• Spatial Information Research
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.141-149
• /
• 2010

One of recent trends in Web-based GIS is the system development using FOSS (Free and Open Source Software). Open Source software is independent from the technologies of commercial software and can increase the reusability and extensibility of existing systems. In this study, we developed a Web-based GIS for interactive visualization of geographic information using Google Earth and spatial DBMS(database management system). Google Earth Plug-in and Google Earth API(application programming interface) were used to embed a geo-browser in the Web browser. In order to integrate the Google Earth with a spatial DBMS, we implemented a KML(Keyhole Markup Language) generator for transmitting server-side data according to user's query and converting the data to a variety of KML for geovisualization on the Web. Our prototype system was tested using time-series of LAI(leaf area index), forest map, and crop yield statistics. The demonstration included the geovisualization of raster and vector data in the form of an animated map and a 3-D choropleth map. We anticipate our KML generator and system framework will be extended to a more comprehensive geospatial analysis system on the Web.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
• /
• v.37 no.5_1
• /
• pp.903-916
• /
• 2021

An area's topography refers to the shape of the earth's surface, described by its elevation, slope, and aspect, among other features. The topographical conditions determine energy flowsthat move water and energy from higher to lower elevations, such as how much solar energy will be received and how much wind or rain will affect it. Another common factor, the topographic wetness index (TWI), is a calculation in digital elevation models of the tendency to accumulate water per slope and unit area, and is one of the most widely referenced hydrologic topographic factors, which helps explain the location of forest vegetation. Analyses of topographical factors can be calculated using a geographic information system (GIS) program based on digital elevation model (DEM) data. Recently, a large number of free open source software (FOSS) GIS programs are available and developed for researchers, industries, and governments. FOSS GIS programs provide opportunitiesfor flexible algorithms customized forspecific user needs. The majority of biodiversity in island areas exists at about 20% higher elevations than in land ecosystems, playing an important role in ecological processes and therefore of high ecological value. However, island areas are vulnerable to disturbances and damage, such as through climate change, environmental pollution, development, and human intervention, and lacks systematic investigation due to geographical limitations (e.g. remoteness; difficulty to access). More than 4,000 of Korea's islands are within a few hours of its coast, and 88% are uninhabited, with 52% of them forested. The forest ecosystems of islands have fewer encounters with human interaction than on land, and therefore most of the topographical conditions are formed naturally and affected more directly by weather conditions or the environment. Therefore, the analysis of forest topography in island areas can be done more precisely than on its land counterparts, and therefore has become a major focus of attention in Korea. This study is focused on calculating the performance of different topographical factors using FOSS GIS programs. The test area is the island forests in Korea's south and the DEM of the target area was processed with GRASS GIS and SAGA GIS. The final slopes and TWI maps were produced as comparisons of the differences between topographic factor calculations of each respective FOSS GIS program. Finally, the merits of each FOSS GIS program used to calculate the topographic factors is discussed.

• Journal of Korean Society for Geospatial Information Science
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.131-139
• /
• 2010

Recent spread of GIS and the increasing demand of spatial data have brought about the development of web GIS. In addition to sharing and mapping spatial data, web GIS is also required to provide spatial analytic functions on the web. The FOSS(free and open source software) can play an important role in developing such a system for web GIS. In this paper, we proposed a web-based system for raster data analysis using map algebra. We employed GRASS as an open source software and implemented the GRASS functionalities on the web using java methods for invocation of server-side commands. Map algebra and AHP were combined for the raster data analysis in our system. For a feasibility test, the landslide susceptibility in South Korea was calculated using rainfall, elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, and soil layers. It is anticipated that our system will be extensible to other web GIS for raster data analysis with GRASS.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.19 no.9
• /
• pp.1169-1175
• /
• 2010

A case study for the design of a wind farm in complex terrain was carried out using the wind farm site analysis software OpenWind, which has an open-source platform and is free to use. The Youngdeok Wind Farm, constructed on mountainous terrain in Korea, was chosen as a model site; the design process reproduced using OpenWind. A comparison of the positions of the wind turbine derived from the OpenWind optimization process and the current positions were in good agreement. The annual energy production predicted by OpenWind compared with the prediction by the micrositing software, WindSim, were also validated to within 1%. Therefore, it was confirmed that OpenWind can be used for a practical wind farm design project. It is also anticipating that this paper will provide a prototype process for the design of a wind farm site and offer a database for the post-evaluation of a constructed wind farm in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Surveying, Geodesy, Photogrammetry and Cartography
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.281-290
• /
• 2017

Transportation plays a vital role in sustainable development, and moreover, bulk transportation provides cost effective movement of goods and human beings with less environmental issues. Nepal is a developing country with increasing urbanization and transportation demands. The growing interest of China to connect with Southeast Asia through Nepal has led to ambitious project proposal of Rasuwa Gadhi to Birgunj Railways, which is the shortest route from China to India. Lack of updated geospatial data has lead the concerned authorities in Nepal to be dependent on analysis and proposals from donor nations. Taking such considerations, based on GIS and free data, this study explores optimal routes to connect cites using slope and land cover. Based on reclassified slope, two shortest optimal routes were found. One passing through Baireni in Dhading and another through Kathmandu towards Birgunj with length of around 172 Kilometers. The study shows that available open source data can be used of preliminary feasibility studies and yet shows limitations for detailed economy based planning. Development and use of high resolution updated geospatial data is of high necessity for Nepal to become self-sustained in planning of development works.