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Title: The cave as a cosmogram: The use of GIS in an intrasite spatial analysis of the main chamber of Actun Tunichil Muknal, a Maya ceremonial cave in Western Belize.
Creator: Moyes, Holley., Florida Atlantic University, Fradkin, Arlene
Abstract/Description: This study is a spatial analysis conducted in the Main Chamber of Actun Tunichil Muknal, a Terminal Classic Maya ceremonial cave (A.D. 830--950), located in Western Belize. The research examines ancient Maya ritual cave use by analyzing artifact deposition patterns. Using a Geographical Information System (GIS), it provides a methodology for the development of comparative models of spatial organization. The system facilitated data visualization, exploration, and generation. The GIS was...
Show moreThis study is a spatial analysis conducted in the Main Chamber of Actun Tunichil Muknal, a Terminal Classic Maya ceremonial cave (A.D. 830--950), located in Western Belize. The research examines ancient Maya ritual cave use by analyzing artifact deposition patterns. Using a Geographical Information System (GIS), it provides a methodology for the development of comparative models of spatial organization. The system facilitated data visualization, exploration, and generation. The GIS was instrumental in the analysis of the proximity of artifacts to natural morphological features of the cave. Artifact deposition patterns were correlated with known ritual behavior patterns from the region. Using this method, boundary markers, artifact pathways, and a centrally located symbolic three-stone-hearth feature were identified. This study suggests that, within the cave, the ancient Maya employed a cognitive model of spatial organization similar to that witnessed by ethnographers in other venues, or reported in ethnohistorical texts in rites of foundation.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12851
Subject Headings: Caves--Belize., Mayas--Balize--Antiquities., Spatial analysis (Statistics), Geographic information systems.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: From photo interpretation to GIS: Data quality assessments.
Creator: Conaway, Michael D., Florida Atlantic University, Roberts, Charles, Shaw, Shih-Lung, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Much of the recent research concerning the use of GIS has revolved around data quality. Types of errors inherent in GIS data layers, and also errors that may be produced through the creation and manipulation of data layers have been identified. Definitions of these errors, and observations of how these errors occur have been offered. However, the majority of the research is qualitative. It is known that positional variation is produced through differing interpretations and generalization of...
Show moreMuch of the recent research concerning the use of GIS has revolved around data quality. Types of errors inherent in GIS data layers, and also errors that may be produced through the creation and manipulation of data layers have been identified. Definitions of these errors, and observations of how these errors occur have been offered. However, the majority of the research is qualitative. It is known that positional variation is produced through differing interpretations and generalization of points, lines, and polygons, but it is not known to what extent. This information would be extremely helpful in allowing the user of the information to fine tune the application, based on the accuracy of the data. Providing this type of information is the goal of this research. Quantitative analysis of the results of a series of experiments will give a numerical range of possible positional errors produced through database creation via aerial photo interpretation.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15280
Subject Headings: Geographic information systems, Remote sensing--Data processing, Image processing, Photographic interpretation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A LIDAR based predevelopment digital elevation model of southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida.
Creator: Stoddard, Mary Beth., Florida Atlantic University, Roberts, Charles
Abstract/Description: A new technique was devised that produces a LIDAR based predevelopment Digital Elevation Model and offers a more superior visualization, of the natural landscape prior to development, than the Bare Earth Model produced by Florida International University's Hurricane Center. Two locations in southeastern Florida have been chosen for this study. The first site is utilized as a control for testing the model and contains a present day ridge system that runs north and south through the Boca Raton...
Show moreA new technique was devised that produces a LIDAR based predevelopment Digital Elevation Model and offers a more superior visualization, of the natural landscape prior to development, than the Bare Earth Model produced by Florida International University's Hurricane Center. Two locations in southeastern Florida have been chosen for this study. The first site is utilized as a control for testing the model and contains a present day ridge system that runs north and south through the Boca Raton cemetery. The second site is a paleowatershed, the Yamato Marsh which was located in Delray Beach. Modeling of the marsh site will assist in delineating surficial geomorphic features before they were anthropogenically altered. The predevelopment Digital Elevation Model successfully represents human derived land-use changes and defines the watershed boundaries of the historic Yamato Marsh.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13307
Subject Headings: Urban geography--Florida--Palm Beach County, Geographic information systems, Digital mapping
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A proposed expanded green space plan using GIS for natural areas in Palm Beach County.
