International Journal of
Geo-Information Article
Design and Implementation of a Robust Decision Support System for Marine Space Resource Utilization Jing Xie 1 , Shuxiu Liang 1, *, Zhaochen Sun 1 , Jiang Chang 1 and Jianwen Sun 2 1
2
*
State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China;
[email protected] (J.X.);
[email protected] (Z.S.);
[email protected] (J.C.) National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116024, China;
[email protected] Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +86-411-8470-8514
Academic Editors: Bert Veenendaal and Wolfgang Kainz Received: 12 May 2016; Accepted: 1 August 2016; Published: 8 August 2016
Abstract: Increasing coastal space resource utilization (CSRU) activities and their impact on coastal environments has been recognized as a critical coastal zone stressor. Consequently, the need for sustainable and valid CSRU management has been highlighted. In this study, a highly-intelligent prototype decision-aided system for CSRU was developed. In contrast with existing coastal decision-aided systems, this system is aimed at the management of CSRU, providing reliable and dynamic numerical simulation, analysis, and aided decision making for real coastal engineering based on a self-developed fully automatic numerical program. It was established on multi-tier distributed architecture based on Java EE. The most efficient strategies for spatial data organization, automatic coastal numerical programs, and impact assessment modules are demonstrated. In addition, its integrated construction involving the addition of a new coastal project on the webpage, its one-click numerical prediction of coastal environmental impacts, assessments based on numerical results, and its aided decision-making capabilities are addressed. The system was applied to Ningbo Sea, China, establishing the Ningbo CSRU Decision Support System. Two projects were demonstrated: one reclamation project and one land-based outlet planning case. Results indicated that these projects had detrimental effects on local coastal environments. Therefore, the approvals of these projects were not recommended. Keywords: coastal management; decision support system; space resource utilization; automatic numerical simulation; coastal environmental impact
1. Introduction Increasing human activities in coastal zones require integrated coastal zone management (ICZM). Many protocols, approaches, and tools for ICZM application (e.g., Wang et al. [1], Deboudt et al. [2], Wheeler et al. [3], Prem [4], Areizage et al. [5], Rochette and Bille [6]) have been developed since its importance was discussed during the Stockholm Conference in 1972 [7,8]. Among these, Deboudt et al. [2] systematically expounded the three phases in the development of ICZM in France. Many new tools have been created to improve the implementation of French ICZM strategies since 2001. Recently, improved Geographic Information System (GIS) and Decision Support System (DSS) technologies have been integrated into ICZM, and many coastal management systems have been explored using different functions. A GIS-based ICZM system has been designed and established for managing different kinds of data and information involving land and water environments, as well as sharing [9]. The Guangdong coastal zone sustainable development DSS has been established to promote harmonious ecological and social development in Guangdong, China [10]. Rodríguez et al. has presented GIS applications for ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5, 140; doi:10.3390/ijgi5080140
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coastal hazards, shoreline evolution, and coastal sand dune evolution in different areas of the Spanish littoral zone [11]. Studies published over the last decade have demonstrated the effectiveness of GIS systems in coastal information management, coastal environmental monitoring and prediction, coastal disaster warning, coastal fisheries, and comprehensive improvement of coastal zones. In coastal information management, the Integrated Ocean Observing System was established to monitor the variability of coastal waters and estuaries in the United States [12]. In China, a multisource spatial data management system developed by Du et al. has provided intelligent information analysis and technology services for coastal zone and offshore investigation and management [13]. Red ACOMAR Canarias [14] is a typical application used in coastal environmental monitoring and prediction. Coastal disaster warning is an important feature of a coastal management system; current data have been considered to create contingency plans in order to minimize environmental risks. Data assimilation modelling developed by Copeland & Thiam-Yew has been used to assess risks of oil landfalls [15]. The Quanzhou coastal zone disaster system [16] has achieved effective monitoring and early warning of marine calamity. In coastal fisheries, Riolo [17] developed an innovative fishery GIS to analyze and visualize temporal and spatial patterns of the longline fishery in the American Samoa. In China, fishing efficiency and sustainable fisheries development in the South China Sea [18] were improved via a fisheries information dynamic collection and real-time automatic analysis system. With the development of a prototype, the Digital Sea of China, coastal management systems entered a new development stage [19]. The implementation of the ChongMing Dongtan coastal ecosystem management platform through simulating future ecological conditions dramatically promoted local social economic and ecological development [20]. MarineMap, developed by Merrifield et al. [21], was easily implemented in the design of marine protected areas and significantly contributed to the further development of broader tools and approaches for coastal and marine spatial planning. In addition, Gourmelon et al. [22] developed a dynamic GIS and used both capture data and contaminant participatory workshops to promote ICZM. Such systems have therefore played important roles during the practice of ICZM. Coastal space resource utilization (CSRU) is an important component of marine resource exploitation and utilization. It significantly contributes to the development of