Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analyst Extension

GISC9308 Spatial Analysis

R. Konrad Hunter

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

February 20, 2014 Deliverable 2 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analyst Extension

Ian Smith, B.Sc., R.P.Bio Registered Professional Biologist Save the Fictitious Fern 235 Veggie Way Fonthill, ON, L0S 1R0

Dear Mr. Smith, RE: GISC9305 Deliverable 2 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analyst Extension Please accept this letter as my formal submission of Deliverable 2 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analyst Extension for GISC9308 Spatial Analysis. This submission is comprised of technical memorandum which examines the results of a site suitability analysis for the re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fictitious Fern (Osmunda Finlayensis) within the Niagara College Glendale Campus. The study area encompasses a total area of 2 km2. Specific criteria required for successful fern growth was provided by the Niagara College horticulture group and used to compute a multicriteria evaluation (MCE) and a Fuzzy Overlay analysis. As local NGO, Save the Fictitious Fern, seeks to reintroduce 110 ferns to the environment. Hunter Geosystems has provided an evaluation of the most suitable sites for planting this rare species of fern within the study area. Finlays Fern must be planted on 4 m by 4 m (16 m2) plots. A total of 125,000 plots exist within the study area. The results of the MCE concluded that 346 plots represent highly suitable locations for fern growth within the Niagara College Glendale campus. The Fuzzy Overlay analysis determined 2,267 highly suitable sites and 36 moderately suitable sites. A union of both analyses produced a total of 356 sites considered as optimal for fern growth. Maps displaying the results of all three suitability analysis can be found in the appendix of this technical report. If you have any questions regarding these documents or the assignment in general, please feel free to email me at your convenience. Thank you. Sincerely,

R. Konrad Hunter, BAH Project Manager: Hunter Geosystems RKH/ Enclosures: i) Technical Memorandum Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

konrad-hunter@hotmail.com Hunter Geosystems 349 Queenston St. St. Catharines, ON L2P2Y1

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Reintroduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Technical Memorandum
Project: GISC 9308 D2 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analyst Extention Ian Smith, B.Sc., R.P.Bio Save the Fictitious Fern (NGO) Prepared By: Konrad Hunter, Project Manager Hunter Geosystems B.A.

Client:

Subject: Date:

Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fictitious Fern (Osmunda Finlayensis)

20 February, 2014 GISC 9308 D2

1.0

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to provide Mr. Ian Smith of Save the Fictitious Fern (StFF) with a comprehensive analysis of suitable sites for the re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern (Osmunda Finlayensis). This rare species of Fern was once growing in abundance throughout the Niagara Region. Unfortunately, the fern is no longer found in the areas it once thrived. StFF currently has 110 of these valuable plants available for re-introduction and recommends that the re-introduction density remains one fern per 16 m2. Hunter Geosystems has acquired the results of a study conducted by the Niagara College horticulture and environmental restoration group in association with Dr. Robert J. Botany, which effectively provides the environmental conditions that will promote and/or hinder fern growth. By utilizing this information, Hunter Geosystems has executed Multi-Criteria Evaluations (MCE) using ESRI ArcGIS 10.1 in order to determine site suitability for Finlays Fern. The following analysis seeks to establish the locations of the most suitable plots for which Finlays Fern could be successfully reintroduced within the study area of Niagara College Glendale Campus.

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

2.0

Study Area

The Niagara College Glendale Campus will serve as the study area for the site suitability analysis. Following a period of poor environmental conditions, this area is once again considered ecologically/biologically stable for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern (Smith, 2014). The study area encompasses a total of 2 km2, extending north to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) highway, south to Warner road and along Taylor Road to the west. The Niagara Escarpment represents a major geological feature traveling in a north-eastern direction through the centre of the study area. Other notable features include lagoons, vineyards, drive roads, parking lots and various campus buildings. Figure 1 below displays the study area in full.

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Figure 1 Study Area

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

3.0

Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Site Suitability

A Multi-Criteria Evaluation using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) effectively investigates a number of choice possibilities within multiple criteria and conflicting objectives (Carver, 2007). Following an evaluation of the provided datasets, Hunter Geosystems utilized various tools within ArcGIS 10.1 to establish a MCE for which determines the locations of suitable sites for the reintroduction of Finlays Fern. Figure 2 displays the full methodology of producing a final MCE used to determine site suitability. This required an application of the provided data files to create a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) to establish the physical characteristics of the surface terrain within the study area. Because the initial TIN produced a vector data file, converting this data to a raster (cell based) file enabled the technicians at Hunter Geosystems to establish each cell as 4 m by 4 m, thus providing the foundation for a MCE of site suitability for Finlays Fern. The soils data was also converted to a raster file to establish these same parameters of cell size and allowing for a weighted evaluation of the provided criteria regarding successful fern growth. The TIN raster file was used to produce the Slope, Hillshade and Aspect files.

