GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

GIS and Remote Sensing in Renewable Energy

GIS and Remote Sensing in Renewable Energy

Introduction

Geographical information system and remote sensing have different applications; renewable energy is one such field that employs GIS and remote sensing applications. Human mind makes decisions based on geography (ESRI, 2010). Through the understanding of people's association with location and by using geography we can create several different choices for the betterment of mankind. Remote sensing involving aerial sensors also includes different applications in renewable energy projects. Many renewable energy projects are under way at many parts of the world that involves GIS and remote sensing applications (Kenan, 2003).

Description

Geographical information sensing is primarily a tool that comprehends geography to make intellectual decisions. An efficient GIS program develops a map by processing geographic data from various sources. Reason for the use of GIS is increased pollution and increased requirements of the sustainable projects (solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass) in the world, GIS can play a very significant role in such projects (Heimiller & Haymes, 2001).

Applications of GIS in renewable energy include ArcGIS Desktop Software, by using this software most appropriate locations for wind farm can be determined, terrain analysis is also possible through GIS based modelling. Besides this GIS also have significant applications in the field of solar energy; tracking the progress of solar installations and calculating the solar potential is among these applications (Baginski, 2001).

Biomass energy also utilizes geographic information system applications; it includes the identification of feedstock supply zones at various distances. GIS technology helps in achieving our objective of locating the best wind areas by causing least impact to the environment and the wildlife. Several Geographic information system projects are designed such a way to perform complicated and sophisticated calculations for the prediction and tracking of erosion patterns and storms (Voivontas ...