University of Redlands
Michael Broadbent, MS GIS: Reconstructing the Past in 3D Using Historical Aerial Imagery
Abstract: Historical aerial film images are a valuable record of the past and are useful as a baseline for change detection and land cover analysis. To be useful in GIS analysis the images must be oriented to a spatial reference system. This is challenging as historical imagery is often missing flight and camera information. Traditional photogrammetric processing techniques exist to overcome these challenges, but they require specialized knowledge, time and expense to complete. Because of this, many collections of historical images are left unprocessed. This project produced a method to quickly standardize the photos, spatially orient them, correct them for distortion effects, and extract a digital surface model from the overlapping image series using Pix4D Professional. The horizontal accuracy met National Map Accuracy Standards when the Pix 4D process was combined with traditional georeferencing. The workflow was faster than traditional methods due to economies of scale in the new process.
Sarah Griffin, MBA Marketing Management: A Model for Big Data and Location Analytics Infusion in Business Curricula
Abstract: An abundance of locationally aware data sources are generating a plethora of georeferenced big data across sectors and industries. Consequently, location-based analytics strategy is becoming the centerpiece of enterprise analytics, yet recognition of the true potential of location analytics and consequent adoption and infusion in business curricula continues to remain tepid.
Drawing on best practices from existing literature, this research develops a model for the infusion of big data and location analytics in business curricula which considers the dimensions of big data (volume, velocity, variety, veracity, value), analytics (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive), matriculation level, and type of program.
Presentation of this new taxonomy is concomitant with the consideration of appropriate pedagogical approaches and teaching resources. Emphasis is placed on enhancing the value proposition of location analytics so that 21st century business students can leverage the potential of location as part of fact- and data-driven decision-making.
Jack Hewitt, Abigail Bohman, and Elena Smith, Environmental Science: A Meadow in Transition?
Abstract: We assessed Bluff Lake meadow of the San Bernardino National Forest by analyzing the water table level in relation to current plant species, soil pH, and conductivity. We conducted surveys collecting unique species from seven locations throughout the meadow, identified the specimens along with their Wetland Indicator Status and then compared those findings with data from 2015. Our findings indicate that in areas where the water table had the greatest positive influx, upland species are prominent. The water table has changed to have a more consistent depth throughout the meadow, but has become significantly deeper overall. Bare patches of dirt are no longer as prominent, but upland and facultative species are competing with wetland species. The meadow is in a state of transition moving towards an upland ecosystem.
Elamar Hienrich, Alexis Pence, Jade Mahan, and Shayla Funk, Environmental Science: The Point of No Return: Abrupt Climate Change in Mountain Meadows
Abstract: Abrupt climate change takes place rapidly and unexpectedly, in a way that human or natural systems have difficulty adapting to. As temperature changes, ecosystems will be put under additional stress and affect human well-being. Instances of abrupt climate change push ecosystems towards tipping points. Tipping points will lead to an immense change in the earth’s ecological systems regardless of remediation steps taken. The sensitivity of meadows causes them to be excellent indicators of change in the environment. Our study on Bluff Meadow analyzed how temperature correlates with meadow health over time. We determined the impacts of abrupt climate change by researching temperature impact in montane meadows and if this changed with time. Our goals were to assess if there is a tipping point beyond which meadows can no longer respond to fluctuations in climate variables. We examined these questions through analyzing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) using drone and Landsat footage and past temperature data. A weak negative correlation was found between yearly NDVI and yearly temperature. Generally speaking, this means that as temperature increases; NDVI decreases.
Logan Keebler, Ellen Barlow, Briana Weekes, Alison Andersa, Environmental Science: Bluff Meadow: An Analysis of Groundwater Depth and Quality
Abstract: When meadows are healthy, essential ecosystem services are provided for the areas they reside in. Because of their unique ecological characteristics, they have the ability to improve the quality of the water running through them, decrease water sediment load and delivery downstream, retain runoff from the watershed and recharge subsurface water supplies. These services are crucial in regions with poor water security such as California, however, the health of many meadows are in a state of decline, which ultimately inhibits them from performing these services. In this study, we investigated Bluff Meadow in the San Bernardino National Forest, and its influence on the water running through it. By analyzing aspects of groundwater that are essential for healthy biotic organisms in meadows (nitrates (NO3), phosphates (PO4), dissolved oxygen levels, temperature, pH and conductivity) as well as the depth to water in the meadow, we have determined that the health of the meadow is in a state of decline.