Figure 2 Flowchart of Methodologies for MCE

As mentioned earlier, the parameters of the various criteria used to produce a MCE were ranked quantitatively (reclassified) to produce a standardized evaluation regarding the importance of each criteria used to determine an accurate suitability analysis (Figure 2). The parameters provided by the Niagara College horticulture group are discussed in the following section.

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

4.0

Multi-Criteria Evaluation Rational

4.1 Hillshade

Dr. Robert J. Botany, discoverer of Finlays Fern, has described this valuable plant to be somewhat shy and retiring (Smith, 2014). The level of sunlight for which the fern receives will determine the success of its growth at a given location, therefore hillshade parameters must be considered when computing a MCE of site suitability. Table 1 outlines the ranges of hillshade values and describes the impact on fern growth, based on 180o Azimuth and a 65.98o altitude (Smith, 2014). Upon considering the criteria for successful fern growth, the values were standardized to aid further analysis.
Table 1 Hillshade Parameters

Range 0 to 195 195 to 235 235 to 255

Criteria Will not grow Will thrive Will not grow

4.2

Slope Angle and Slope Aspect

Slope angle and aspect represent major factors for determining the successful growth of Finlays Fern . The criteria for each were provided to Hunter Geosystems for the analysis of site suitability. Table 2 Slope Parameters Range 0 to 20 20 to 65 65 to 90 Criteria No growth Sparse to full growth No growth

Table 3 displays the range of slope values and Table 2 contains the aspect parameters necessary for Fern growth. These values were standardized for an evaluation of site suitability for Finlays Fern.

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Table 2 Slope Parameters

Range 0 to 20 20 to 65 65 to 90

Criteria No growth Sparse to full growth No growth

Table 3 Aspect Parameters

Range 0 to 246 247 to 360

Criteria Will not grow Will thrive

4.3

Soil Type

The study area for this assessment was defined by various soil types. The initial data provided to Hunter Geosystems was evaluated and an error was discovered in location of the soil types in relation to the study area. This required the manipulation of the data to correct the placement of these features so that the soils data fit to the study area specifically, thus providing accuracy in the resulting MCE of site suitability. Table 4 provides the parameters of soil types, which were standardized using a ranking method set forth by Hunter Geosystems to aid further analysis.
Table 4 Soil Types and Criteria

Soil Type Escarpment Toledo and Cashel Beverley, Peel, Haldimand and Lincoln clays Areas not mapped (urbanized)

Criteria Best suited Reasonably well suited Not at all suitable Urbanized thus not suitable

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

5.0

Weighted Multi-Criteria Evaluation

5.1 Calculating Weighted Averages

Weighted averages were calculated using the criteria outlined by the Niagara College horticulture research group. It was determined that the slope criterion is twice as important as slope aspect three times as important as soil type and three times more important than hillshade criterion (Smith, 2014). An ordered weighted average applies weight values to specific criteria based on ranking order rather than inherent qualities (Eastman, N.d.). The weighted values were determined as follows: Slope = 0.47, Aspect = 0.23, Soil Type = 0.15 and Hillshade = 0.15. Figure 3 displays the equation used to determine the weighted average values used for the MCE raster calculation.

Figure 3 Weighted Averages Equation

5.2

Multi-Criteria Evaluation Results

The results of the MCE provided an analysis of suitable sites for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern. Computing this MCE determined that a total of 346 (4 m by 4 m) plots deemed suitable for fern growth exist within the study area. This equates to a total suitable area of 5,536 m2 within a study area of 2,000,000 m2. A map showing the most suitable areas for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern can be found in the Appendix of this technical report (refer to Appendix A). Therefore, StFF has more than enough sites to plant the 110 ferns available for re-introduction of this rare and valuable species.

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

6.0

Fuzzy Overlay Analysis

A Fuzzy overlay analysis is used to combine the raster images previously created for the MCE to investigate possible similarities within the data and analyzing the relationship between the membership of each (How Fuzzy Overylay Works , 2012). The criteria of each of the parameters used to determine site suitability was re-evaluated and presented by the Niagara College horticulture group. Table 5 displays the re-evaluated criteria for hillshade, and Table 6 outlines the newly established slope criteria. Table 7 examines re-evaluated slope aspect criteria and Table 8 shows the soil type criteria used for the fuzzy overlay analysis. An example of the methodologies used to compute the fuzzy overlay analysis is outlined in Figure 4.

