Search Results (111)

Environmental noise is increasingly recognized as a major environmental and public health challenge, with road traffic identified as the dominant source of acoustic pollution across Europe. In this context, noise mitigation is directly linked to sustainable development goals related to human health and urban sustainability. Noise barriers are among the most widely implemented mitigation strategies; however, their spatial distribution and adequacy remain poorly documented, limiting their effectiveness for sustainable territorial planning. This study develops the first georeferenced database of highway noise barriers in Andalusia (Spain) and applies a reproducible, transdisciplinary geospatial workflow integrating field surveys, remote-sensing tools, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A total of 110 barriers were mapped, classified by material, geometry, and surrounding land use, and analyzed in relation to sensitive receptors, including dwellings, schools, and hospitals. Results show that only 1.6% of the Andalusian highway network is currently protected by noise barriers, with strong territorial disparities: over 50% of all structures are concentrated along coastal metropolitan corridors, while extensive inland areas remain unprotected. Misalignments were also detected between barrier placement and officially reported high-exposure segments, indicating limited correspondence between infrastructural deployment and planning-designated priority areas. Beyond generating a comprehensive regional dataset, the proposed methodology provides a scalable basis for national and European initiatives seeking to harmonize the mapping and assessment of noise-mitigation infrastructures. By offering an open-access, transferable framework, this work contributes to a more equitable distribution of environmental protection measures and supports policy professionals, environmental managers, and planners in advancing healthier and more sustainable urban and transport systems. Full article

Marine turtle and cetacean strandings along the Italian coastline represent critical ecological events that require systematic documentation, yet historical data have suffered from fragmentation and poor accessibility across heterogeneous archives. GeoCetus addresses this gap by providing a unified national framework for the centralized collection, management, and open visualization of these data. The platform’s architecture integrates a spatially enabled database with a modern RESTful API, utilizing automated workflows to push data to a public GitHub.com repository. This system unifies historical and contemporary datasets, comprising over 4700 georeferenced records dating back to 1999, while ensuring data quality through structured validation, qualified contributors and reverse geocoding. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in data interoperability and democratization, with the dataset expanding by an average of 150–300 new records annually under a CC-BY-SA license. By adhering to FAIR Data Principles, GeoCetus offers the necessary infrastructure to support real-time operational responses and reproducible ecological analyses. We conclude that this standardized, machine-readable approach is essential for evidence-based national conservation strategies and effective environmental monitoring. Full article

This paper presents an analysis of helminth diversity in green frogs of the Pelophylax esculentus complex from twelve provinces of the Middle Volga region (European Russia). The study relies on the occurrence dataset recently published in GBIF in the form of a Darwin Core archive. The database contains current information on helminth occurrences in these anurans, comprising records from our long-term helminthological survey conducted in 1997–2025. Our database includes 13,634 helminth occurrence records for three Pelophylax species residing in the Middle Volga region. Each helminth occurrence record is linked to georeferenced data. A total of 43 parasite species are documented in the dataset, including 29 species of trematodes, one cestode, 11 nematodes, and two acanthocephalans. The greatest helminth diversity was recorded in Pelophylax ridibundus (42 species), which is the most widespread and abundant amphibian species in European Russia. The helminth fauna is less diverse in Pelophylax lessonae (32 species) and their hybrid, Pelophylax esculentus (25). Most helminth species found in green frogs within the studied area belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (29 species). Five helminth species each have European and Holarctic distributions, while four species are cosmopolitan. Of the 43 species of helminths found, three (Alaria alata, Spirometra erinacei, Ascarops strongylina) are of medical and veterinary importance as causative agents of parasitic zoonoses, posing a threat to domestic animals and humans. Full article

The implementation of digital twin (DTw) in infrastructure management is becoming increasingly important. Although digitalization in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector is progressing slowly, enabling technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT) and data management allow for more informed and efficient management of ageing and highly complex assets. With the aim of improving the operation and maintenance (O&M) of transport infrastructure, the use of an integrated BIM–GIS model is proposed as the basis for a future DTw for an existing highway, the M-30 urban ring road in Madrid. This study develops an as-built digital model based on real GIS data, point clouds and BIM (LOD 300), adapting it to existing management systems using a relational database with unique identifiers. The infrastructure is modelled in a segmented and georeferenced manner, incorporating roads, tunnels, bridges and equipment as independent entities. Access to the model is guaranteed through 3D GIS scenes, interactive panels and BIM viewers geared towards management. In addition, a cost–benefit analysis is carried out using a Return On Investment (ROI) that evaluates the implementation of BIM in the management of this infrastructure. Full article