Chloe Kennedy, Religious Studies: The Jewish Silk Road
Abstract: This poster offers a look into the travels of Benjamin of Tudela. It traces his journey to seek knowledge that allowed him to document Jewish communities along portions of the silk road. It also explores the importance of close reading and critical thinking in visually representing historical/religious texts. Benjamin's route of travel is recorded in an itinerary which consists primarily of city names, the distance between cities, and the number of Jewish occupants within each city. Benjamin's travels took thirteen years to complete. He returned to Tudela in northern Spain in 1172/73. For major cities, Benjamin elaborates on surrounding areas, customs, and leaders. However, his primary interest is documenting the Jewish population of his day.
Chryse Kruse, English Literature and Religious Studies: The Travels of St. Raphael
Abstract: Raphael Hawaweeny is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Born in Syria, he emigrated to America in 1895 and spread Orthodoxy from Brooklyn, New York across the United States. St. Raphael is known for developing Eastern Orthodoxy within America. He was an accomplished scholar and author. In his lifetime he published multiple books, created a newspaper which is running to this day, and helped to found one of the only seminaries in America. As a Syrian immigrant bishop, St. Raphael was able to stabilize and help the Syrian population in America. This poster presents his early life before entering America, as well as the churches he established within America and routes taken during one of his trips.
Mark Kumler, Michelle Williams, Luis Gutierrez -Salinas, and Reed Shoho, MS GIS: Gerrymandering in Redlands, California
Abstract: In April 2016, the City of Redlands, California, began the process of creating council electoral districts to comply with voting rights acts and avoid litigation. Several maps prepared by a consultant were being considered when, in May 2017, a group of graduate students from the University of Redlands produced this map. The Council agreed that this map was as good as or better than the consultant’s maps, but it was too late to consider a new map given the legislative requirements. It will be considered after the 2018 elections. For more of the background, and the details of this map’s design and production, please see https://tinyurl.com/y7guq6fb or scan the QR code at right.
Shane Lathrop, MS GIS: Meeting Tourism Demand: An Analysis of Tourism and its Effects on Market Economies
Abstract: The tourism industry drives many economies globally and has an immense impact upon market economies. Within those economies, businesses small and large, foreign and domestic, need to understand how to accommodate the demand caused by tourism. This project analyzes tourism in the United States and correlation with demand, specific to clothing retailer Old Navy. Also presented is the detail of the methodology for creating a data model that produces location-specific tourism index scores used to understand where tourism demand is likely to be highest.
Steven Moore and Gary Scott, Center for Spatial Studies and School of Education: Spatial STEM+C:Spatial Thinking Training to Improve STEM Outcomes
Abstract: Initiated in November 2015, the National Science Foundation-funded Spatial STEM+C project addresses a significant challenge in preparing elementary-aged children to enter the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce in coming decades: developing visuospatial and computational skills that underlie success in gatekeeping high school and college STEM courses. Visuospatial skills have been documented to vary by gender and may be influenced by socioeconomic factors. Spatial STEM+C has been developing and evaluating supplemental instructional activities targeted at grades K-5 children. Described in this poster presentation will be preliminary results and observations from a comparison-group study conducted at Inland Leaders Charter School.
Nicolette Niemiec, MS GIS: Using Sentinel-2 Data to Analyze Maritime Patterns in the South China Sea
Abstract: The massiveness of the ocean makes it difficult to obtain detailed information regarding irregular maritime activities, such as ships standing still for days in the deep ocean. With the use of Sentinel-2 satellite images, AIS data, and an emphasis on remote sensing, a desktop application was created to alert the user of abnormal ship behavior in oceanic areas. The objective of this project was to analyze the identification and classification of ships to produce an improved understanding of nautical patterns. The South China Sea was the initial interest to the client due to national security, current territorial claims, and disagreements between the United States and China. The operations of trade, military maneuvers, fisheries, and the surrounding countries depend on the patterns of maritime movements. The feasibility of this application to input images from drone data and output abnormal ship behaviors was also tested.
Alexis Pence, Environmental Science and Mathematics: Distribution and Behavioral Analysis of Marine Mammals Off the Coast of Southern California
Abstract: The Southern California coast is used by humans and marine mammal species, which leads to many potential negative interactions. Heavily populated areas like Dana Point and Avalon have a high amount of boat traffic that affects both migratory and resident marine mammal populations in the area. Many marine mammals found in these areas are already endangered. Through the use of GIS, this project studied the distribution and behavior of various marine mammals in order to assess the impact of humans in Dana Point and Avalon.