Table 5 Hillshade Criteria Fuzzy Overlay

Table 6 Slope Criteria Fuzzy Overlay

Range 0 to 180 180 to 195 195 to 220 220 to 235 235 to 255

Criteria Will not grow Will grow but wont thrive Will thrive Will grow but will not thrive Will not grow

Range 0 to 20 20 to 35 35 to 45 45 to 55 55 to 65 65 to 90

Criteria No growth Sparse growth Moderate growth Heavy growth Sparse growth No growth

Table 7 Aspect Criteria Fuzzy Overlay

Table 8 Soil Type Criteria Fuzzy Overlay

Range 0 to 247 247 to 292.5 292.8 to 337.5 337.5 to 360

Criteria No growth Very sparse growth Heavy growth Very sparse growth

Soil Type Escarpment Toledo and Cashel Beverley, Peel Haldimand and Lincoln clays Areas not mapped (urbanized)

Criteria Best suited Reasonably well suited Very poorly suited Not suitable Urbanized thus not suitable

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Figure 4 Fuzzy Overlay Analysis Flow Chart

6.1

Fuzzy Overlay Analysis Results

Following the execution of a Fuzzy Overlay analysis, multiple sites were established and categorized by the level of suitability for fern growth. This analysis produced sites of high suitability and moderate suitability within the study area. The results show that a total of 2,267 plots (4 m by 4 m) are considered highly suitable for fern growth and 36 sites of moderate suitability. Therefore, StFF has a number of possible sites to select for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern. A final map was created to display the locations of highly suitable and moderately suitable plots for fern growth, found in the appendix of this technical report (Appendix B).

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

7.0

Recommendations

The study area for this analysis provided a number of suitable sites for the re-introduction of the rare and valuable species of fern known as Finlays Fern (Osmunda Finlayensis). StFF seeks to obtain accurate geospatial information regarding the location of suitable plots which meet the specific criteria known to promote the growth of Finlays Fern. This information will be utilized to plant 110 ferns within 4 m by 4 m plots within a study area consisting of a total of 125 000 possible plots. Upon executing a MCE and Fuzzy Overlay analysis using ArcGIS 10.1 software, Hunter Geosystems has established a number of suitable plots that meet the specific criteria for the successful re-introduction into the environment within the Niagara College Glendale campus. Upon computing a MCE of site suitability, Hunter Geosystems concluded that a total of 346 suitable plots exist within the study area. This provides a variety of potential sites which could be selected for re-introducing the 110 ferns, allowing StFF to choose from a wide variety of locations to either disperse or increase the concentration of planted ferns. Appendix A provides a map displaying the locations of suitable plots for Finlays Fern using a method of multi-criteria evaluation. The Fuzzy Overlay analysis produced an even wider range of suitable site locations within the study area. This analysis provides a number of suitable sites for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern by determining the number of sites considered moderately suitable as well as highly suitable, thus offering StFF multiple locations to choose from based on their discretion. A total 2,267 plots were established as highly suitable as well as 36 sites considered moderately suitable. Appendix B provides a map displaying the locations of suitable plots for Finlays Fern using a Fuzzy Overlay analysis. The results of both the MCE and Fuzzy Overlay analysis were combined to determine the most optimal sites for re-introducing Finlays Fern. The Fuzzy Overlay analysis produced as significantly higher number of suitable plots due to its classification of null values (specified within the provided criteria), therefore some of the values considered suitable may not provide an accurate assessment of site suitability. With this in mind, a union of both the results of the MCE and Fuzzy overlay was executed. This analysis was essential because it provided StFF with a total number of suitable plots by assessing the suitability criteria provided by the Niagara College horticulture group. A total of 356 plots were established as the most optimal sites for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern. Appendix C displays a map of the most optimal sites for fern growth within the Niagara College Glendale campus. In conclusion, the criteria used to produce an assessment of site suitability for the re-introduction of Finlays Fern suggests that this plant will only thrive in areas that meet specific environmental characteristics. With this in mind, one can understand why only 356 optimal plots (measuring 4 m by 4 m) were determined within a study area consisting of 125,000 plots. The location of the Niagara Escarpment within the study area provided the essential environmental characteristics for optimal fern growth. Therefore, the highest concentration of optimal sites was found along the Escarpment. StFF can now employ the resulting information provided by Hunter Geosystems to begin the re-introduction of Finlays Fern. 10

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Re-introduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Works Cited
Carver, S. J. (2007). Integrating Multi-criteria Evaluation with Geographical. International Journal of Geographical Information Systems. Eastman, J. R. (N.d.). Multi-criteria evaluation and GIS. How Fuzzy Overylay Works . (2012). Retrieved February 18, 2014, from ArcGIS Resource Center : http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/How_Fuzzy_Overlay_works/00 9z000000s0000000/ Martin, R., & Ellis, R. (2013). A Practical Guide to AutoCAD Map 3D 2014. Cadapult Software Solutions Inc. Smith, I. (2014). GISC 9308 - Deliverable D2 - ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. Niagara-on-the-Lake: Niagara College.

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GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Reintroduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Appendix A - Multi-Criteria Evaluation: Suitable Sites for the Reintroduction of Finlays Fern

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Reintroduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Reintroduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Appendix B Fuzzy Overlay Analysis: Sites Suitable for the Reintroduction of Finlays Fern

GISC9308 Introduction to ArcGIS Spatial Analysis Reintroduction of Finlays Fabulous Fern

Appendix C Combined Analysis: Union of Site Suitability Results from MCE and Fuzzy Overlay Analysis