GIS-based historical time sequence analysis, spatial decision support system: A tool for formerly used defense site (FUDS) characterization and area of concern prioritization

This dissertation documents the research and development of a GIS-based tool that helps facilitate Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) site characterization, and “area of concern” prioritization. This tool has been applied to the Lake Bryant Bombing and Gunnery Range, a 1940s FUDS site located in the Ocala National Forest, Marion County Florida. Many of these formerly active military sites harbor significant quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other hazardous materials. Much of the activity at these sites occurred decades ago, long before environmental regulations mandated detailed record keeping of contamination and disposal events. In many instances, subsequent changes in land use and land cover have obscured all signs of these potential hazards. This tool utilizes historical time sequence analysis to accurately map the location of historical site contamination, and multiple layer terrain analysis to characterize the “present day” use and environmental conditions of the site. These data are then integrated in a spatial decision support system (SDSS) that allows a team of concerned stakeholders to weight the importance of each variable, generate a rank order of the alternatives, and graphically map the resultant group consensus. This facilitates “area of concern” prioritization, identifying areas that should be considered first for additional investigation or remediation. The responsible parties can then target their often-limited human and economic resources on the areas of concern that most deserve immediate attention.