This research assessed current and future climatic suitability for Crocus sativus L. cultivation across Italy, using species distribution models. A dataset of 721 georeferenced points from sites consistently producing top-quality saffron was combined with bioclimatic variables from the CHELSA v2.1 database. Habitat suitability was modelled with MaxEnt and projected under current (2025) climatic conditions and future scenarios for mid-century (2055) and late-century (2085), based on the GFDL-ESM4 model and the SSP3-7.0 emission scenario. The MaxEnt model showed moderate predictive performance (AUC = 0.73 ± 0.02; TSS = 0.37 ± 0.03), which is consistent with the broad ecological tolerance of C. sativus. Current suitable areas (90,049 km²) are mainly in central and northern Italy, especially along the hilly Apennines and much of the Po Plain. Response curves indicate that optimal saffron cultivation occurs mainly under moderately continental conditions, with moderate to high temperature seasonality (6.5–7.5 °C), cool winter temperatures (mean of the driest quarter 0–3.5 °C), and relatively high precipitation during the wettest month (150–250 mm). Future projections show an expansion of suitable areas (124,552 km² in 2055; 123,868 km² in 2085) and a spatial shift from lowlands and coasts toward hilly and mountain regions of the Apennines, the Alps, and the main islands. These findings can support farmers, land managers, and policy-makers in informed planning and sustainable management of saffron cultivation under climate change. Full article

This study presents the digitization and integration of Kazakhstan’s legacy gravimetric maps at a scale of 1:200,000 into a modern geospatial database using ArcGIS. The primary objective was to convert analog gravity data into a structured, queryable, and spatially analyzable digital format to support contemporary geoscientific applications, including geoid modeling and regional geophysical analysis. The project addresses critical gaps in national gravity coverage, particularly in underrepresented regions such as the Caspian Sea basin and the northeastern frontier, thereby enhancing the accessibility and utility of gravity data for multidisciplinary research. The methodology involved a systematic workflow: assessment and selection of gravimetric maps, raster image enhancement, georeferencing, and digitization of observation points and anomaly values. Elevation data and terrain corrections were incorporated where available, and metadata fields were populated with information on the methods and accuracy of elevation determination. Gravity anomalies were recalculated, including Bouguer anomalies (with densities of 2.67 g/cm³ and 2.30 g/cm³), normal gravity, and free-air anomalies. A unified ArcGIS geodatabase was developed, containing spatial and attribute data for all digitized surveys. The final deliverables include a 1:1,000,000-scale gravimetric map of free-air gravity anomalies for the entire territory of Kazakhstan, a comprehensive technical report, and supporting cartographic products. The project adhered to national and international geophysical mapping standards and utilized validated interpolation and error estimation techniques to ensure data quality. The validation process by the modern gravimetric surveys also confirmed the validity and reliability of the digitized historical data. This digitization effort significantly modernizes Kazakhstan’s gravimetric infrastructure, providing a robust foundation for geoid modeling, tectonic studies, and resource exploration. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), a temperate fruit species highly sensitive to thermal and hydric stress, faces increasing cultivation challenges in semi-arid regions such as Fez-Meknes (Morocco) due to climate change. This study aims to identify ecologically suitable zones for sweet cherry cultivation by modeling its current potential distribution using the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) approach. A total of 1151 georeferenced occurrence records were collected through field surveys and validated with satellite imagery. Nineteen bioclimatic variables from the WorldClim database were initially considered, and a subset with low multicollinearity (|r| < 0.7) was retained for analysis. Model performance, evaluated using the area under the ROC curve (AUC), yielded a high mean value of 0.960 ± 0.014, indicating excellent predictive accuracy. Elevation, annual precipitation (BIO12), and precipitation seasonality (BIO15) emerged as key drivers of the species’ distribution, as confirmed by both Jackknife and SPCPI analyses. Spatial prediction maps highlighted high-suitability zones in the provinces of Ifrane, El Hajeb, Azrou, and Sefrou, aligning with known agro-climatic production areas. In contrast, lower suitability was observed in more arid or heat-prone provinces such as Boulemane and Midelt. These findings provide a robust bioclimatic framework for agroecological planning, supporting adaptive varietal zoning and long-term planning for climate-resilient horticulture. Full article

