Geographical Information System Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Geographical Information System - Research Paper Example GIS supports spatial analysis and modeling within the discipline of geography (e.g. location, proximity and spatial distribution), so that it becomes a vital tool for modern geography. (Molenaar, 1992) The data that will be used for this project for the project is available for an upland area of North-eastern United States. This area chosen for analysis and the beginner ski school is known as Browns Pond in the United States. Upon completion of the analysis the ed to use appropriate GIS will be used for such an analysis. The first problem that had to be analyzed was locating a Beginners' Ski School and finding the best location for a ski school catering for young children. The beginners ski mountain will have a consistent grade within a given ability level to provide an interesting ski experience for beginners. Comfortable Carrying Capacity (CCC) is defined as an optimal level of utilization for the ski area (the number of visitors that can be accommodated at any given time) which guarantees a pleasant recreational experience, while at the same time preserving the quality of the environment. The accurate estimation of the CCC of a mountain is a complex issue and is the single most important planning criterion for the beginners ski maintain. Given proper identification of the mountain's true capacity, all other related skier service facilities can be planned, such as base lodge seating, mountain restaurant requirements, sanitary facilities, parking, and other skier services. The CCC figure is based on a comparison of the uphill hourly capacity of the lift system to the downhill capacity of the trail (beginners) system, taking into account the typical amount of vertical terrain desired by skiers of beginner ability. Particular consideration should be given to the relationship of the base area to the beginner mountain facilities. Upon arrival at the ski area, skiers should be able to move directly from parking or other arrival points, through ticketing or rental locations, to the base of the lifts. Walking distance and vertical differential between the base area facilities and lifts should be minimized in an effort to move skiers directly onto the mountain. Vehicle, pedestrian, and skier circulation should be coordinated to create a safe and pleasant base area environment. The beginner skiers will not drive themselves to the mountain so this premise applies to their parents or whoever is supplying transportation to the beginning skier. The mountain master planning process emphasizes the importance of balancing recreational facility development. The size of the skier service functions must be adequate for the CCC of the mountain. The true capacity of the overall ski area is determined by the lowest of the limiting factors. The limiting factor of the ski area can either be trail capacity, lift capacity, support facility capacity, or parking capacity. The future development of a ski area should be designed and coordinated to maintain a balance between skier demand, ski area capacity (lifts and trails), and the supporting equipment and facilities (e.g., grooming machines, day lodge services and facilities, utility infrastructure, access, and parking). GIS calculations using an ArcView should be used to assess the following: Top Elevation - This is the elevation