Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management E-Book

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 672

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding and implementing sustainable resource development strategies, as it covers the crucial first stage of assessing resource availability and condition, along with the use of modern geospatial technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, and GPS for surveying, mapping, and monitoring various resources for global environmental protection and sustainable development.

The first step in developing a sustainable resource strategy is assessing the availability and condition of resources. This involves evaluating baseline levels, identifying trends, and understanding their consequences. Mitigation policies are then developed based on this assessment. Modern geospatial technologies like Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) offer powerful tools for surveying, mapping, and monitoring both renewable and nonrenewable resources. These technologies support global environmental protection, disaster management, and sustainable development by providing repetitive and global data. GPS provides accurate geographic coordinates, while GIS allows visualization, analysis, and decision-making through spatial data, enabling the study of complex environmental and natural resource challenges at various scales.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Table of Contents

Series Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 Hydro-Chemical Characterization and Geospatial Analysis of Groundwater for Drinking and Agriculture Usage in Bhandara District, Central India

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Study Area

1.3 Methodology

1.4 Results and Discussion

1.5 Conclusion

References

2 Technology-Driven Approaches to Enhance Disaster Response and Recovery

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Early Warning Systems

2.3 Emergency Communication and Information Management

2.4 Geospatial Technologies for Situational Awareness

2.5 Data Analytics and Decision Support Systems

2.6 Conclusion

References

3 Integrating Sustainable Development Goals with the Management of Natural and Technological Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction

3.1 Introduction

3.2 SD and SDGs

3.3 Conclusion

References

4 Hydrological and Morphometric Study of the Girna River Basin, Maharashtra Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Study Area

4.3 Database and Methodology

4.4 Results and Discussion

4.5 Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

5 A Geospatial Analysis of the Effect of Waste Disposal on Groundwater Quality in Ife North Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Study Area

5.3 Materials and Methods

5.4 Results and Discussion

Conclusion

References

6 Enhancing Sustainable Natural Resource Management Through Innovative Use of Waste Materials in Concrete Production

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Data Collection and Methodology

6.3 Results and Analysis

6.4 Conclusion

References

7 Dynamics of Land Use/Land Cover of Watershed Changes in Kolhapur District Maharashtra

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Study Area

7.3 Methodology

7.4 Results and Discussion

7.5 Conclusion

References

8 Formulation and Mapping of GIS-Based Smart Village Plan Using Drone Imagery

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Study Area

8.3 Materials and Methods

8.4 Results and Discussion

8.5 Conclusion

References

9 Varanasi’s Land Mosaic: A Geospatial Analysis for Peri-Urban Area Planning and Management

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Description of Study Area, Data Source, and Methods

9.3 Results and Discussion

9.4 Conclusion

References

10 Human Resource Influences on Online Shopping Behavior: Factors, Preferences, and Satisfaction Among Consumers in North Bengal, India

Introduction

Influences of Human Resource on Online Shopping Behavior

Database and Methodology

Factor Analysis

Importance-Performance Analysis

Result

Demographic Profile of Online Shopping Adopters and Non-Adopters

Factors of Using Online Shopping

Consumer Satisfaction on Online Shopping Attributes

Discussion

Conclusion

References

11 Tourism and Protected Areas in India—A Symbiotic Relationship

Introduction

Methodology

Constitutional and Legislative Framework with Respect to Tourism Management in PAs of India

Conclusion

References

12 Diatoms from Indian Himalaya (Renuka Lake) Responses to 20th Century Global Warming and Climate Change

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Study Area

12.3 Material and Methods

12.4 Results

12.5 Discussion

12.6 Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References

13 Beas Basin Snow Area Health Monitoring Utilizing Remote Sensing with Elevation Zones and Aspect

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Materials and Methods

13.3 Results and Discussions

13.4 Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References

14 Evaluation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Godavari Sub‑Basin Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS

14.1 Introduction

14.2 Study Area and Location

14.3 Material and Methodology

14.4 Results and Discussion

14.5 Conclusion

References

15 Analyzing the Trend of LULC Change Over Five Decades in Dhanbad District, Jharkhand (India) Using Geospatial Techniques