Avijit Sarkar, Mehrdad Koohikamali, and James Pick, School of Business: Spatial and Socioeconomic Analysis of Host Participation in the Shared Accommodation Economy – The case of Airbnb in New York City
Abstract: In recent years, disruptive innovation by peer-to-peer shared accommodation platforms such as Airbnb has spurred interest in examining spatial patterns of host participation in the sharing economy. Questions such as who are the sharing economy workers, where are they located, and does their location influence their participation in the sharing economy, are largely unexplored. This paper is the first systematic effort to analyze spatial patterns of host participation in the shared accommodation-based economy. Using three different kinds of shared accommodations listed over a 3-year period in the popular short-term accommodation platform, Airbnb, spatial dimensions and socioeconomic antecedents of host participation are examined in a major U.S. market, New York City. Results confirm host participation to be associated with young dependency ratio, potential of supplemental income, as well as the sustainability potential of collaborative consumption but not so much with trust. These results add new insights to limited prior knowledge about the sharing economy worker and have policy implications.
Lei Lani Stelle, Biology: Common Dolphins Living in Sympatry: Does habitat partitioning explain the coexistence of short-beaked (Delphinus delphis) and long-beaked (Delphinus capensis) common dolphins in Southern California, USA?
Abstract: Our research goal was to determine how two different species: short-beaked (Delphinus delphis) and long-beaked (Delphinus capensis) common dolphins, are able to live in sympatry. Sightings were recorded year-round from both transects and opportunistic surveys off Southern California. From July 2012 to November, 2016, a total of 552 pods of common dolphins were recorded. GIS analysis of all sighting locations revealed significant differences in their distribution. Short-beaked common dolphins were found in deeper waters and further from shore than the long-beaked common dolphins. Hotspot analysis revealed significant concentrations nearshore and at depth transitions for both species, but feeding hot spots were distinctly different between the species. This is the first study to document habitat partitioning between D. delphis and D. capensis in Southern California, which has important implications for management of the two species.
Bruce Stockdale, MS GIS: Machine Reading Jane Eyre
Abstract: We traditionally understand novels by intimately reading page to page. However, many insights can be found by analyzing the text of a novel at a distance. Using machine learning and natural language processing, I am performing a sentiment analysis on the text of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë to visualize the emotional journey the titular character takes throughout the novel. The resulting maps will be used as companion pieces for Dr. Heather King’s English 202: Texts and Contexts course at the University of Redlands.
Tristan Wheeler, Harlan Long, and Joseph Widuch, Environmental Science: Does Elevation Impact Growth Response to Precipitation in Jeffrey Pines?
Abstract: Trees are a gold mine for understanding an area’s past climate history. In this experiment, we cored ten trees at two different locations varying in elevation. We hypothesized that tree growth is limited by precipitation at low elevation but temperature at high elevation. Continually, tree growth would be less sensitive to fluctuations in climate near the meadow. The tool used to test our hypothesis was a tree-core drill that was hand screwed into the trunk of the tree. The tree cores were brought back to lab to be dried out, mounted on a wooden frame, and sanded down. From there, we used a digital microscope to measure the width of each individual ring. Once all the tree ring data was analyzed, we examined the results to see if the trees displayed similarities between fast and slow growth years in relation to historical precipitation records. After analysis, we saw very little correlation of tree ring growth at each site to past precipitation data. Jeffery Pines at lower elevation showed more variation in growth in relation to precipitation.
Michael Adami, Environmental Business: Panamapping: Mapping to Conserve the Rainforest
Abstract: University of Redlands students collaborated with the Mamoní Valley Preserve (MVP) on a carbon sequestration analysis in Panama. The MVP manages its resources with market-based conservation strategies and ongoing student mapping activities help managers estimate the impact of their work. Students were exposed to comparative approaches to conservation, using cutting-edge conservation techniques including data collection with UAVs, mobile mapping devices, and camera traps. Students generated, analyzed, and displayed data crucial for conservation activities, making presentations to key stakeholders on the preserve’s conservation activities.
Shayla Funk, Environmental Science and Public Policy: Urban Water Federal Partnership LA River Project
Abstract: This app inventories projects, visualizes the spatial distribution of Urban Waters and LA River revitalization efforts, and tells a compelling story of the Urban Water Federal Partnership (UWFP). Collaboration from multiple organization, NGOs and governmental agencies helped create the communication tool for the LA River revitalization efforts.