Creator: Rainyn, Corrie., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: In the past 25 years, Palm Beach County has acquired more than 31 million acres of public preserves consisting of numerous native habitats that are home to threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Both endemic habitats and plant species benefit from expansion and connectivity through the adoption of native plants in surrounding areas. The next step in conserving these protected, larger areas is to identify ways to connect them in order to reduce their isolation and improve their likelihood...
Show moreIn the past 25 years, Palm Beach County has acquired more than 31 million acres of public preserves consisting of numerous native habitats that are home to threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Both endemic habitats and plant species benefit from expansion and connectivity through the adoption of native plants in surrounding areas. The next step in conserving these protected, larger areas is to identify ways to connect them in order to reduce their isolation and improve their likelihood of continued ecosystem health. This study aims to perform an analysis using a GIS database of Palm Beach County's Eastern urban areas to determine additional vegetation that currently exists on public lands and private preserves and to analyze and classify the vegetation for its potential conservation role, either as ; preserves, buffers, corridors or clusters connecting and enhancing existing natural areas.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355879
Subject Headings: Urban ecology (Biology), Geographic information systems, Conservation of natural resources, Natural areas, Management, Geographic information systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: High Resolution Population Distribution Estimates for Improved Decision Making, With a Case Study of Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability in Boca Raton, Florida.
Creator: Ziegler, Hannes Moritz, Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Planners and managers often rely on coarse population distribution data from the census for addressing various social, economic, and environmental problems. In the analysis of physical vulnerabilities to sea-level rise, census units such as blocks or block groups are coarse relative to the required decision-making application. This study explores the benefits offered from integrating image classification and dasymetric mapping at the household level to provide detailed small area population...
Show morePlanners and managers often rely on coarse population distribution data from the census for addressing various social, economic, and environmental problems. In the analysis of physical vulnerabilities to sea-level rise, census units such as blocks or block groups are coarse relative to the required decision-making application. This study explores the benefits offered from integrating image classification and dasymetric mapping at the household level to provide detailed small area population estimates at the scale of residential buildings. In a case study of Boca Raton, FL, a sea-level rise inundation grid based on mapping methods by NOAA is overlaid on the highly detailed population distribution data to identify vulnerable residences and estimate population displacement. The enhanced spatial detail offered through this method has the potential to better guide targeted strategies for future development, mitigation, and adaptation efforts.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004670
Subject Headings: City planning -- Remote sensing, Community development, Urban -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Geographic information systems, Population -- Geographic information systems -- Florida -- Boca Raton, egional planning -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Spatial analysis (Statistics), Urban geography -- Remote sensing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of Changes in Precipitation Data Characteristics due to Infilling by Spatially Interpolated Estimates.
Creator: Hachmi, Mohammad, Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Spatial and temporal interpolation methods are commonly used methods for estimating missing precipitation rain gauge data based on values recorded at neighboring gauges. However, these interpolation methods have not been comprehensively checked for their ability to preserve time series characteristics. Assessing the preservation of time series characteristics helps achieving a threshold criteria of length of gaps in a data set that is acceptable to be filled. This study evaluates the efficacy...
