Evaluating Conservation Practices Using GIS and Virtual Reality Modeling Language
2002
Lively, Troy J. | Czapar, George F.
In order for conservation practices to be installed most effectively, watershed planners need to consider numerous factors such as hydrology, topology, and farming practices. Flat maps, however, may not give decision-makers sufficient perspective to determine the best location for a particular conservation practice. Geographic information systems (GIS) and virtual reality modeling language (VRML) can be used to generate a three-dimensional environment for a watershed. This view identifies spatial relationships in the watershed and can help direct the planning, installation, and maintenance of conservation practices. This paper explains the usefulness of VRML in the promotion of properly placed best management practices (BMPs). A three-dimensional environment for the Lake Springfield Watershed, in central Illinois, was created using GIS and VRML. A 30-m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) was utilized as the base for creating the topological layer for the three-dimensional environment. Other spatial points of interest included slope, land use, hydrology, soil type, roads, and cropping type. An additional benefit of viewing an environment in three-dimensions is that it provides watershed groups with a visual inventory of existing BMPs. This can be used to highlight conservation achievements and demonstrate the need for additional efforts.
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