15.1 Introduction

15.2 Materials and Methods

15.3 Results and Discussion

15.4 Limitations and Future Scope

15.5 Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

16 Assessing Land Susceptibility to Degradation and Sustainability Challenges for Siddharthnagar District, Uttar Pradesh

16.1 Introduction

16.2 Material and Methods

16.3 Results and Discussion

16.4 Spatial Disparities in Land Susceptibility to Degradation

16.5 Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

17 Examining Socio-Economic Realities and Challenges in West Bengal’s Labor Force: A Case Study

17.1 Introduction

17.2 Review of Literature

17.3 Aims and Objectives

17.4 Study Area

17.5 Data Source and Methodology

17.6 Analysis and Discussions

17.7 Conclusions

Acknowledgments

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

Funding

References

18 Reviving the Spiritual Heartland: Enhancing Cultural Tourism in Kushinagar Through SWOT Analysis

18.1 Introduction

18.2 Study Area

18.3 Objectives

18.4 Methodology

18.5 Results and Discussion

18.6 Conclusion and Recommendations

References

Index

Also of Interest

End User License Agreement

List of Tables

Chapter 1

Table 1.1 Rainfall statistics (1971-2013).

Table 1.2 Decision matrix of the selected water quality parameter.

Table 1.3 Groundwater samples for drinking based.

Table 1.4 Groundwater for irrigation based on EC.

Chapter 2

Table 2.1 Outlining the different technologies and their applications in disas...

Chapter 4

Table 4.1 Formulae to calculate various parameters for the morphometric analys...

Table 4.2 Linear parameter of the Girna River Basin.

Table 4.3 Stream lengths of the Girna River Basin.

Table 4.4 Stream length ratio of the Girna River Basin.

Table 4.5 Bifurcation ratio of the Girna River Basin.

Table 4.6 Areal parameter of the Girna River Basin.

Table 4.7 Relief parameter of the Girna River Basin.

Table 4.8 Morphometric parameters of the Girna River Basin.

Chapter 5

Table 5.1 The comparison between WHO (WHO, 2009) standard and the concentratio...

Table 5.2 Change in concentration of selected chemical variables away from dum...

Chapter 6

Table 6.1 Composition of concrete mixes.

Chapter 7

Table 7.1 Talukawise distribution of watersheds in study area.

Table 7.2 Land use statistics of watershed KR 55.

Table 7.3 Land use statistics of watershed KR 63.

Table 7.4 Land use statistics of watershed KR 64.

Table 7.5 Land use statistics of watershed KR 66.

Table 7.6 Land use statistics of watershed KR 71.

Table 7.7 Land use statistics of watershed KR 77.

Chapter 8

Table 8.1 Infrastructure matrix of the village.

Chapter 9

Table 9.1 Used landscape metrics.

Table 9.2 Accuracy assessment matrix of land use/land cover.

Table 9.3 Land use/land cover conversion statistics.

Table 9.4 Statistics of converted land use/land cover classes (1972–2020).

Chapter 10

Table 10.1 Online shoppers vs non-shoppers: demographics.

Table 10.2 Consumer preferences on the category of items in online shopping.

Table 10.3 KMO and Bartlett’s test.

Table 10.4 Total variance explained.

Table 10.5 Rotated component matrix.

Table 10.6 Formation of factors.

Table 10.7 Gap analysis between importance and performance among the different...

Chapter 11

Table 11.1 Protected areas in India.

Chapter 13

Table 13.1 Sources and description of the input variables used for the study.

Table 13.2 Detailed information about the area of Beas basin in different elev...

Table 13.3 Distribution of SCA (%) on monthly basis in elevation zone (2,000 m...

Table 13.4 Change of SCA % (per 100 m height) during April–September (ablation...

Table 13.5 Maximum and minimum monthly computed average SCA % for Beas basin i...

Table 13.6 Pearson correlation coefficient values for direction in two consecu...

Chapter 14

Table 14.1 Slope gradient and category wise area distribution.

Table 14.2 Geomorphology category.

Table 14.3 Geomorphology area and category.

Table 14.4 Drainage density category.

Table 14.5 Lineament density and category.

Table 14.6 Rank and AHP rating and weights for the different parameters of the...

Table 14.7 Groundwater potential zone category.

Table 14.8 Central ground water board (Source: CGWB).

Chapter 15

Table 15.1 Specification of Landsat satellite images.

Table 15.2 Maximum and minimum NDVI values.

Table 15.3 NDVI threshold values adapted.

Table 15.4 Area under different LULC categories with respective percentages of...

Table 15.5 Magnitude Change (MC) and Percentage Change (PC) of each LULC class...

