C. Gregory Knight

Integrated Environmental Assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region with Analytical Network Process

A decision analysis method for integrating environmental indicators was developed. This was a combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Analytic Network Process (ANP). Being able to take into account the interdependency among variables, the method was capable of ranking ecosystems in terms of environmental conditions and suggesting cumulative impacts across a large region. Using data on land cover, population, roads, streams, air pollution, and topography of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States, we were able to point out areas which were in relatively poor condition and/or vulnerable to future deterioration regarding various environmental aspects. The method offered an easy and comprehensive way to combine the strengths of conventional multivariate statistics (PCA) and decision-making science tool (ANP) for integrated environmental assessment.

A Simplified Basin Model For Simulating Runoff: The Struma River GIS

A GIS-based distributed-parameter runoff simulation model for the Struma River Basin in southwestern Bulgaria calculates the monthly snow/rain proportion, direct or surface runoff, snow cover and snowmelt, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and total runoff. Simulation during the Bulgarian hydrologic year from November to October was compared with observed runoff data. The model closely replicates mean monthly runoff from climate conditions during the years 1961 –1990 as well as specific years. The simplified GIS model simulates hydrologic processes under limited data availability.

Ethnogeography and Change

Abstract Technicians like systems and systematic thinking. It is very tempting to try to rebuild the world into a rational, schematic framework and ask men to fit themselves into it… the wisdom of the researcher … aims at concrete solutions, immediately applicable, designed for men as they are.

Mapping spatial thematic accuracy with fuzzy sets

Common thematic map accuracy measures (e.g., error matrix and kappa coefficient) are inadequate for analyzing the spatial variation of thematic map accuracy. This paper presents a method of mapping spatial accuracy of thematic land cover maps using fuzzy sets. First, we define a multi-level agreement between reference data and corresponding pixels on the map. Next, we formulate a discrete, multi-level agreement fuzzy set regarding a particular land-cover type for each pixel on the map. Then, we construct spatial accuracy maps based on information from the multi-level agreement fuzzy sets. We illustrate the method by constructing accuracy maps of several land cover types for the Mid-Atlantic Regionregion. Results show that thematic map accuracy is not spatially homogenous, but varies across a landscape and different land cover types having different spatial patterns of accuracy. The method provides valuable information about thematic map accuracy for both scientists and decision makers, such as in designing adaptive sampling schemes, deriving landscape indicators, or thematic map-based modeling.

Cross-European landscape analyses: illustrative examples using existing spatial data

Thirty-nine landscape metrics related to (1) conditions of terrestrial habitat, water quality, and ecosystem productivity, (2) potential pressures on or stresses to environmental resources, and (3) changes in conditions, were generated

Climate Change: The Health of a Planet in Peril

This article was downloaded by: [Association of American Geographers Referer URL for Annals of the Association of American Geographers and The Professional Geographer] On: 14 September 2010 Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 789737544] Publisher Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 3741 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK

Environmental-economic models for energy resource development

Abstract Within the broad goals of modeling, the purpose, scope, spatial dimensionality and resolution, temporal dimensionality and resolution, and methodology are used to characterize energy models. Examples are provided for a number of intersecting model categories, including energy models developed by American geographers. The Pennsylvania Coal Model (PCM) illustrates some of the potentials and difficulties of energy modeling with a high degree of spatial and sectoral resolution. Development, applications, and limitations of the PCM are noted. Particular challenges to energy modeling are outlined.

Climate Change and the Balkans: Real Concern or “Useless Arithmetic”

The theme of this essay is the importance of a focused Balkan regional analysis of future climate change and climate change impacts on a more detailed, cross-national and regional basis than has been undertaken before. The argument is based on the differences in potential future climate in the Balkans compared to the European continental area in which the region is typically included and on the reality that geographical propinquity may be more important than boundaries of nation states when issues of climate change impacts are considered. Differences among climate change scenarios and uncertainty in resulting impact patterns are not grounds for ignoring the importance of regional collaboration on climate change assessment. Thus the creation of an informal collaborative among Balkan climate change scientists is proposed.