in the City of Los Angeles and also put the proposed 1,000-foot buffer-zone around each one. As you can see from the map there are a lot of areas where Medical Marijuana facilities will not be allowed to be located. One may object that even with the buff-zones there are spaces where medical marijuana clubs could be located. This is true and I do believe that there should be some regulation on how close the dispensaries can be to children, but this ordinance is too ambiguous. It will open up the door for anyone trying to find a way to close down medical marijuana clubs. Anyone could potentially be able to argue and add more places where children might congregate. A policy like this should have more specific rhetoric.

Another reason I am against this ordinance is that it may close down medical marijuana clubs that are already fall into one of the proposed 1,000 feet buffer zones. If a medical marijuana club is breaking this ordinance once it is passed, are they subject to criminal charges? Will the city facilitate the sale of their property? These questions need to be answered before I could support such a policy. If at the time any store opened legally and then later it is deemed that they cannot be there anymore, then it is not their fault and they should not be penalized.

The emergence of so many medical marijuana clubs in The City of Los Angeles is a problem and should be dealt with. This specific policy is not the right way to go. It is too ambiguous and penalizes people who unintentionally are in the wrong. I would support a policy that restricted clubs locations near specific places to keep them away from children and at the same time proposed ways to help the owners of clubs that violate the new policy.