Table 15.6 Summary of producer’s accuracy.

Table 15.7 Summary of user’s accuracy.

Table 15.8 Overall accuracy and kappa values.

Chapter 16

Table 16.1 Different indicators, their susceptibility and area under different...

Table 16.2 Land susceptibility to degradation in Siddharthnagar District.

Chapter 17

Table 17.1 Correlation matrix of socioeconomic indicators of West Bengal.

Table 17.2 Main workers engaged in various fields in the study area.

Chapter 18

Table 18.1 Cultural places in Kushinagar district.

Table 18.2 Year-wise tourist arrival. Source: U.P. Tourism.

Table 18.3 SWOT matrix.

List of Illustrations

Chapter 1

Figure 1.1 Study area.

Figure 1.2 Two types of distribution patters with different skewness.

Figure 1.3 Three types of distribution patterns with different kurtosis values...

Figure 1.4 Flow chart of methodology.

Figure 1.5 Piper diagram.

Figure 1.6 Linear regression analysis (a) Bhandara, (b) Lakhandur, (c) Lakhani...

Figure 1.7 Rainfall distribution: (a) pre-monsoon rainfall, (b) monsoon rainfa...

Figure 1.8 Drought rainfall (a) 1972, (b) 1974, (c) 1979, (d) 1984, (e) 1996, ...

Figure 1.9 Heavy rainfall (a) 1975, (b) 1990, (c) 1994, (d) 2003, and (e) 2013...

Figure 1.10 Piper graph.

Chapter 4

Figure 4.1 Location map of the Girna River Basin.

Figure 4.2 Stream order map of the Girna River Basin watershed.

Figure 4.3 Drainage density map of the Girna River Basin watershed.

Figure 4.4 Stream frequency map of the Girna River Basin watershed.

Figure 4.5 Absolute relief map of the Girna River Basin watershed.

Figure 4.6 Gradient ratio map of Girna River Basin Watershed.

Chapter 5

Figure 5.1 Map of the study area.

Figure 5.2 Map showing the location of the sampled points (1–9).

Figure 5.3 A typical vunerable groundwater source in the study area.

Figure 5.4 pH at different distances in (a) Ipetumodu, (b) Moro, and (c) Yakoy...

Figure 5.5 Conductivity at different distances in (a) Ipetumodu, (b) Moro, and...

Figure 5.6 TDS at different distances in (a) Ipetumodu, (b) Moro, and (c) Yako...

Figure 5.7 Concentration of lead at different distances in the different towns...

Figure 5.8 Concentration of copper in groundwater at different distances from ...

Figure 5.9 Amount of iron concentration at different distances from the dumpsi...

Figure 5.10 Amount of sulfate concentration in the groundwater at different di...

Figure 5.11 The buffering of the wellpoints in Moro at 25 m distance.

Figure 5.12 The buffering of the wellpoints in Ipetumodu at 25 m distance.

Figure 5.13 The buffering of the wellpoints in Yakoyo at 25 m distance.

Chapter 6

Figure 6.1 Compressive strengths at 28 days.

Figure 6.2 Tensile strengths at 28 days.

Figure 6.3 Workability (Slump Test results).

Figure 6.4 Compaction Factor Test results.

Chapter 7

Figure 7.1 Location map of the study area.

Figure 7.2 Land use land cover pattern in watersheds KR 55, KR 63, and KR 64.

Figure 7.3 Land use pattern in watershed KR 55.

Figure 7.4 Land use pattern in watershed KR 63.

Figure 7.5 Land use pattern in watershed KR 64.

Figure 7.6 Land use land cover pattern in watersheds KR 66 and 71.

Figure 7.7 Land use pattern in watershed KR 66.

Figure 7.8 Land use pattern in watershed KR 71.

Figure 7.9 Land use land cover pattern in watershed KR 77.

Figure 7.10 Land use pattern in watershed KR 77.

Chapter 8

Figure 8.1 Geographical location of Dungarpur Reelka village.

Figure 8.2 Methodology workflow.

Figure 8.3 Condition of water infrastructure in villages.

Figure 8.4 Sewage and drainage conditions in villages.

Figure 8.5 The sanitation system in villages.

Figure 8.6 Electric meter, solar street light, and transformer.

Figure 8.7 Garbage dumped on vacant land.

Figure 8.8 Road infrastructure in villages.

