Abstract
This study presents a GIS-based predictive habitat suitability model for the blackside dace, a federally-listed threatened species of the Upper Cumberland River basin in southeastern Kentucky. The model is a rules-based system which incorporates expert knowledge about habitat preferences for the species. The five habitat factors identified by experts and included in this model are stream gradient, canopy coverage, riparian vegetation type, riparian zone width, and stream order. Using GIS, the five habitat parameters were parameterized and combined across the entire stream network. Combinations were evaluated by blackside dace experts in terms of habitat suitability. The resulting model was tested against known blackside dace occurrences using locational modeling statistics. This analysis demonstrates success at identifying stream areas of both high and low likelihood of occurrences. Model results could be of particular usefulness to transportation planners in identifying sensitive areas in the landscape that may impact transportation planning.
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
1-2013
Repository Citation
Blandford, Benjamin L.; Ripy, John; Grossardt, Ted H.; Evans, Ryan; and Hines, Sara, "GIS-Based Expert Systems Model for Predicting Habitat Suitability of Blackside Dace" (2013). Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations. 2.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ktc_present/2
Included in
Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons
Notes/Citation Information
A poster presentation at the 92nd Annual Transportation Research Board Meetings in Washington, DC.