The following are some examples of research projects carried out by Planning Students
Abstract:
Presently a large portion of the Cape Breton Highlands is being infested with the blackheaded budworm. Approximately 114 000 hectares of forest between Baddeck and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park are at risk. 40 000 hectares are heavily populated. Based on surveys conducted by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, they believe the insect is in its first year of a 4-year cycle.
The goal of this project is to attempt to determine the potential affected areas that a major insect infestation in the Cape Breton Highlands will occupy.
An attempt will be made to map the affected area and predict the spread of the outbreak over the next three years.
Full Report (PDF)Abstract:
This project will delve into the ever-expanding world of web-based mapping, but maintain a narrow focus on specific objectives. The main focus of the project will be to investigate the pros and cons of using different programs of creating web-based maps, and then choose the best one to implement into a website model for the client. Due to the fact that the client will soon be upgrading from ArcView 3.3 to ArcGIS 9.1, it is necessary to create the web-based maps in both applications to minimize any complications during the transfer. Step-by-step manuals will be created for both applications on how to minimize data files for easier a quicker upload, create an SVG website, and up-date data files when needed.
Abstract:
The objective or goal of this research project is to produce evacuation plan mapping using ESRI based ArcGIS software to help the Regional Emergency Measures Organization (REMO), West Hants - Western Zone, develop a working evacuation plan for the Town of Windsor. The outcomes of this project may be used in case of an emergency situation or used to draft alternative ideas. The project could also serve as a guideline to inform or equip other emergency agencies to carry out order in crisis situations.
Abstract:
The study area for this research project was in District I & II, East End Development Planning Area of the County of Annapolis,. The focus was on three subdivisions in the Wilmot area. At time of report this was an un-serviced area. Property owners were on private well systems, some of which are drilled and some sand point wells. This area had been growing steadily and the municipality felt that there could possibly be a concern with the water quality in the lower aquifer. (Emms, L, personal communication)
An estimated 46% of Nova Scotians who live in the rural areas, rely on dug or drilled wells for their drinking water. They are responsible for ensuring their wells are constructed to provincial standards. They are also responsible for ensuring their water is free of impurities. Contamination of a private well is not only the concern of the household using the well, but also the households using other nearby water supplies and the aquifer that the water is drawn from.
Concern of water quality deteriorating in the sands and gravel aquifer due to ground water issues in the underlying area is what initially initiated this research project.
The goal is that the information gathered through this project, can be used to assess the resource, project future conditions of supply, and provide the information necessary to effectively manage the resource.
Full Report (PDF)Abstract:
Assessment Offices throughout Canada are taking advantage of GIS technology to build computer Mass Appraisal(CAMA) systems. These systems are capable of creating accurate property values based on charactesristics of a property, its proximity to natural and man made features, and the type of land use actively present on the lot. This means that property values can be created within seconds for large study areas. The assessed values are generated based on relevant factors that affect market value, thus providing defendable property appraisals in the event of an appeal. This project explores the development of special assessment tools for assessors using Visual BAsic and proximity geoprocessing.
Abstract:
The Project intends to provide a plan to increase the marketability for the growth centre in Centreville. It is the intent of the Municipality of County of Kings and Centreville community groups to use the recommendations in this report to further their stand to develop the growth centre as an attractive setting, ideal for families young and old.
Abstract:
The goal of this project involves utilizing the powerful potential of GIS technology in an attempt to predict, prevent and then, if possible, to mitigate the catastrophic damage avian influenza can cause.
Abstract:
The goal of this project is to determine a case study for growth in Pictou County and to asses the capabilities of WaterCAD software for the task of water utility modeling. The project examines Statistics Canada census data to determine if the purchase of water utilities from surrounding municipalities are limiting growth within the Municipality of Pictou County. The Municipality is interested in modeling their current water utilities run scenarios to accurately determine how a utility network operates under existing conditions and how it will operate in the future with change/expansion. This is important in planning, design and costing for any proposed expansion or modification. At the County of Pictou they plan to use a model to run inputs to see how change affects the existing system. The model can also be used as technical evidence to support arguments should the County require additional water volumes from their suppliers; usually this ends up in front of the Utilities and Review Board.