Show moreSpatial and temporal interpolation methods are commonly used methods for estimating missing precipitation rain gauge data based on values recorded at neighboring gauges. However, these interpolation methods have not been comprehensively checked for their ability to preserve time series characteristics. Assessing the preservation of time series characteristics helps achieving a threshold criteria of length of gaps in a data set that is acceptable to be filled. This study evaluates the efficacy of optimal weighting interpolation for estimation of missing data in preserving time series characteristics. Rain gauges in the state of Kentucky are used as a case study. Several model performance measures are also evaluated to validate the filling model; followed by time series characteristics to evaluate the accuracy of estimation and preservation of precipitation data characteristics. This study resulted in a definition of region-specific threshold of the maximum length of gaps allowed in a data set at five percent.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004783, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004783
Subject Headings: Precipitation (Meteorology), Spatial analysis (Statistics), Geographic information systems--Mathematical models., Climatic changes--Environmental aspects., Functions of real variables.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Understanding Variability of Biogenic Gas Fluxes from Peat Soils at High Temporal Resolution Using Capacitance Moisture Probes.
Creator: Munzenrieder, Cali, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Peatlands act as carbon sinks while representing major sources of biogenic gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), two potent greenhouse gases. Gas production and release in these peats soils are also influenced by overall warm temperatures and water table fluctuations due to the naturally shallow water table in the Florida Everglades. Releases of biogenic gases from Florida Everglades peat soils are not well understood and the temporal distribution and dynamics are uncertain....
Show morePeatlands act as carbon sinks while representing major sources of biogenic gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), two potent greenhouse gases. Gas production and release in these peats soils are also influenced by overall warm temperatures and water table fluctuations due to the naturally shallow water table in the Florida Everglades. Releases of biogenic gases from Florida Everglades peat soils are not well understood and the temporal distribution and dynamics are uncertain. The general objective of this work was geared towards a methodological approach which aimed to examine the feasibility of capacitance moisture probes to investigate biogenic gas dynamics in various Florida Everglades peat soils at high temporal resolution. This work has implications for establishing capacitance moisture probes as a method to monitor gas dynamics in peat soils at high temporal resolution and better understanding patterns of gas build-up and release from peat soils in the Everglades.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004700
Subject Headings: Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions, Gas dynamics, Geographic information systems, Grassland ecology, Greenhouse gases, Wetland ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An examination of hurricane vulnerability of the U.S. northeast and mid-Atlantic region.
Creator: Prasad, Shivangi, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States are understudied from the perspective of hurricane vulnerability. In an attempt to fill this gap in research, this dissertation attempted to assess the hurricane vulnerability of the northeastern and mid- Atlantic United States through the construction of a Composite Hurricane Vulnerability Index (CHVI) for 184 counties extending from Maine to Virginia. The CHVI was computed by incorporating indicators of human vulnerability and physical exposure....
Show moreNortheastern and mid-Atlantic United States are understudied from the perspective of hurricane vulnerability. In an attempt to fill this gap in research, this dissertation attempted to assess the hurricane vulnerability of the northeastern and mid- Atlantic United States through the construction of a Composite Hurricane Vulnerability Index (CHVI) for 184 counties extending from Maine to Virginia. The CHVI was computed by incorporating indicators of human vulnerability and physical exposure. Human vulnerability was derived from demographic, social and economic characteristics whereas physical exposure was based on attributes of the natural and built up environments. The spatial distribution of the CHVI and its component indices were examined and analyzed to meet the research goals, which were a) to develop indices of human vulnerability, physical exposure and composite hurricane vulnerability for all counties; b) to assess vulnerability distribution in terms of population size, metropolitan status (metropolitan versus non metropolitan counties) and location (coastal versus inland counties); c) to identify the specific underlying causes of vulnerability; d) to identify the significant clusters and outliers of high vulnerability; and e) to examine overlaps between high human vulnerability and high physical exposure in the region. Results indicated high overall vulnerability for counties that were metropolitan and / or coastal. Vulnerability clusters and intersections pointed towards high vulnerability in the major cities along the northeastern megalopolis, in the Hampton Roads section of Virginia and in parts of Delmarva Peninsula. Evidence of relationship of population size, metropolitan status and location with vulnerability levels provides a new perspective to vulnerability assessment.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360969
Subject Headings: Hurricane protection, Regional planning, Emergency management, Natural disasters, Risk assessment, Geographic information systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Regression Model for Predicting Percent Built-up Land Cover from Remotely Sensed Imagery of Pucallpa, Peru.