Cesar Garrido Lecca, MS GIS: GIS for Rapid Health Assessment. From Collection to Analysis after a disaster
Abstract: After an emergency, government health agencies must carefully decide on the strategy they will use to respond effectively. Part of this strategy is to determine which places will be prioritized for aid. To do this it is necessary to evaluate the real impact of the problem. A GIS framework for Rapid Health Assessment shows a dramatic improvement in time and complexity of information collection and analysis, as well as giving agencies a real-time situational awareness for effective decision making.
John Glover, History: Climate Change, Violence, and Migration in 11th Century West Africa
Abstract: My story map analyzes the spatial relationships between historical climate change and violence in the migrations of the Lebu from the Hodh region of modern Mauritania to the Senegal River valley in the 11th century. I constructed two maps that portray the climate zones/biomes as the existed at the beginning of the century during the end of a wet period and at the end of the century by which time a severe dry period had begun. Within these maps, I located archaeological sites associated with the Lebu, battle sites, and political borders and paleochannels that may have served as migration routes. The results show moving frontiers of violence over the century that align well with the southern progression of the desert edge and the routes taken by the Lebu toward the Senegal River.
Elamar Hienrich, Environmental Science/ SPA/ HAST:Forming a Passion for GIS (SPA Portfolio in Story Map format)
Abstract: I will be presenting my SPA Portfolio which entails 3 of the projects I have completed here at the University of Redlands during my SPA minor. The projects I have chosen to include were ones where i worked to map local produce areas along with income and population, Using NDVI to determine meadow health, and lastly what to do in Redlands for visiting and prospective students.
Alexis Jimenez Maldonado, Religious Studies:Hospitals Along the Silk Road
Abstract: "The word “hospital” comes from the Latin word “Hospes”, which translates to “guest”. In its earliest usage, a hospital was a place where guests (the ill) were housed. Hospitals along the Silk Road in ancient times didn't look the way that modern hospitals do now—Often, they branched off or out of a place of worship as monastics were the frontline of medicine during a time and place where travelers were limited in options and recourses for treatment. Knowing this, monastics would use this opportunity to spread their religious message—contributing to much of the spread of ideas that dominated this era of ancient globalization.
Johannes Moenius, Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis: The Robots Are Coming: How Automation Will Affect Your City’s Economy
Abstract: According to an Oxford University study by Frey and Osborn (2017), more than 50% of all US jobs are susceptible to automation within the next two decades. Robots, which have previously been confined to the manufacturing sector, are now entering the service sector, where 90% of employees in the US work. This story map allows you to explore how much jobs in your region or (zip code) are susceptible to automation.
Johannes Moenius, Anshu Kishore, and Serene Ong, Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis: An Economic Atlas of India
Abstract: The data provided by the Census of India in 2011, offer us a window to view and understand how equal or unequal India is evolving to change its status from a developing country to a developed country. The purpose of this atlas is to provide an overview of the socioeconomic conditions in India at the district level through the data provided by the Census of 2011.
Kavita Morad, MS GIS: Surge Management
Abstract: Medical surge management aims to provide adequate medical assessment in the events that exceed the limits of the normal medical infrastructure. Based on the solution proposed by Esri’s Health and Human Service, this project develops a surge management tool that analyzes the impact of scenarios, allocates the resources, and develops potential response plans. This tool helps the decision-makers improve medical emergency preparedness. It helps medical officers to plan and manage resources before and at the time of event.
Karisa Schroeder and Scott Daly, MBA-Location Analytics: Airbnb Premier: Ile-de-France, Paris; A GIS Business Proposal
Abstract: The purpose of this GIS research project is to identify listings for Airbnb Paris that would be applicable for an Airbnb Premier service. The project explored how Airbnb could expand its business model from couch-surfing to quality-guaranteed listings by use of GIS technology. The project analyzed public data to evaluate the market value of listings, perceived value based on reviews, and spatial analysis based on the proximity to popular vacation spots, hotel services, and metro lines. By using Tableau and ArcGIS software, the project determined three areas to focus which include Buttes-Montmartre, Popincourt, and Vaugirard.
Blythe Spendlove, MS GIS: A Web GIS for Prioritizing Wetlands
Abstract: In conservation, decision makers need to prioritize efforts given limitations of time and budget. To this end, this project is helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) perform a prioritization analysis on wetlands in California, in order to rank wetlands according to importance. This analysis on wetland priorities aims to identify key USFWS priorities and then accurately integrate them into an analysis. The analysis will alter be integrated into a web-based geoprocesssing tool that allows USFWS employees to repeat the prioritization analysis with different weights of importance for the various data layers.