Figure 8.9 Utility map of Dungarpur Reelka village.

Figure 8.10 Private health center.

Figure 8.11 Primary education infrastructure of villages.

Figure 8.12 An Anganwadi facility in villages.

Figure 8.13 Existing land use and landcover of Dungarpur Reelka village.

Figure 8.14 Base map of Dungarpur Reelka village.

Figure 8.15 Relief map of Dungarpur Reelka village.

Figure 8.16 Flowchart of I-CHAUPAL.

Figure 8.17 Solid waste management network.

Figure 8.18 The schematic diagram for solid waste management.

Figure 8.19 Flow chart showing the process of bio-methanation.

Figure 8.20 Flow chart showing water supply network.

Figure 8.21 Flowchart showing stormwater drainage network.

Figure 8.22 Process of a drinking water RWH.

Figure 8.23 Flow chart of sewage network.

Figure 8.24 Proposed map of Dungarpur Reelka village.

Chapter 9

Figure 9.1 Location of Varanasi City.

Figure 9.2 Methodology flow chart.

Figure 9.3 Spatiotemporal land use land cover pattern in the study area (from ...

Figure 9.4 Class areas of different land use/land cover in the study area (197...

Figure 9.5 Gain and loss in areas of different land use/land cover classes in ...

Figure 9.6 Percentage of landscape (PLAND) pattern of different land use/land ...

Figure 9.7 Number of patches (NP) in different land use/land cover (1972–2020)...

Figure 9.8 Mean patch sizes (MPSs) of different land use/land cover classes (1...

Chapter 10

Figure 10.1 Methodological framework.

Figure 10.2 Importance-performance analysis of online shopping attributes.

Chapter 12

Figure 12.1 Location and geological map of the Renuka Lake (study area).

Figure 12.2

210

Pbex (dpm/g) and

137

Cs activities with a 1963 peak (dpm/g) in t...

Figure 12.3 Relative abundance of the diatoms in the Renuka Lake.

Figure 12.4 Diatom and Chrysophycean cyst records from Renuka Lake in comparis...

Chapter 13

Figure 13.1 Map of Beas Basin.

Figure 13.2 (1) DEM of Beas Basin, (2) Map of Beas Basin visible as MODIS band...

Figure 13.3 Methodology of proposed work.

Figure 13.4 (a) 14 Elevation zones Map of Beas Basin; (b) Map of Beas Basin lo...

Figure 13.5 NDSI Map of the Beas basin from August 2021 to December 2021 and J...

Figure 13.6 Monthly mean SCA in km

2

variation for 22 years from August 2000 to...

Figure 13.7 Comparison of Pearson correlation coefficient values plotted for a...

Figure 13.8 Comparison of monthly mean SCA in km

2

variation in three elevation...

Chapter 14

Figure 14.1 Location map of the study area.

Figure 14.2 Slope map of study area.

Figure 14.3 Graphical representation of the slope of the study area.

Figure 14.4 Geomorphology map.

Figure 14.5 Graphical representation of geomorphology of study area.

Figure 14.6 Stream order with lineament.

Figure 14.7 Drainage density map.

Figure 14.8 Graphical representation of lineament density of study area.

Figure 14.9 Graphical representation of drainage density of study area.

Figure 14.10 Groundwater potential zone of the study area.

Figure 14.11 Graphical representation of groundwater potential zone.

Chapter 15

Figure 15.1 Location map of study area.

Figure 15.2 Methodology flowchart.

Figure 15.3a–e NDVI maps of the study area.

Figure 15.4(a–e) LULC maps of Dhanbad District 1972–2019.

Figure 15.5 LULC classes in percentages at different periods.

Figure 15.6 Comparative chart.

Figure 15.7 Trend line graphs for LULC classes.

Chapter 16

Figure 16.1 Location of the study area. Source: Prepared by the authors based ...

Figure 16.2 Data source and methodology. Source: Prepared by the authors.

Figure 16.3 Land susceptibility indicators and level of susceptibility. Source...

Figure 16.4 Land susceptibility to degradation in Siddharthnagar District. Sou...

Chapter 17

Figure 17.1 Location map. Source: Prepared by the authors.

Figure 17.2 Source: Statistical Abstract of West Bengal, 2015 (25 Defense fact...

Chapter 18

Figure 18.1 Location map of Kushinagar district.