Creator: Sprague, Drake H., Garcia Quijano, Maria, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Accurate information about built-up land cover and population density is essential for sustainable urban growth, especially in lesser developed countries. Unfortunately, this data is often too expensive for planning agencies, prompting use of outdated and unreliable information. As a proxy for estimating population density, a linear regression model is proposed to test the relationship between the percentage of built-up land cover and vegetation in Pucallpa, Peru. Expert knowledge, low-cost...
Show moreAccurate information about built-up land cover and population density is essential for sustainable urban growth, especially in lesser developed countries. Unfortunately, this data is often too expensive for planning agencies, prompting use of outdated and unreliable information. As a proxy for estimating population density, a linear regression model is proposed to test the relationship between the percentage of built-up land cover and vegetation in Pucallpa, Peru. Expert knowledge, low-cost moderate-resolution sate llite imagery, and high-resolution Google Earth images are used to estimate the percentage of built-up land cover at randomly assigned reference locations. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, acquired at each reference point, is the independent variable in a linear regression model constructed to predict the percentage of built-up land cover. The results were successful, with an adjusted R2 = 0.774 at 95% confidence. Strength and accuracy are further evaluated against zoning maps and population estimates provided by local authorities.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000966
Subject Headings: Geodynamics, Geographic information systems, Land use, Rural--Government policy--Peru, Vegetation dynamics--Peru--Pucallpa
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Statistics preserving spatial interpolation methods for missing precipitation data.
Creator: El Sharif, Husayn., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Deterministic and stochastic weighting methods are commonly used methods for estimating missing precipitation rain gauge data based on values recorded at neighboring gauges. However, these spatial interpolation methods seldom check for their ability to preserve site and regional statistics. Such statistics and primarily defined by spatial correlations and other site-to-site statistics in a region. Preservation of site and regional statistics represents a means of assessing the validity of...
Show moreDeterministic and stochastic weighting methods are commonly used methods for estimating missing precipitation rain gauge data based on values recorded at neighboring gauges. However, these spatial interpolation methods seldom check for their ability to preserve site and regional statistics. Such statistics and primarily defined by spatial correlations and other site-to-site statistics in a region. Preservation of site and regional statistics represents a means of assessing the validity of missing precipitation estimates at a site. This study evaluates the efficacy of traditional interpolation methods for estimation of missing data in preserving site and regional statistics. New optimal spatial interpolation methods intended to preserve these statistics are also proposed and evaluated in this study. Rain gauge sites in the state of Kentucky are used as a case study, and several error and performance measures are used to evaluate the trade-offs in accuracy of estimation and preservation of site and regional statistics.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355568
Subject Headings: Numerical analysis, Meteorology, Statistical methods, Spatial analysis (Statistics), Data processing, Atmospheric physics, Statistical methods, Geographic information systems, Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Remote sensing of evapotranspiration using automated calibration: development and testing in the state of Florida.
Creator: Evans, Aaron H., Obeysekera, Jayantha, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Thermal remote sensing is a powerful tool for measuring the spatial variability of evapotranspiration due to the cooling effect of vaporization. The residual method is a popular technique which calculates evapotranspiration by subtracting sensible heat from available energy. Estimating sensible heat requires aerodynamic surface temperature which is difficult to retrieve accurately. Methods such as SEBAL/METRIC correct for this problem by calibrating the relationship between sensible heat and...
