GIS-Related Dissertations/Theses Late 2007 & 2008

As always, there are oodles of great GIS-related theses and dissertations out there. After taking a long and deep gander at the latest batch, here are the latest ones to have caught my eye. For previous installments, click here.

• An object-oriented programming approach for a GIS data-driven simulation model of traffic on an inland waterway. by Sasso, Daniel, Ph.D., University of Louisville, 2008, 163 pages
• "This research demonstrates how the GIS technology can be integrated with a simulation software as an interface to model the transit of ocean-going vessels through the Panama Canal."


• An assessment of the utility of GIS-based analysis to support the coordination of humanitarian assistance. by Verjee, Firoz, D.Sc., The George Washington University, 2007, 272 pages
• "This dissertation investigated if Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based analysis can have a decisive influence upon the coordination of international humanitarian assistance. Utility was assessed through a series of case studies demonstrating the application of GIS-based analysis to facilitate coordination of recent or potential humanitarian interventions."


• Artifact management and behavioral discourse in the software development process for a large public participatory geographic information system. by Wu, Jie, Ph.D., University of Washington, 2007, 155 pages
• "The objective of this work is to develop an artifact management framework (AMF) for supporting a large public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) software development effort."


• Assessment of black locust on the Black Kettle National Grasslands. by Farris, Bullit Michael, M.S., Oklahoma State University, 2007, 64 pages
• "Remote sensing combined with GIS analysis has been established as one of the most effective ways to study the conversion of grasslands to forests and has been used in many parts of the world to analyze woody encroachment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of black locust in the Black Kettle National Grasslands by comparing historical and current stand area using aerial photography and investigate the differences in encroachment rates focusing on the influence of potential soil moisture content using the topographic wetness index."


• Comparative impacts of Web-based GIS on student content knowledge, geography skills, and self-efficacy in introductory human geography. by Songer, Lynn Christine, Ph.D., University of Oregon, 2007, 229 pages
• "This dissertation compares the impacts on student learning outcomes: self-efficacy, content knowledge, and geography skills, when Web-based GIS is used to teach introductory human geography"


• Implementation of Geographic Information Systems in policing: A case study of the Spokane Police Department. by Akgul, Arif, Ph.D., Washington State University, 2007, 228 pages
• "For the last decade Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including crime mapping and crime analysis in police departments, have emerged as one of the most important innovations in the law enforcement. However, very little research has been conducted on how police departments use the system."


• Settlement geography of the Punjab during the early historic and medieval periods: A GIS approach. by Smith, Mark A., Ph.D., New York University, 2007, 476 pages
• "Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and quantitative geography techniques, the research provides insights into the meaning of changing settlement patterns in the Pakistani province of Punjab between the 5th century B.C and 18th century A.D."


• Spatial analytical approaches for supporting security monitoring. by Kim, Kamyoung, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2007, 144 pages
• "This dissertation addresses the challenges of strategic sensor location in security monitoring and discusses how GIS can be utilized to define the coverage of sensors. Application results demonstrate that sensor placement for supporting security monitoring in 3D urban areas can be approached using coverage-based optimization models combined with visibility analysis."


• Web-based GIS and public participation: An aid to widening female participation in revitalizing outdoor recreational facilities in Saudi Arabia. A case study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. by Daghistani, Farouk, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, 2007, 211 pages
• "During the last decade, the Internet and Geographic Information System (GIS) have made changes in the relationship between governments and citizens in many developed countries. Citizens, in such countries, have been given more chances to participate in the decision making process of the spatial issues relevant to them."