Figure 18.2 Map showing cultural places in Kushinagar district.

Figure 18.3 Cultural places in Kushinagar district.

Figure 18.4 Year-wise tourist arrival.

Figure 18.5 Total tourist arrival.

Figure 18.6 FTAs according to mode of transport (2021). Source: India tourism ...

Guide

Cover Page

Table of Contents

Series Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Begin Reading

Index

Also of Interest

WILEY END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

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Scrivener Publishing100 Cummings Center, Suite 541JBeverly, MA 01915-6106

Publishers at ScrivenerMartin Scrivener ([email protected])Phillip Carmical ([email protected])

Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management

Edited by

Shruti Kanga

Gowhar Meraj

Suraj Kumar Singh

Majid Farooq

and

M. S. Nathawat

This edition first published 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA and Scrivener Publishing LLC, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 541J, Beverly, MA 01915, USA© 2024 Scrivener Publishing LLCFor more information about Scrivener publications please visit www.scrivenerpublishing.com.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

ISBN 978-1-394-16636-7

Front cover images supplied by Adobe FireflyCover design by Russell Richardson

Preface

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where discussions around the health of our planet have taken center stage, the significance of intertwining technological advancements with sustainability efforts cannot be understated. It is against this backdrop that Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management emerges, a collaborative effort by a distinguished panel of professionals who have dedicated significant parts of their careers to the fields of geography, technology, and environmental studies. This pivotal work unravels the intricate world of geo-informatics—a field that has been gaining momentum due to its potential to change the way we view and interact with our environment. The core tenet of the book is simple yet profound: for any sustainable development efforts to be truly effective, a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s diverse resources is indispensable. Beyond merely cataloging these resources, the book argues for a dynamic approach. This involves a cyclical evaluation, where resources are not only identified but are also assessed in terms of their current states, potential risks, and appropriate management interventions. The optimism around such a robust assessment process is largely fueled by technological innovations that have emerged over recent decades. Remote sensing (RS), for instance, is heralded in the book as a game changer. The sheer breadth and depth of data that RS can collect—spanning different geographical terrains and spectral ranges—are invaluable. It offers transformative insights, whether it is in predicting agricultural yields or devising strategies for disaster risk reduction. India, a country with an expansive and diverse geographical landscape, provides compelling case studies. The book highlights how the nation has leveraged RS, among other technologies, to gather and analyze data across multiple dimensions, becoming a benchmark in the global arena. But RS is not the only hero in this story. The global positioning system (GPS), often relegated to being a tool for navigation, emerges in a new light. The book enlightens readers on the broader capabilities of GPS, especially its role in continuously monitoring and documenting subtle shifts and patterns in the Earth’s environment. When this vast pool of data is synthesized using geographic information systems (GIS)—a powerful tool that goes beyond presenting data to offering detailed spatial analyses—the possibilities are limitless. In drawing attention to these technological wonders, the editorial team does more than just present facts. They paint a vision of the future, a world where technology and environmental consciousness coalesce to address some of our most pressing challenges, from environmental degradation to unchecked urban expansion. At its core, Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management stands as a clarion call. It invites its readership, spanning academics, policymakers, practitioners, and even curious individuals, to immerse themselves in the vast potential of geo-informatics. It is not just an academic pursuit; it is a journey towards envisioning and working towards a more sustainable, harmonious world. The volume, in its essence, epitomizes the marriage of technology and environmental studies, making it an essential read for anyone invested in our planet’s future.

Shruti Kanga

Gowhar Meraj

Suraj Kumar Singh

Majid Farooq

M. S. Nathawat

Editors

Acknowledgements

The journey of bringing Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management to life has been akin to crafting a detailed map, each contribution charting a course, and adding depth to the larger narrative. Most importantly, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the authors, who, from various regions of our planet, have brought together their unique experiences, insights, and expertise. Your willingness to share, discuss, and explore has transformed this volume from a dream into a tangible reality. The unsung heroes of any academic endeavor are the reviewers, and we wish to highlight their indispensable role. Their discerning eyes and commitment to excellence ensured that the quality of the study was not compromised. By meticulously navigating through each chapter, their feedback was instrumental in refining, redirecting, and reinforcing collective knowledge. Behind each of us stands a family that has championed our cause, offering unwavering support and countless sacrifices. Their belief in our vision, their patience through absences, and the celebration of our small victories have been the wind beneath our wings. To our mentors, colleagues, and the broader academic community, your engagement and encouragement have been invaluable. Your spirited discussions, shared resources, and enduring belief in the potential of this study have bolstered our determination and drive. We must not overlook the operational backbone: our administrative and logistical teams. Their diligence and dedication have been pivotal in ensuring that every “t” was crossed and every “i” dotted. To our readers, you are the reason this endeavor took shape. As you delve into these pages, our hope is that the passion and purpose with which this book was crafted resonates with you, offering both enlightenment and inspiration. In essence, Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management is not just the product of its editors and contributors; it is a collective masterpiece shaped by every hand that touched it, every mind that engaged with it, and every heart that believed in it. For this symphony of collaboration, we remain profoundly grateful.

