Applied Geography Directed Research
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/17202
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item The Impact of Various land-use zoning and government restrictions on Environmental Sustainability in San Marcos, Texas(2023-12) Szpakowski, Timothy; Chow, Edwin; Ray, RosalieThe purpose of this thesis is to investigate the impact of various land-use zoning and restrictions through government regulations preserving green space to promote environmental sustainability in San Marcos, TX. Located in the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio in Central Texas, this area has experienced tremendous population growth from 2010-2020 and is continuing to have exceptional growth. An Agent-Integrated Irregular Automate (AIIA) model is used combining the spatial benefits of irregular Cellular Automata (CA) while representing urban dynamics with Agent-Based Model (ABM) agents. This project modeled urban growth via AIIA to examine the impacts of government regulations of growth restrictions and multifamily housing on green space preservation and environmental sustainability. The reliability of the urban growth simulation is demonstrated by modelling historical data over 20 years (2000-2020) and comparing the results with the actual 2020 land-use map. In addition to an unrestricted scenario, three scenarios are simulated testing the impact of an urban growth boundary and various housing land-use zoning and regulations. Comparison analysis revealed that government regulations on residential housing preserved more green space than without them. However, the most regulated scenario with restrictions on both single-family and multifamily housing did not result in the largest amount of green space being preserved. A scenario with an urban growth boundary and no regulations on housing produced the best results when comparing the retention of green space. Potential explanations for these results include population demographics and model parameters affecting developer agents’ goal to maximize profits.Item Assessing Resource Accessibility of Vulnerable Populations During Evacuation(2023-12) Ruiz, Melissa D.; Chow, T. Edwin; Hagelman, RonaldNo abstract prepared.Item Mars Exploration Zone Identification Using a Geospatial Suitability Model(2023-12) Rubio, Minna Adel; Currit, Nathan; Wilkinson, JustinMars has been a significant source of scientific interest for decades. Space agencies from around the world have invested time and resources into orbiters, rovers and fly-bys. However, the scientific exploration of the red planet won’t stop at remote sensing technologies. The crewed exploration of Mars is one of NASA’s major space exploration goals. Using a geospatial suitability model and human geologic interpretation, this project aims to develop a quantitative methodology to identifying landing sites and exploration zones on Mars. A landing site and exploration zone are identified in Sinus Meridiani that meet civil engineering and ISRU parameters identified in NASA literature. Furthermore, this project presents a quantitative, traceable, and adaptable geospatial based methodology that could be adopted in future site selection efforts.Item Assessing Risk of Superfund Sites to Natural Hazards within Texas(2023-12) Maron, Casey; Blanchard, R. Denise; Yuan, YihongNo abstract prepared.Item Floor-level Occupancy Estimation of a Multi-Story Building Using Coarse Wi-Fi Data(2023-05) Bobo, Ryan; Chow, T. Edwin; Yuan, YihongIn recent years, there has been an extraordinary increase in wireless capable devices and network infrastructure, which spawned a corresponding rise in data produced from the interactions of these technologies. Mobile devices constantly roam , leading to a perpetual dialog between a mobile device and wireless access points. This dialogue generates a continuous stream of device-specific data, including but not limited to a device's media access control address, time of access, and received signal strength. Given the knowledge of the access point’s location and received signal strength, it is possible to infer the position of user devices and estimate their mobility and occupancy. This paper presents two methods for accurately measuring floor-level occupancy in a multi-story building at Texas State University using coarse Wi-Fi log data. The first method employs a static filter, while the second incorporates user-role data and user location to create a dynamic filter. Quantitative methods are used to evaluate these filters against field-collected reference data and existing internal people-counting sensors. Our results demonstrate that the dynamic filter, leveraging variable thresholds, provides a more accurate estimation of occupancy compared to the fixed 5-minute static filter which consistently overestimated occupancy. This research sheds light on the potential of dynamic filters derived from user-role data for precise floor-level occupancy estimations, with implications for various applications.Item Ukrainian Cultural Identity in the Post Soviet Space and in Times of War(2023-05) Ybarra, Eduardo; Blanchard, R. Denise; Boehm, Richard G.No abstract prepared.Item Evidence from NAEP 8th Grade Geography Data: Identifying and Filling the Achievement Gap Equitably for Race and Gender(2023-05) Smith, Allison; Solem, Michael; Jo, InjeongExisting National Assessment for Education Progress (NAEP) data, specifically for