Development and applications of spatial data resources in energy related assessment and planning

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7332417

Olson, R J; Goff, F G; Olson, J S

Research in energy related assessment and planning at Oak Ridge National Laboratory involves investigating environmental themes at several levels requiring data at appropriate spatial and temporal scales. In the Environmental Sciences Division, a spatial data base is being developed for the Eastern United States at the county-subcounty unit level of resolution. The data base contains information on terrain, water resources, climate, land use, forest resources, agriculture, wildlife resources, critical natural areas, human population and energy uses. A spatial hierarchy of metric, geodetic, and geopolitical scales as a framework to organizing the data has been defined. Spatial units within a hierarchical level serve as building blocks that can be assembled or aggregated to satisfy analysis needs. Building blocks also allow accessing more detailed spatial data by using pointers to information not stored in the data base. Uses of the data base are related to the capability to cross-reference and integrate information in various subject sectors, utilizing spatial units and temporal periods commensurate with regional themes. An investigation of potential changes in vegetation patterns related to predicted temperature changes from increased atmospheric CO/sub 2/ is presented to illustrate an ongoing application of the data resources. Other themes include coal extraction in Appalachia, landscape patterns, habitat and population dynamics of selected biological species, and energy facility siting.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 7332417
• Report Number(s): CONF-761017-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
530100* -- Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies-- Social & Economic Studies-- (-1989)
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990300 -- Information Handling
AGRICULTURE
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DATA COMPILATION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDUSTRY
LAND USE
PLANNING
POPULATIONS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
WATER RESOURCES