Abstract: Applications of Computer-Assisted Composite Mapping System to Energy Development and Environmental-Impact Assessment

A. Keith Turner

An interactive composite-mapping system, called GMAPS, represents an important extension to the traditional planning approach utilizing transparent overlays. The computer-aided GMAPS procedures are much cheaper and faster, and have greater discrimination because they are quantitative. GMAPS functions as a tool; the user specifies the model variables and interactions. GMAPS allows management rapidly to investigate a wide range of development alternatives.

In northwestern Colorado, a 26,000 sq-km region was analyzed to define prime development areas under various assumptions. The regional environment was recorded on 27 maps. Their analysis produced evaluations of competing energy resources (coal, oil shale), environmental sensitivities, and socio-economic concerns, and culminated in a map sequence illustrating probable development targets for different scenarios.

In southern Colorado a more detailed analysis utilized computer-classified LANDSAT imagery augmented by soils and terrain data to assess vegetation sensitivity to disturbance. U.S. Geological Survey scientists are using GMAPS to map environmental values as an aid in planning reclamation of surface-mined areas in Wyoming.

The associated GCARS program develop a ranked series of corridors between specified terminals by application of linear programming methods to GMAPS models. Such corridors may represent rights-of-way for roads, railroads, pipelines, or transmission lines. Display products include printer graytone maps, computer-generated color slides, and CRT display products.

The GMAPS programs can be operated by nontechnical personnel from portable terminals at field offices via telephone lines.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90968©1977 AAPG-SEPM Annual Convention and Exhibition, Washington, DC