This paper presents the development and structure of a geospatial (work in progress), architectural heritage database designed to document, interpret, and valorize Second World War military fortifications in Sardinia. Currently hosting over 1800 georeferenced entries—including bunkers, artillery posts, underground shelters, and camouflage systems—the database constitutes the analytical core of an interdisciplinary research framework that interprets these remnants as a coherent wartime palimpsest embedded in the contemporary landscape. By integrating spatial data, archival sources, architectural features, conservation status, camouflage typologies, and both analog and digital graphic representations, the system operates as a central infrastructure for multiscale heritage analysis. It reveals the interconnections between dispersed military structures and the wider territorial fabric, thereby laying the groundwork for landscape-based interpretation and site-specific reactivation strategies. More than a cataloging tool, the database serves as an interpretive and decision-making interface—supporting the generation of cultural itineraries, the identification of critical clusters, and the design of adaptive reuse scenarios. While participatory tools and community engagement will be explored in a second phase, the current methodology emphasizes landscape-oriented reuse strategies based on the perception, spatial storytelling, and contextual reading of wartime heritage. The methodological synergy between GIS, 3D modeling, traditional drawing, and archival research (graphic and photographic documents) contributes to a holistic vision of Sardinia’s wartime heritage as both a system of knowledge and a spatial–cultural resource for future generations. Full article

The climate is expected to change substantially by the end of the current century. In response to climate change, species may disperse, adapt, or become locally extinct. We aim to assess how the climate changes predicted to occur by 2060 may affect the potential distribution of Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus antelius) and Chalk-browed Mockingbird (Mimus saturninus frater) within the Atlantic Forest domain, Brazil. Occurrence data for both species were compiled from the scientific literature and online biodiversity databases. A total of 118 georeferenced records were obtained for Tropical Mockingbird and 1080 for Chalk-browed Mockingbird. Species distribution models predicted that the two species would respond differently to the ongoing climatic changes. The Tropical Mockingbird will slightly expand its suitable habitat by 3.5% (3871 km²) under the optimistic scenario (minimum temperature increase by 2060; Representative Concentration Pathways-RCP 2.6) and 2.5% (2765 km²) in the pessimistic scenario (maximum temperature increase by 2060; RPC 8.5), relative to the 1960–1990 baseline. Chalk-browed Mockingbird will reduce its suitable habitat by 64% (70,780 km²) under RPC 2.6 and 65% (71,886 km²) under RPC 8.5. The two future climate scenarios suggest that sympatry between the two species will become increasingly rare, with a shift toward allopatry due to emerging climatically unsuitable areas separating their distributions. Our results highlighted the importance of environmental policies that incorporate local ecological contexts and species-specific traits to mitigate biodiversity loss under future climate conditions. Full article

Monitoring the structural health of bridges in road infrastructure is crucial for ensuring public safety and efficient maintenance. This paper presents a multi-level semi-automatic methodology for bridge monitoring, using Multi-Temporal Differential SAR Interferometry (MT-DInSAR) data. The proposed approach requires a dataset of satellite-derived MT-DInSAR measurements for the Area of Interest. The methodology involves creating a georeferenced database of bridges which allows the filtering of measurement points (generally named Persistent Scatterers—PSs) using spatial queries. Since existing datasets often provide only point geometries for bridge locations, additional data sources such as OpenStreetMaps-derived repositories have been utilized to obtain linear representations of bridges. These linear features are segmented into 20 m sections, which are then converted into polygonal geometries by applying a uniform buffer. Spatial joining between the bridge polygons and PS datasets allows the extraction of key statistics, such as mean displacement velocity, PS density and coherence levels. Based on predefined velocity thresholds, warning flags are triggered, indicating the need for further in-depth analysis. Finally, an upscaling step is performed to provide a practical tool for infrastructure managers, visually categorizing bridges based on the presence of flagged pixels. The proposed approach facilitates large-scale bridge monitoring, supporting the early detection of potential structural issues. Full article

The subtropical grasslands of South America are known as Pampa, span parts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, and are undergoing rapid and alarming transformations due to agricultural expansion, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. Despite this, these areas harbor a remarkable diversity of Cactaceae, including a high proportion of endemic and threatened species. This study offers the first comprehensive inventory of native and endemic cactus taxa in the Pampean province of the Chacoan domain, integrating data from georeferenced herbarium records, biodiversity databases, and fieldwork. A total of 111 native taxa were identified, of which 62% are endemic to the region. Spatial analyses reveal that many species occur outside protected areas, with hotspots of richness and endemism located near international borders and in poorly studied regions. These findings underscore the urgent need to reassess conservation priorities in Pampa, where biodiversity is being lost at an accelerating pace. By identifying critical areas for conservation and highlighting gaps in species assessments, the present study contributes essential data to support public policy, conservation planning, and the establishment of cross-border strategies for the protection of this unique and vulnerable flora. Full article

