MEV 024: Unit 13 – Introduction to geoinformatics in climate change studies

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 UNIT 13: INTRODUCTION TO GEOINFORMATICS IN CLIMATE CHANGE STUDIES

13.1 Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues affecting ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human settlements. To assess, monitor, and mitigate these changes effectively, modern technological tools such as Geoinformatics have become indispensable. Geoinformatics combines remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and modeling tools to provide spatially explicit data and insights. In climate change studies, geoinformatics allows for detailed observation and analysis of environmental parameters across both spatial and temporal dimensions.

13.2 Objectives

·         To understand the concept and components of Geoinformatics.

·         To explore the role of Geoinformatics in climate change research and monitoring.

·         To examine data sources and integration techniques used in climate studies.

·         To assess the limitations of geoinformatics in this context.

13.3 Geoinformatics

13.3.1 Definition

Geoinformatics is the science and technology which develops and uses information science infrastructure to address problems related to geography, cartography, and geosciences. It involves acquiring, storing, processing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data.

13.3.2 Components

·         Remote Sensing (RS): Acquiring data about Earth's surface without physical contact using satellites or aerial sensors.

·         Geographic Information System (GIS): A system for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and presenting spatial data.

·         Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): Satellite systems that provide geolocation and time information.

·         Geospatial Modeling and Visualization: Creating simulations, models, and maps to understand environmental and spatial processes.

13.3.3 Geospatial Data

Geospatial data refers to information about physical objects that can be represented by numerical values in a geographic coordinate system. In climate studies, this includes:

·         Satellite imagery (e.g., MODIS, Landsat)

·         Meteorological datasets (e.g., rainfall, temperature, humidity)

·         Topographic and land use/land cover maps

·         Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

13.4 Geoinformatics in Climate Change Studies

Geoinformatics plays a central role in analyzing climate variability and long-term changes. Its spatial analysis capabilities help in detecting trends, mapping vulnerable areas, and supporting decision-making.

13.4.1 Advantages

·         Enables large-scale monitoring of climatic and environmental variables.

·         Facilitates long-term data analysis using satellite archives.

·         Helps in visualizing changes such as glacial retreat, desertification, sea-level rise, etc.

·         Supports decision-making for mitigation and adaptation strategies.

13.4.2 Baseline Climate Data

Baseline climate data are reference datasets of past climatic conditions against which future changes can be compared. These include:

·         Historical temperature and precipitation records,

·         Sea surface temperature maps,

·         Drought indices,

·         Vegetation health indices.

Such datasets are crucial for understanding trends and making projections.

13.4.3 Sources of Geospatial Data and Products

·         Satellites: MODIS, AVHRR, Sentinel, Landsat, INSAT, etc.

·         Climate Models: CMIP, PRECIS, CORDEX.

·         Meteorological Databases: IMD (India Meteorological Department), NOAA, NASA.

·         Open Data Portals: Copernicus, USGS Earth Explorer, Bhuvan (ISRO), Climate Data Store (CDS).

These sources provide freely accessible data that can be integrated using GIS for climate analysis.

13.5 GIS in Integrated Assessment Models

GIS is extensively used in Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which combine environmental, economic, and social data to assess climate impacts and policy responses. Applications include:

·         Mapping vulnerable zones (e.g., flood-prone areas),

·         Assessing land use changes due to climate variability,

·         Modeling carbon emissions and sequestration potential,

·         Supporting climate adaptation planning for agriculture and water resources.

GIS aids in scenario modeling and policy impact evaluation, providing a spatial decision-support system for stakeholders.

13.6 Limitations of Geoinformatics for Climate Change Studies

While powerful, Geoinformatics has limitations:

·         Data gaps and inconsistency, especially in developing regions.

·         Limited temporal resolution for some satellite data.

·         Cloud cover interference in optical remote sensing.

·         High cost of some commercial datasets or advanced tools.

·         Requires specialized skills in geospatial analysis and software tools.

·         Integration of multi-source datasets can be technically challenging.

These constraints must be addressed through capacity building, investment in infrastructure, and open data policies.

13.7 Let Us Sum Up

·         Geoinformatics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates GIS, remote sensing, GNSS, and modeling.

·         It plays a key role in collecting and analyzing spatial data for climate change studies.

·         GIS enables visualizing, assessing, and projecting the impacts of climate change across various sectors.

·         Though powerful, geoinformatics faces limitations in data quality, resolution, and accessibility.

13.8 Key Words

  1. Geoinformatics: The science and technology dealing with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of geographic data.
  2. Geospatial Data: Data that is related to a location on the Earth's surface, such as maps, satellite images, and GPS data.
  3. Climate Change Studies: Scientific research focused on understanding and addressing changes in Earth's climate system.
  4. Baseline Climate Data: Long-term historical climate records used to detect and evaluate changes over time.
  5. GIS (Geographic Information System): A system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial or geographic data.
  6. Remote Sensing: The process of collecting information about Earth's surface using satellites or aircraft without direct contact.
  7. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs): Tools that combine data from various fields to assess climate change impacts and policy responses.
  8. Geospatial Products: Visual or digital outputs such as maps, 3D models, or thematic layers created from geospatial data.
  9. Limitations of Geoinformatics: Constraints like data availability, resolution, cost, or technical complexity in using geoinformatics for climate studies.

 

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