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ARCVIEW GIS INTERFACE
Due to compatibility with DEQ, the GIS software utilized in
this project was ArcView by Environmental Systems Research Institute
(ESRI), Inc. ArcView is a "point & click" GIS software that allows
for ease and efficiency in querying, displaying, and updating GIS
data. Both the system and source tables
were placed within the GIS. Source locations provided the spatially
referenced data with a link being established to the system
attributes. This provided a methodology to quality check the data
by comparing source locations with their corresponding system local
descriptors (i.e. street, city, county, etc.).
In order to create the PWS sources data layer, the decimal degree latitude and longitude fields from the source table were used. By applying the add event theme action in ArcView, these fields were chosen to represent x, y for the layer and placed within the GIS along with the other associated attributes (fields). This direct link to the source and system database files allows for future updates to be made directly to the table using a database software or through ArcView. Either method provides for the new positions or attributes to be incorporated automatically within the GIS. All other data layers were pre-existing GIS layers developed by the WWRC GIS Lab.
ADDITIONAL GIS RESEARCH
With a majority of the sources located, additional future
research can be focused on developing a customized graphical user
interface (GUI) specific to PWS data. When notified by the USEPA
Safe Drinking Water Program of PWS updates, changes, and/or
additions, DEQ/WQD would have the ability to directly place these
changes within the GIS and maintain a up-to-date, dynamic database.
The USEPA could also benefit by utilizing this interface to aid in
monitoring and regulating Wyoming PWSS. Finally, a GUI would allow
for a quicker and easier methodology for querying the data.
Other future work could be concentrated on the use of GIS for delineating wellhead protection areas. This approach which has been utilized in various States (Rifai, et. al., 1993) allows for a systematic and efficient method to be developed in determining appropriate Wellhead Protection Areas (WHFAS) for PWSS. Lastly, as changes occur within WHPAS, GIS provides the capabilities necessary to make these updates and produce refined protection areas in the manner of minutes.
In summary, the GIS mapping of PWS systems has the potential to help facilitate the following:
For many PWSs it will be necessary to collect a variety of additional attribute data relating to each source in order to perform the activities described above. However with accurate locations present within the database, the ability to combine spatial data layers enhances and expedites this attributing process. Therefor it becomes vital for this database to have consistent accuracy standards throughout the records. It was noticeable when examining source locations within the GIS that accuracy fluctuated in respect to previously located sources. This discrepancy is directly related to the varying methods and techniques employed in collecting the locations. A need exists to standardize location accuracy for all sources found in the database in order to effectively and confidently utilize this database to its full potential. By maintaining this accuracy assurance and control, the role of GIS in monitoring, regulating, and protecting PWSs throughout Wyoming will continue to develop in the upcoming years.
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