Show moreThermal remote sensing is a powerful tool for measuring the spatial variability of evapotranspiration due to the cooling effect of vaporization. The residual method is a popular technique which calculates evapotranspiration by subtracting sensible heat from available energy. Estimating sensible heat requires aerodynamic surface temperature which is difficult to retrieve accurately. Methods such as SEBAL/METRIC correct for this problem by calibrating the relationship between sensible heat and retrieved surface temperature. Disadvantage of these calibrations are 1) user must manually identify extremely dry and wet pixels in image 2) each calibration is only applicable over limited spatial extent. Producing larger maps is operationally limited due to time required to manually calibrate multiple spatial extents over multiple days. This dissertation develops techniques which automatically detect dry and wet pixels. LANDSAT imagery is used because it resolves dry pixels. Calibrations using 1) only dry pixels and 2) including wet pixels are developed. Snapshots of retrieved evaporative fraction and actual evapotranspiration are compared to eddy covariance measurements for five study areas in Florida: 1) Big Cypress 2) Disney Wilderness 3) Everglades 4) near Gainesville, FL. 5) Kennedy Space Center. The sensitivity of evaporative fraction to temperature, available energy, roughness length and wind speed is tested. A technique for temporally interpolating evapotranspiration by fusing LANDSAT and MODIS is developed and tested. The automated algorithm is successful at detecting wet and dry pixels (if they exist). Including wet pixels in calibration and assuming constant atmospheric conductance significantly improved results for all but Big Cypress and Gainesville. Evaporative fraction is not very sensitive to instantaneous available energy but it is sensitive to temperature when wet pixels are included because temperature is required for estimating wet pixel evapotranspiration. Data fusion techniques only slightly outperformed linear interpolation. Eddy covariance comparison and temporal interpolation produced acceptable bias error for most cases suggesting automated calibration and interpolation could be used to predict monthly or annual ET. Maps demonstrating spatial patterns of evapotranspiration at field scale were successfully produced, but only for limited spatial extents. A framework has been established for producing larger maps by creating a mosaic of smaller individual maps.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004194, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004194
Subject Headings: Climatic changes, Environmental sciences -- Remote sensing, Evapotranspiration -- Measurement, Geographic information systems, Remote sensing -- Data processing, Spatial analysis (Mathematics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Open space in Broward County Florida: A geographic analysis of parks and golf courses in the urban fabric.
Creator: Stevenson, Sara Anne., Florida Atlantic University, Vos, Jacobus J.
Abstract/Description: From 1982 to 1992, urban areas of Broward County Florida grew 44.2 percent from 52,206 hectares to 75,274 hectares (Sierra Club, 1998). Many municipalities in Broward are now approaching critical build-out and because of this urban open space is under pressure. Given the development predicament facing the remaining vacant land in Broward, it's time to rethink the role and function of open space in the urban fabric. This thesis investigates the role of golf courses in the provision of open...
Show moreFrom 1982 to 1992, urban areas of Broward County Florida grew 44.2 percent from 52,206 hectares to 75,274 hectares (Sierra Club, 1998). Many municipalities in Broward are now approaching critical build-out and because of this urban open space is under pressure. Given the development predicament facing the remaining vacant land in Broward, it's time to rethink the role and function of open space in the urban fabric. This thesis investigates the role of golf courses in the provision of open space in urban Broward County. It argues that golf courses, despite their environmentally negative image, play an underestimated role in urban open space. Golf courses provide hectares of pervious surface and have vegetative features integral to the game not typically found in city parks or county parks. This thesis shows how golf courses compare to city and county parks in terms of their environmental contribution to urban Broward County.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12889
Subject Headings: Open spaces--Florida--Broward County, Golf courses--Environmental aspects, City planning--Florida--Broward County, Geographic information systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Population distribution analysis for water supply planning, using textural image classification of SPOT data in an integrated Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Creator: Poudratchi, Ahmad., Florida Atlantic University, Roberts, Charles, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Protecting Natural Resources, such as drinking water in terms of quality and quantity, is one of the missions of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Water Supply Planning is one of the many projects at the Planning Department of the SFWMD, in which sixteen counties are analyzed to determine the most accurate population distribution for water supply distribution among the water utility companies. This thesis examines the current methodology which is used at the SFWMD, and...