eighth-grade Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Female students at the NAEP Advanced, Proficient, and Basic levels, were analyzed using the NAEP question tool, data explorer and item maps. For each student group, geography achievement was identified at each NAEP performance level. In addition, a pre-test using released NAEP world geography questions, correlated with identified deficiencies, was given to all ninth-grade world geography students at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy (KGMPA). Results were compared to national results. Supplemental curriculum was designed as an intervention strategy to address the identified deficiencies. Two world geography classes at KGMPA received these lessons. A post-test was then administered to all students. Direct comparisons of the pre and post-tests of identified student groups were made. Results showed that KGMPA and NAEP gender demographics were similar, but race/ethnicities were not. Four of the five most commonly missed questions were the same for both groups confirming the selection of knowledge and skill for the supplemental lessons. The intervention was successful for the general KGMPA test population. Disaggregated data was inconclusive regarding the advantage of supplemental lessons for the various groups because the sample size was small, and the results could not be determined to be statistically significant.Item Examining Hazardousness of Place in Houston, Texas: A Holistic View of Four Major Natural Disasters from the Past Two Decades of the 21st Century(2023-05) da Silva Sampaio, Neliralda Duilia C.; Blanchard-Boehm, Denise; Boehm, Richard G.No abstract prepared.Item Flood Risk Analysis of Historical Locations along the Texas Gulf Coast Threatened by Storm Surge and Sea-Level Rise(2023-05) Scott, Kelly; Hagelman, Ronald R., III; Julian, JasonNo abstract prepared.Item Student Learning Gaps Between AP Human Geography and World Geography(2023-05) Mazzotti, Anna K.; Solem, Michael; Jo, InjeongThis directed research aims to address the growing number of students in Texas who take Advanced Placement Human Geography (APHG) in the ninth grade, and who may not be well equipped to take such a rigorous course. This project analyzed the differences between the APHG curriculum and the Texas Education Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for World Geography Studies at the 9th grade level to better understand the rigor and skill required for incoming first-year high school students. A comparison of the AP Course and Exam Description with the TEKS was made to determine what specific knowledge and skills would be required of a student who enrolls in AP Human Geography versus a student who enrolls in World Geography Studies. For many 9th grade students in Texas, APHG is offered as a substitute for the on-level World Geography Studies. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed from secondary sources to help answer the question of when it is most beneficial for students to take APHG. Secondary data analyzed included APHG exam scores by grade level in Texas. Additionally, the similarities and differences in geographic content between the two courses were assessed to identify subject matter a student may not learn from taking APHG over the on-level world geography course. The major findings of this study prove there is merit in the growing concern of 9th grade students not being adequately prepared to take a rigorous course such as APHG. This study also shows that there are in fact gaps in geographic education curriculum when comparing a regular World Geography course with the curriculum of APHG. If 9th grade students have the foundational geographical skills of an on level regular World Geography course prior to taking AP Human Geography, it is more likely they will perform better on the AP Human Geography exam. This study helps compare geographic education curriculum with a regular World Geography course with the curriculum of AP Human Geography to determine preparedness for an AP Human Geography course. If 9th grade students have the foundational geographical skills of an on level regular World Geography course prior to taking AP Human Geography, it is more likely they will perform better on the AP Human Geography Exam. The results of this study can inform efforts to find a solution as to how school district personnel can make better decisions for students in high school geography enrollments.Item The Multidimensional Vulnerabilities and Risk Factors for Women and Homelessness(2023-05) Lundeen, Stacey; Devine, Jennifer; Prince, BenjaminNo abstract prepared.Item Mitigating environmental injustice and flood hazards: A study of Green Infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods around Austin, TX(2023-05) High, Callie; Krause, Samantha; Blue, SarahNo abstract prepared.Item Geospatial Analysis of Riparian Condition in Lockhart, Texas: An Investigation of the Index of Riparian Integrity(2023-05) Acosta, Shelby; Mace, Robert; Lopez, ChristinaThe City of Austin Watershed Protection Department has developed the Index of Riparian Integrity to assess the health of its environmental resources. The Index of Riparian Integrity uses a geographic information system and remotely sensed data to (1) calculate the relative amount of canopy cover, impervious cover, and pervious cover to estimate riparian health and floodplain function and (2) prioritize restoration efforts. The purpose of this