Geographic Information Systems
Information and data management is at the foundation of nearly all environmental projects and programs. All AMO environmental projects are supported by site-specific geographic information systems (GIS). This data management tool is used in the development of site strategies and conceptual models. It also serves as the basis for designing and implementing cost-effective solutions that are consistent with our clients’ objectives.
GIS is one of the most powerful and efficient platforms used to analyze and present large data sets. It provides a method of assimilating maps, drawings, analytical data, regulatory criteria, historical and current aerial photos, and many other attributes of a site or region. When viewed and analyzed as a package, the “bigger picture” of a project is seen and solutions to potential issues usually come quickly into focus – resulting in cost-effective investigation strategies and well-informed project closure decisions.
Because the scope and results of work can be presented clearly using various graphic and analytical tools, the value of GIS is seen in many ways:
- AMO is able to quickly and accurately assess site information from many angles – resulting in options for the direction of projects;
- Our clients are aided in making well-informed project design and implementation decisions;
- Our clients are better advised when developing conclusions and recommendations for internal strategies and/or presentations to regulators and other public decision makers.
AMO has used GIS to support projects ranging from environmental investigations and cleanups to regional groundwater resource studies.
Brief: Database Development and GIS Support
AMO developed a GIS database for soil sample data collected by several consultants over 10 years at a proposed bus maintenance facility in northern New Jersey. Survey drawings, historical and recent aerial photographs, and drawings of the proposed facility were also assimilated into the database. When the data were analyzed relative to historical site usage patterns, health-based criteria, and regulatory standards, decisions were made regarding additional sampling strategies, analytical parameter targeting, and areas of potential future remediation. The ongoing use of GIS supports cost estimates regarding remediation, future construction, and related acquisition decisions.
Brief: Database Development and GIS Support
AMO developed a GIS soil and groundwater database for a leading motor cycle manufacturing company. The database currently consists of approximately 140,000 data records collected from approximately 2,000 sampling points. The data was collected by several consultants over a period of approximately 20 years. The database is being used to evaluate current and historic data compared to USEPA and PADEP regulatory criteria. The evaluation will assist in making decisions regarding sampling strategies, analytical parameter targeting, and areas of potential future remediation.