Show moreProtecting Natural Resources, such as drinking water in terms of quality and quantity, is one of the missions of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Water Supply Planning is one of the many projects at the Planning Department of the SFWMD, in which sixteen counties are analyzed to determine the most accurate population distribution for water supply distribution among the water utility companies. This thesis examines the current methodology which is used at the SFWMD, and addresses its shortcomings. It then introduces a proposed methodology, to improve population distribution analysis, by incorporating satellite imagery. Textural classification of satellite imagery will be used to extract residential neighborhoods from non-residential areas. The resultant residential areas, which is in the form of raster data, then will be converted to a vector coverage to be utilized as an additional source of data. Incorporating satellite imagery eliminates the assumption of homogenous population distribution, which the current methodology is based on and consequently, leads to a more accurate population distribution methodology.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15254
Subject Headings: Water-supply--Florida--Statistics, Florida--Population--Statistics, Geographic information systems, South Florida Water Management District
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A GIS approach to linking spatial patterns and trip generation/trip distribution modeling.
Creator: Harris, David Michael., Florida Atlantic University, Shaw, Shih-Lung, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Geographic information systems (GIS) have been increasingly used in urban transportation planning and modeling. One key advantage of GIS is its ability to integrate and analyze various kinds of geographically referenced data. Modeling and analysis tools used to predict travel patterns should be shaped by changes in spatial organization that are currently taking place. Utilizing the detailed data made available by GIS, this study investigates the potential improvements offered to the...
Show moreGeographic information systems (GIS) have been increasingly used in urban transportation planning and modeling. One key advantage of GIS is its ability to integrate and analyze various kinds of geographically referenced data. Modeling and analysis tools used to predict travel patterns should be shaped by changes in spatial organization that are currently taking place. Utilizing the detailed data made available by GIS, this study investigates the potential improvements offered to the conventional trip generation and trip distribution models by explicitly referencing the spatial land use and street network patterns within traffic analysis zones (TAZs).
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15174
Subject Headings: Geographic information systems, Spatial analysis (Statistics)--Data processing, Urban transportation--United States--Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Combined spatial diversity and time equalization for broadband multiple channel underwater acoustic communications.
Creator: Skoro Kaskarovska, Violeta, Beaujean, Pierre-Philippe, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: High data rate acoustic communications become feasible with the use of communication systems that operate at high frequency. The high frequency acoustic transmission in shallow water endures severe distortion as a result of the extensive intersymbol interference and Doppler shift, caused by the time variable multipath nature of the channel. In this research a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) acoustic communication system is developed to improve the reliability of the high data rate...
Show moreHigh data rate acoustic communications become feasible with the use of communication systems that operate at high frequency. The high frequency acoustic transmission in shallow water endures severe distortion as a result of the extensive intersymbol interference and Doppler shift, caused by the time variable multipath nature of the channel. In this research a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) acoustic communication system is developed to improve the reliability of the high data rate communications at short range in the shallow water acoustic channel. The proposed SIMO communication system operates at very high frequency and combines spatial diversity and decision feedback equalizer in a multilevel adaptive configuration. The first configuration performs selective combining on the equalized signals from multiple receivers and generates quality feedback parameter for the next level of combining.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004411, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004411
Subject Headings: Adaptive signal processing, MIMO systems, Mobile geographic information systems, Signal processing -- Digital techniques, Underwater acoustic telemetry, Underwater acoustics -- Evaluation, Wireless communication systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Integration of geospatial technologies into K-12 curriculum: an investigation of teacher and student perceptions and student academic achievement.
