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GIS in Environmental Studies - An overview
Dr. V. N. Sharma, Jafrullah Mohammed, Srinivas Uppuluri
InfoTech Enterprises Limited, Plot # 11, Infocity, Madhapur, Hyderabad, India - 500 033
e-mail : sharma_vempaty@infotech.stph.net, jafrullah@infotech.stph.net, srini@infotech.stph.net
Tel : 91-40-3100857, Fax: 91-40-311 0354
Abstract
Enormous variety of environmental data is generated from different sources. Many people who work on environmental aspects feel the paucity of right tools to perform an effective spatial analysis. Apart from this lack of awareness on existing tools and high investment on the tools also hinders the usage of these tools.
GIS is a readily available spatial analysis tool which gives unique and unparalleled insights into the natural and man made environments due to its strength to link the "generic information" with its "location". GIS is a powerful tool which not only analyses the present environmental scenario but also helps in projecting the future, in other words, one can effectively use the GIS tool for past, present and future studies on environment and its protection for the generations to come in future.
The few examples where GIS can be effectively used are in Environmental planning, Ground water contamination, Fresh water and saltwater interface, Water quality, Solid waste and Waste water management, Air & Water pollution, Natural Hazards and their mitigation etc. This paper primarily focuses on the application of GIS in different environmental scenarios in brief and the merits and constraints.
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