Numerous institutions engaged in the management of Natural History Collections (NHC) are embracing the opportunity to digitise their holdings. The primary objective is to enhance the accessibility of specimens for interested individuals and to integrate them into the global community by contributing to an international specimen database. This initiative demands a comprehensive digitisation process and the development of an IT infrastructure that adheres to stringent functionality, reliability, and security standards. This endeavour focuses on the procedural and operational dimensions associated with accurately storing and managing taxonomic, biogeographic, and ecological data about biological specimens digitised within a conventional NHC framework. The authors suggest categorising the IT challenges into four distinct areas: requirements, digitisation, design, and technology. Each category discusses several selected topics, highlighting often underestimated essentials for implementing the NHC system. The presented analysis is supported by numerous examples of specific implementations, enabling a better understanding of the given topic. This document serves as a resource for teams developing their systems for online collections, offering post factum insights derived from implementation experiences. Full article

Comprehensive reviews of continuously vegetated areas to determine dispersed locations of invasive species require intensive use of computational resources. Furthermore, effective mechanisms aiding identification of locations of specific invasive species require approaches relying on geospatial indicators and ancillary images. This study develops a two-stage data workflow for the invasive species Kudzu vine (Pueraria montana) often found in small areas along roadsides. The INHABIT database from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided geospatial data of Kudzu vines and Google Street View (GSV) a set of images. Stage one built up a set of Kudzu images to be implemented in an object detection technique, You Only Look Once (YOLO v8s), for training, validating, and testing. Stage two defined a dataset of confirmed locations of Kudzu which was followed to retrieve images from GSV and analyzed with YOLO v8s. The effectiveness of the YOLO v8s model was assessed to determine the locations of Kudzu identified from georeferenced GSV images. This data workflow demonstrated that field observations can be virtually conducted by integrating geospatial data and GSV images; however, its potential is confined to the updated periodicity of GSV images or similar services. Full article

The 2012 Emilia earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of fortified architecture. Based on the observed seismic behaviors, this research proposes a GIS geodatabase, designed with a proactive approach, for the prediction and prevention—at a territorial scale—of the most frequent damage mechanisms of the investigated typology. The designed geo-database allows for the identification of possible correlations between constructive features and the occurrence of damage, through statistical and geo-referenced analysis. Moreover, the designed geodatabase, by enabling the comparison of the damage level data with the seismic action of the site, through INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) shakemaps, allowed the definition of experimental fragility curves, for three of the most common damage mechanisms. By applying these functions to castles in the province of Parma, it was possible to define future seismic risk scenarios for the mechanisms considered, thanks to the use of the seismic hazard map. Therefore, the described methodology could be functional to identify the most urgent and high-priority interventions in order to optimize the management of economic resources. The final aim is to promote the application of the concept of minimum intervention, and more in general to preserve the architectural heritage, avoiding emergency interventions and aiming instead to apply planned conservation strategies. Full article

Terraced systems represent a valuable resource, increasing productive areas on steep slopes often unsuitable for cultivation. Over the years, these ecosystems have been recognised as having functions beyond agronomic value, such as hydrogeological, historical-cultural, economic, and biodiversity conservation. This research intends to contribute to mapping the terraced areas of the Tuscan Archipelago to estimate the areas falling within four of the seven islands of the Archipelago. In addition to a quantitative analysis, terraced systems were studied in terms of morphological and anthropic parameters, which may influence their functionality or cultivation abandonment. The analyses were conducted in a GIS environment, using the Tuscany Region Spatial Information Database and georeferenced orthophotos acquired from drone field surveys. Through the spatial analyses, it was possible to identify the distribution of the terraced system concerning parameters such as slope, altitude, aspect, distance from road networks and land fragmentation, providing a key to understanding how these parameters may influence the causes of conservation or abandonment of these fragile landscapes. Analyses of the terraced areas showed that the prevalent slopes are between 10 and 30% and that the altitude is variable depending on the island but predominantly between 0 and 200 m. Exposure was found to be the most heterogeneous parameter, and a strong relationship emerged between the functional abandonment of agricultural terraced areas and the distance from road networks. Furthermore, the land register analysis revealed a high degree of land fragmentation, which complicates the management and conservation of terraced systems. Full article