Creator: Goldstein, Donna L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to explore outcomes of a GIS/GPS integration process: to (a) examine student responses to GIS and GPS inclusion in their curriculum, (b) determine whether a relationship exists between inclusion of GIS into existing K-12 curriculum and student achievement, (c) examine the effectiveness of GIS professional development for teachers, and (d) evaluate teacher perceptions of the value of integrating GIS into their existing curricula. This study was quantitative and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore outcomes of a GIS/GPS integration process: to (a) examine student responses to GIS and GPS inclusion in their curriculum, (b) determine whether a relationship exists between inclusion of GIS into existing K-12 curriculum and student achievement, (c) examine the effectiveness of GIS professional development for teachers, and (d) evaluate teacher perceptions of the value of integrating GIS into their existing curricula. This study was quantitative and quasi-experimental in design. The samples consisted of 1,425 students from one middle school and 62 teachers from Palm Beach County School District. Two instruments were used in this study: student surveys and teacher feedback forms. Data from the student surveys indicated that students perceive their learning is enhanced by inclusion of GIS and GPS. Data from the teacher feedback forms revealed positive perceptions of the GIS/GPS program as an integrative tool for their existing curricula and a positive assessment of the GIS professional development training. The relationship between GIS instruction and student academic achievement was evaluated, measured by FCAT reading scores and final grades in science and social studies. The findings support the constructivist theory that students learn best when actively engaged in the process. In this study standardized FCAT reading test results and science and social studies grades corroborate the students' perceptions that GIS and GPS integration enhances their learning. Study results show FCAT reading scores were higher for GIS students than for non-GIS students. The research further indicated a significant increase in FCAT reading scores for non-native English speaking GIS students and a significantly higher average science grade for non-White GIS students., The findings also show that students who had a greater frequency of GIS instruction had higher averages in science and social studies grades. Education reform requires bold initiatives and an organizational culture supportive of innovative ideas. The structured model for development and implementation of GIS in the K-12 public school system presented at the end of this study includes collaboration between district leadership, administrators and teachers, and a comprehensive approach to professional development.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927302
Subject Headings: Geographic information systems, Global Positioning System, Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Curriculum planning, Achievement in education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Data Fusion of LiDAR and Aerial Imagery to Map the Campus of Florida Atlantic University.
Creator: Gamboa, Nicole, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Reliable geographic intelligence is essential for urban areas; land-cover classification creates the data for urban spatial decision making. This research tested a methodology to create a land-cover map for the main campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. The accuracy of nine separate land-cover classification results were tested; the one with the highest accuracy was chosen for the final map. Object-based image segmentation was applied to fused and LiDAR point cloud ...
Show moreReliable geographic intelligence is essential for urban areas; land-cover classification creates the data for urban spatial decision making. This research tested a methodology to create a land-cover map for the main campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. The accuracy of nine separate land-cover classification results were tested; the one with the highest accuracy was chosen for the final map. Object-based image segmentation was applied to fused and LiDAR point cloud (elevation and intensity) data and aerial imagery. These were classified by Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbor and Support Vector Machines classifiers. Shadow features were reclassified hierarchically in order to create a complete map. The Random Forest classifier used with the fused data set gave the highest overall accuracy at 82.3%, and a Kappa value at 0.77. When combined with the results from the shadow reclassification, the overall accuracy increased to 86.3% and the Kappa value improved to 0.82.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004595, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004595
Subject Headings: Spatial analysis (Statistics), Geographic information systems., Cartography--Remote sensing., Thematic maps., Geospatial data--Mathematical models., Criminal justice, Administration of., African Americans, Violence against.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Salinity Assessment, Change, and Impact on Plant Stress / Canopy Water Content (CWC) in Florida Bay using Remote Sensing and GIS.
Creator: Selch, Donna, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Human activities in the past century have caused a variety of environmental problems in South Florida. In 2000, Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a $10.5-billion mission to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Environmental projects in CERP require salinity monitoring in Florida Bay to provide measures of the effects of restoration on the Everglades ecosystem. However current salinity monitoring cannot cover large areas and is costly, time-consuming,...