Shruti Kanga

Gowhar Meraj

Suraj Kumar Singh

Majid Farooq

M. S. Nathawat

Editors

Saturday, 28 October 2023

Introduction

In today’s world, it is more important than ever to understand the relationship between the environment and technology. The opening chapters of Geospatial Technology for Natural Resource Management showcase the depth of this understanding. These chapters set the stage for the book’s broader discussions about the marriage of technology and nature, the value of data in decision-making, and the urgent need for sustainable practices. Urban growth is not just about the rise of cities; it is about balancing growth with available resources. As cities expand, they face challenges such as sustaining the environment, using land wisely, finding energy sources, and ensuring water supply. This section of the book explores these challenges and emphasizes the importance of a balanced, sustainable approach to urban development. Water systems, from lakes and rivers to underground reserves, tell a story about our planet’s health and changes. By examining these systems, we learn more about broader topics like climate change, changing patterns of snow, and the potential of groundwater. The chapters dedicated to this topic highlight the complexity of these water systems and emphasize their value and importance to the environment. As we continue in the 21st century, it becomes even more crucial to study our surroundings and understand how they are changing. Many of these changes come from human actions and they can influence both the environment and society. This collection of studies uses tools like geospatial techniques and surveys to better understand these changes. The aim is to offer insights and inspire everyone, from casual readers to policymakers, to work towards preserving and sustaining our world. To further guide the reader, individual prefaces will follow for each chapter. These provide a closer look into the specific topics and research methods of each contribution, offering a clear roadmap for the reader’s journey through the book.

Chapter 1 sets the tone with a comprehensive study on groundwater in the Bhandara district of Central India, emphasizing its importance for agriculture and drinking. By correlating groundwater conditions with rainfall data spanning over four decades, the study paints a vivid picture of how the environment has shifted and what it means for the quality of groundwater. A highlight is the meticulous hydro-chemical characterization and the geospatial analysis techniques employed. In Chapter 2, the focus pivots to the dynamic realm of disaster response and recovery. The author dives into the world of technology, elucidating how innovations such as GIS, UAVs, and data analytics play crucial roles in enhancing disaster management capabilities. The chapter underscores the power of technology to not only respond to disasters but to predict and mitigate their impacts. Chapter 3 ties in the global agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the pressing concerns of natural and technological hazards. Khan’s exploration into this synthesis is both timely and insightful. By identifying the intersections between specific SDGs and disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, the chapter offers a comprehensive roadmap for harmonizing global development objectives with hazard management. Chapter 4 takes us on a journey to the Girna River Basin in Maharashtra, combining hydrological parameters with morphometric analysis. By employing remote sensing and GIS techniques, the study effectively characterizes the river basin’s geomorphological features, shedding light on potential flood risks and the intricate dance between topography and water flow.

In Chapter 5, authors, present a vital study on the geospatial analysis of the effects of waste disposal on groundwater quality within a semi-rural community in Nigeria. As rapid urbanization continues to exert pressure on local ecosystems, understanding the relationship between waste disposal and water quality is crucial. Through laboratory investigations and surveys, the researchers provide quantitative data revealing a correlation between proximity to dumpsites and groundwater contamination. This chapter is a poignant reminder of the immediate threats posed to potable water sources by poor waste management practices and provides valuable insights for policy makers, environmentalists, and the general public. Chapter 6 explores the impact of global construction material demand on natural resources, focusing on sustainable alternatives to sand in concrete. It evaluates the use of marble powder, glass fines, and fly ash as partial substitutes for natural sand. Results show that certain waste material combinations improve concrete properties and reduce environmental impact, highlighting the potential for sustainable construction practices. Chapter 7 explores the dynamics of land use/land cover (LULC) in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur District. The authors employ sophisticated remote sensing techniques and GIS methodologies to trace the watershed’s changes over time. By offering a clear picture of the dominant land uses, such as agriculture and forest cover, the study provides critical data for local planners, environmentalists, and policymakers. The findings have vast implications for sustainable land management in the region.

