You have just been introduced to several techniques applied for advanced GIS ana

Question

You have just been introduced to several techniques applied for advanced GIS analysis that can be used to address many issues at local, regional, and global scales. For example, water consumption and river levels are at the heart of several inter-state legal battles, of which Nebraska has been a defendant. Could these techniques be used to give insight into such a case? How? Consider how water is used in Nebraska and where our rivers flow after they leave the state. Would such analysis help or hurt Nebraska (as a defendant) accused of using too much water?

Explanation / Answer

GIS Analysis: GIS stands for geographic information system. This system is designed to capture, Store, analyze and manage geographical data.

1. Yes, GIS Analysis will help in analyzing the water consumption in Nebraska which is said to be high. It will also help to minimize the water consumption by intoducing some new ideas which were not considered before.

2. Nebraska has been considered as the best stop over point for those migrating to rich countries. After the American Civil War, The railroads were developed. Also there was a consequent immigration and hence the fertile soils of Nebraska were plowed, and its grasslands gave rise to a range cattle industry. As a result, the state has been a major food producer since statehood. For irrigation, Water is needed and hence a. majority of Nebraskans live close to the Missouri and Platte rivers.

3. Nebraska lies within the Missouri River drainage system while the Platte, the major Nebraska tributary, joins the Missouri south of Omaha. The Platte is vital to the state’s irrigation. The river is formed by the confluence of the North and South Platte rivers, both of which rise in Colorado to the southwest, although the North Platte swings northward through Wyoming, to the west, before entering Nebraska. The Elkhorn River enters the Platte west of Omaha, and the Loup River, formed by three tributaries flowing out of the Sand Hills, also discharges into the Platte. The Republican and Big Blue rivers empty into the Missouri in Kansas via the Kansas River. The Ogallala Aquifer, which is a huge supply of underground water lies beneath most of Nebraska.

4. This analysis can hurt Nebraskians as they will be accused of using water too much but in the end they have to understand that water is the most important resource which we are loosing on large scale everyday. However, Irrigation is also important as we need food to survive. GIS analysis will give some better ideas to minimize the water consumption without compromizing on irrigation.

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