Abstract
The purpose of this research was to develop a methodology using a geographic information system (GIS) to map and model the best use of earth resources in Hygiene Quadrangle, Boulder County of Colorado. The Spatial Analysis System (SPANS GIS) by INTERA TYDAC Technologies Inc. was chosen for constructing primary maps representing the distribution of main resources within the study area - surface water, subsurface water, and surface geology as well as slope stability and flood probability. Then, complex primary,maps were simplified by reclassification according to main resources or characteristics. Overlaying secondary maps generated final maps showing slope stability, suitable areas of surface water resources, suitable areas of subsurface water resources, suitable areas for aggregate extraction, and flood probability. The slope stability map shows that the majority of the quadrangle's area possesses stable or moderately stable characteristics. Surface water resources are mainly distributed in suitable locations. The most suitable sources occur in some parts of St. Vrain Creek and its vicinitv. Underneath both St. Vrain Creek and Crystal Lake are the most suitable locations of subsurface water resources. Suitable and moderately suitable areas of these water resources are abundant almost throughout the area, while the least suitable areas occur in the north and the southwest. Like suitable water resources, sand, gravel, and crushed-rock aggregate sources dominate the areas nearby St. Vrain Creek and Left Hand Creek in the southeast. Also, the areas alongside of these two creeks are prone to heavy flooding. The results of this research demonstrate that SPANS GIS is a practical and effective tool for implementation of earth resources planning and management. The derived maps provide useful information for planners and managers to optimize the use of earth resources and still maintain the equilibrium of its ecosystem.
Nonsung, Sawat (1993). Developing a geographic information system (GIS) to integrate earth science data: Hygiene Quadrangle, Boulder county, Colorado. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1993 -THESIS -N814.