Show moreHuman activities in the past century have caused a variety of environmental problems in South Florida. In 2000, Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a $10.5-billion mission to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Environmental projects in CERP require salinity monitoring in Florida Bay to provide measures of the effects of restoration on the Everglades ecosystem. However current salinity monitoring cannot cover large areas and is costly, time-consuming, and laborintensive. The purpose of this dissertation is to model salinity, detect salinity changes, and evaluate the impact of salinity in Florida Bay using remote sensing and geospatial information sciences (GIS) techniques. The specific objectives are to: 1) examine the capability of Landsat multispectral imagery for salinity modeling and monitoring; 2) detect salinity changes by building a series of salinity maps using archived Landsat images; and 3) assess the capability of spectroscopy techniques in characterizing plant stress / canopy water content (CWC) with varying salinity, sea level rise (SLR), and nutrient levels. Geographic weighted regression (GWR) models created using the first three imagery components with atmospheric and sun glint corrections proved to be more correlated (R^2 = 0.458) to salinity data versus ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models (R^2 = 0.158) and therefore GWR was the ideal regression model for continued Florida Bay salinity assessment. J. roemerianus was also examined to assess the coastal Everglades where salinity modeling is important to the water-land interface. Multivariate greenhouse studies determined the impact of nutrients to be inconsequential but increases in salinity and sea level rise both negatively affected J. roemerianus. Field spectroscopic data was then used to ascertain correlations between CWC and reflectance spectra using spectral indices and derivative analysis. It was determined that established spectral indices (max R^2 = 0.195) and continuum removal (max R^2= 0.331) were not significantly correlated to CWC but derivative analysis showed a higher correlation (R^2 = 0.515 using the first derivative at 948.5 nm). These models can be input into future imagery to predict the salinity of the South Florida water ecosystem.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004686, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004686
Subject Headings: Environmental management, Florida Bay (Fla.), Geographic information systems, Geospatial data, Marine ecology, Plant water relationships, Remote sensing, Salinity -- Florida -- Florida Bay -- Measurement
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mapping and analyzing the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County in relation to major storm events in a GIS database.
Creator: Pitti, Joseph G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially...
Show moreThe Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially automated method of mapping. There are notable changes in reef structure throughout the years 2004-2006, in which many major storm events occurred in the region. A time series analysis was conducted throughout these years. Losses and gains of reef structure were quantified and compared throughout the county as a whole, in beach renourishment project areas, and inlet intervals. Trends suggest that the major storms of 2004-2006 may have had effects on the reef tract.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3172425
Subject Headings: Continental shelf, Mapping, Geographic information systems, Coral reef ecology, Environmental geology, Coral reefs and islands
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Using Normal Color, Six Inch Resolution Digital Ortho-Photographs In Mapping Pomacea paludosa Habitat in Grassy Waters Preserve as a Natural Resource Management Tool for the Endangered Florida Raptor, Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus.
Creator: Peters, Amy Lynn, Roberts, Charles, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Normal color digital ortho-photos with six inch resolution were used to test the feasibility of mapping the habitat of the Florida apple snail, the exclusive food source of the Endangered Florida snail kite. Several remote sensing techniques such as unsupervised and supervised classifications are evaluated and accuracy assessed. While the overall ability to classify apple snail habitat is significant, sparse areas of emergent vegetation which are preferred foraging areas for the kite were...
Show moreNormal color digital ortho-photos with six inch resolution were used to test the feasibility of mapping the habitat of the Florida apple snail, the exclusive food source of the Endangered Florida snail kite. Several remote sensing techniques such as unsupervised and supervised classifications are evaluated and accuracy assessed. While the overall ability to classify apple snail habitat is significant, sparse areas of emergent vegetation which are preferred foraging areas for the kite were excluded by the classification and needed to be re-introduced for further analysis. The methodology can be repeated to measure change over time since the NC imagery of Grassy Waters Preserve is acquired frequently. Additionally, three spectral levels of density abundance of wetland graminoid species that denote apple snail habitat were examined for mapping potential on the imagery. A site suitability analysis using a weighed overlay tool in ArcGIS is suggested as a means to include numerous other key factors influencing habitat selection by the snail kite in a mapping project.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000807
Subject Headings: Natural areas--Florida, Ecosystem management--Florida, Everglade kite--Habitat--Florida, Digital mapping, Habitat conservation--Geographic information systems--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (43)	+ -
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