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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

New dimensions from statistical graphics for GIS (geographic information system) analysis and interpretation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6083607

Environmental research and assessment activities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) include the analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystem response at a landscape scale. Analysis through use of geographic information system (GIS) involves an interaction between the user and thematic data sets frequently expressed as maps. A portion of GIS analysis has a mathematical or statistical aspect, especially for the analysis of temporal patterns. ARC/INFO is an excellent tool for manipulating GIS data and producing the appropriate map graphics. INFO also has some limited ability to produce statistical tabulation. At ORNL we have extended our capabilities by graphically interfacing ARC/INFO and SAS/GRAPH to provide a combined mapping and statistical graphics environment. With the data management, statistical, and graphics capabilities of SAS added to ARC/INFO, we have expanded the analytical and graphical dimensions of the GIS environment. Pie or bar charts, frequency curves, hydrographs, or scatter plots as produced by SAS can be added to maps from attribute data associated with ARC/INFO coverages. Numerous, small, simplified graphs can also become a source of complex map ''symbols.'' These additions extend the dimensions of GIS graphics to include time, details of the thematic composition, distribution, and interrelationships. 7 refs., 3 figs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6083607
Report Number(s):
CONF-880385-2; ON: DE89012339
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English