study was to assess (1) the application of the Index of Riparian Integrity on a watershed outside of Austin’s city limits and (2) the existing condition of the riparian area using the Index of Riparian Integrity in the Town Branch Watershed in Lockhart, Texas. The Index of Riparian Integrity, using the National Land Cover Database layers, gave a representative overview of Town Branch’s riparian conditions when compared to the aerial imagery of the area with areas of greater development receiving lower scores and forested areas receiving higher scores. The Index of Riparian Integrity cannot identify more subtle differences between vegetation. All non-canopy vegetation is treated as the same quality, which means that invasive vegetation or mowed lawns receive the same score as high-quality wetland vegetation. This process also cannot capture erosion in a stretch of riparian area that might have otherwise “functional” land uses according to the Index of Riparian Integrity categorization. Due to the resolution of the National Land Cover Database layers used, certain features, like thinner railroads, are not captured in the analysis, which might lead to higher than appropriate Index of Riparian Integrity scores for certain areas of the watershed. While this methodology cannot replace in situ riparian assessments, the Index of Riparian Integrity allows decision makers to develop a watershed-wide assessment of its riparian condition in a fraction of the time that it would have taken to do the same in-person.Item Comparison of FEMA and Non-FEMA Disaster Response to Prior Hazardous Events in the City of Houston, Texas(2023-08) Deans, Faith Erin; Blanchard-Boehm, Denise; Boehm, RichardNo abstract prepared.Item Narco Cattle-Ranching in Guatemala's Sierra del Lacandon National Park(2022-12) Liller, Louise; Devine, Jennifer; Currit, NathanThis study explores deforestation in Sierra del Lacandón National Park in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Preserve. Central American protected areas are experiencing rapid deforestation due to cattle ranching, much of it driven by drug trafficking organizations. Through remote sensing, GIS, and a confidential report from individuals and organizations familiar with the park, this research explores spatial patterns of different drivers of deforestation. While cattle ranching is the main driver of deforestation within Sierra del Lacandón, not all areas are experiencing cattle ranching in the same way. Data from the south-east area of the park show confirmed farming and ranching together. This research theorizes that population pressures are driving deforestation in this area. The eastern section of the park, identified as narco-compromised, shows clear evidence of the large-scale cattle ranching operations that are associated with narco-trafficking. There are few farming locations in this zone. This is evidence of narco-cattle ranching and territory control. The central area of the park, far from population centers, is experiencing deforestation and forest fragmentation that this research classifies as “suspected ranching.” These patterns indicate land speculation, another way that drug trafficking organizations gain control of protected area lands.Item Gentrification, Displacement, and Homelessness in Austin, Texas(2022-12) Zelenka, Michelle; Sarmiento, Eric; Ray, RosalieNo abstract prepared.Item Seeking Solace LGTBQIA+ Asylum Seekers at the US-Mexico Border(2022-12) Price, Mollie; Blue, Sarah; Devine, JenniferNo abstract prepared.Item Archaeological Predictive Modeling for Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgraves National Forest, AZ(2022-12) Beavers, Matthew H.; Zhan, Benjamin; Krause, SamanthaNo abstract prepared.Item The Use of ArcGIS Online in a Contemporary AP Human Geography Classroom and its Impact on Student Spatial Awareness and Perception of Geography(2022-12) Bannert, April; Jo, Injeong; Solem, MichaelGeospatial technologies such as ArcGIS Online have become increasingly accessible to the public. Studies have shown that the benefits of using geospatial technology in the classroom increase a student’s geographic knowledge, including spatial awareness (Kerski, 2003; Lee & Bednarz, 2012; Jo et al., 2016). They also demonstrate the importance of spatial awareness in the classroom. The development and use of spatial awareness skills such as analyzing spatial patterns are critical components to the AP Human Geography Curriculum and Exam Design (2020). The present study uses the Spatial Ability Thinking Test (STAT) to measure the effectiveness of ArcGIS Online use in the freshmen AP Human Geography (APHG) classroom. The APHG classes consist of 132 predominately freshmen within the 14-15 age range. Two classes are assigned as the experimental group and the remaining two sections the control group. The experimental group received APHG instruction using ArcGIS Online while the control group received the traditional, paper and pen, instructional approach. Most students experience an increase in their spatial awareness through the normal course of the school year. But this study found that while both the experimental and the control group’s spatial awareness increased, the experimental group did not experience a greater increase.Item Tourism and the Intersection of Racialization and Women-Owned Businesses in Hattiesburg, Mississippi(2022-08) Runnels, Emily Marye; Sarmiento, Eric; Giordano, AlbertoNo abstract prepared.