Application of a Geographic Information System to Evaluate Environmental Hazards

by Mary J. S. Roth, Lafayette Coll, Easton, United States,
Deborah L. Shaffer, Lafayette Coll, Easton, United States,
Roger Ruggles, Lafayette Coll, Easton, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computing in Civil Engineering

Abstract:

The development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) application to evaluate potential environmental hazards within the Bushkill watershed in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, is described by the authors. A database identifying hazardous materials stored and used by businesses within the watershed as well as any known violations of environmental regulations was developed by obtaining information from federal, state and local environmental agencies. Geographic information including remotely sensed data and maps of surface water locations, geology and soil types was also obtained for the study area. A GIS was used to integrate the geographic information with the hazardous substance database resulting in a tool for use in environmental site assessments and for educational purposes.

Subject Headings: Geographic information systems | Information systems | Hazardous substances | Watersheds | Databases | Surface water | Sensors and sensing | Pennsylvania | United States

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