Chapter 8 examines the use of village maps as tools for regional development planning. It focuses on generating geospatial data for Dungarpur Reelka, India, addressing deficiencies in education, health, and infrastructure. High-resolution images and spatial analysis were used to create thematic layers. The resulting maps could serve as models for other communities. Chapter 9 pivots our attention to the geospatial analysis of land use and its dynamics. The authors present a comprehensive analysis of the land use changes in Varanasi, using sophisticated tools like GIS and landscape metrics. Their findings underscore the challenges faced by policymakers and the ripple effects of urban expansion on peri-urban areas. Chapter 10 investigates the factors influencing online shopping behavior in North Bengal. It analyzes survey data from 700 respondents, identifying comfort, product variety, and cost savings as key drivers. The study highlights the importance of website quality, security, and customer support in enhancing consumer satisfaction and regional development. Chapter 11 explores the relationship between protected areas (PAs) and tourism in India. It reviews the growth and management of PAs, emphasizing their role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The study highlights the need for well-managed, connected, and financed PAs to address climate change and achieve conservation goals.

Chapter 12 immerses readers into the mesmerizing world of diatoms from the Renuka Lake, situated in the Indian Himalaya. By examining sediment cores from the lake, the authors intricately weave together the story of how these microscopic algae have responded to global warming and other climatic alterations over nearly two centuries. The chapter highlights the vulnerability of such freshwater systems to global phenomena, giving readers a nuanced understanding of regional responses to global challenges. Moving from the tranquil waters of a lake to the expansive territories of the Beas Basin in Chapter 13, the narrative shifts focus to the significance of snow cover in shaping hydrological dynamics. Here, the innovative use of remote sensing to monitor snow cover is brought to the forefront. The authors elucidate the intricacies of snow cover health and its ties to atmospheric river flow, seasonal variability, and overall watershed health. This chapter emphasizes the profound influence of snowmelt on riverine systems and the communities that depend on them. Chapter 14 delves deep beneath the surface to explore the hidden world of groundwater in the Godavari Sub-Basin. Groundwater, the silent provider for countless communities, is facing increasing stress due to overexploitation. This chapter employs sophisticated GIS techniques and an analytical hierarchy process to map and evaluate groundwater potential zones. This critical information is indispensable for sustainable management, ensuring that this life-sustaining resource is available for generations to come.

Chapter 15 presents an exhaustive study of the LULC changes in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, India, over a period of five decades. The district, renowned for its Jharia Coalfield, has witnessed drastic LULC alterations chiefly due to coal mining activities, leading to changes not only in the physical landscape but also impacting air and water quality. Leveraging advanced geospatial techniques and satellite imagery, the authors meticulously chart the evolution of this district, shedding light on the anthropogenic forces at play. Moving to the state of Uttar Pradesh in Chapter 16, we find a comprehensive assessment of land susceptibility to degradation in Siddharthnagar district. Recognizing the inherent relationship between the quality of land and agricultural productivity, this chapter probes the reasons and degrees of this susceptibility based on various indicators. The findings of this chapter are crucial for policymakers as they offer insights into the areas requiring immediate attention, ensuring the sustainability and preservation of the region’s land resources. Chapter 17 shifts focus to the urban milieu, emphasizing the critical role played by small and medium cities in the grand tapestry of urbanization. Concentrating on Mirzapur city in Uttar Pradesh, the research paints a vivid picture of the city’s urban restructuring and development patterns over recent decades. By exploring facets like urban housing, transport, civic infrastructure, and more, this chapter offers a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities presented by urban development in medium-sized Indian cities. Finally, Chapter 18 delves into cultural tourism in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, conducting a SWOT analysis to assess its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It reveals tourism trends showing growth until 2018–19, a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a recovery phase in 2021–22. The chapter offers recommendations like developing theme-based tourism circuits and improving infrastructure to enhance Kushinagar’s tourism sector. These strategies aim to enrich visitors’ cultural experiences, promote intercultural dialogue, and boost the local economy.