marine and social economies in coastal zones. However, the environmental impact of CSRU activities on coastal ecosystems and resources cannot be ignored. Long-term and large-scale CSRU activities have degraded coastal environments over time. Sustainable and effective CSRU management, as the main component of ICZM, is critical for harmonious economic development and environmental protection in regional coastal zones. Previously, coastal numerical models were employed to simulate and forecast the changes in coastal environments caused by CSRU activities. However, due to the complexity of modeling, it is often difficult to perform, even for a skilled user. In contrast, decision-making in CSRU management largely depends on the marine environmental impact assessment report drafted by individuals or groups. Decision-makers and stakeholders are unable to perform simulation, analysis, and assessment of marine environmental change alone. In China, the importance and urgency of ICZM was clearly stated in the 2015 National Marine Meeting, and the requirement for the management and control of CSRU was highlighted. Therefore, a special decision-aided system, aimed at CSRU management and decision-aided making, needs to be developed. Spatial and non-spatial data should be utilized to describe the status of coastal environments, coupled with coastal numerical models for simulating the changes in coastal environments caused by CSRU activities. We focused on the development of a highly sophisticated decision support system for coastal space resource utilization (CSRU-DSS) that assists coastal zone manager and stakeholder decision making in the management of CSRU. This paper presents the design and implementation of this CSRU-DSS, established on multi-tier distributed architecture. It describes in detail how the system can provide dynamic numerical simulation, analysis, and assessments for potential CSRU development scenarios. In addition, a case study utilizing the system is presented.
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2. Methods ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5, 140
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2.1. CSRU-DSS 2. Methods Architecture The CSRU-DSS was established according to a Web GIS-based methodology. Spatial and 2.1. CSRU-DSS Architecture non-spatial data were applied to mapping, and coastal numerical models were used for forecasting. The CSRU-DSS was established according to a Web GIS-based methodology. Spatial and nonNational standards were employed to analyze and make assessments using numerical results. spatial data were applied to mapping, and coastal numerical models were used for forecasting. The CSRU-DSS possesses the basic functions of common coastal GIS, such as coastal data management, National standards were employed to analyze and make assessments using numerical results. The display, retrieval, query,the and statistical through of data inmanagement, a coastal spatial CSRU-DSS possesses basic functionsanalysis, of common coastal the GIS,collation such as coastal data database. Furthermore, it is capable of a series of functions responses to acoastal display, retrieval, query, and statistical analysis, through for thetimely collation of data in coastalenvironment spatial changes caused by a new coastal project. distinctive functions include automatic modeling, database. Furthermore, it is capable of aThe series of functions for timely responses to coastal environment changes caused by a new coastalchange project. assessment, The distinctive functions include automatic numerical simulation, analysis, environment and improved decision making. modeling, numerical simulation, analysis, environment change assessment, and improved decision Figure 1 displays the functional structure of the system. A dynamic functional module and a static making. Figure with 1 displays thesub-modules functional structure of thedesigned system. Ainto dynamic functional andin the functional module several have been the system. Themodule modules a static functional module with several sub-modules have been designed into the system. The dynamic function module interact with each other. The forecasting module obtains necessary project modules in the dynamic function module interact with each other. The forecasting module obtains data from the project-management module and provides numerical results to the assessment module. necessary project data from the project-management module and provides numerical results to the These are required for the decision making module. In contrast, the modules in the static functional assessment module. These are required for the decision making module. In contrast, the modules in module are independent. the static functional module are independent. Definition of a new project Project management
Operation of a project file Display of a historic project Hydrodynamic-sediment simulation
Forecasting
Dynamic Functional Modules
Contaminant transport simulation Visualization of numerical results Assessment model of hydrodynamic environment
Assessment Assessment model of seawater quality
Drawing of numerical results
C S R U | D S S
Decision making
Analysis of numerical results Generation of a decision-aided report Users management
Background management
Spatial data management
Non-spatial data management Browse and operation of a map Static Functional Modules
Browse and query
Query of coastal geo-information
Browse of beach evolution Browse, query and analysis of sea use planning
Help system
Figure 1. Functional modules of the CSRU-DSS.
Figure 1. Functional modules of the CSRU-DSS.
In most of the existing coastal decision-aided systems, numerical models are stationary with a fixed computational domain and grid system. However, in a CSRU-DSS, themodels coastlineare will be altered with In most of the existing coastal decision-aided systems, numerical stationary and the numerical models are required to adapt to these changes. Therefore, this system needs to be a fixed computational domain and grid system. However, in a CSRU-DSS, the coastline will be altered dynamic. According to the above requirements, this CSRU-DSS was established on a multi-tier and the numerical models are required to adapt to these changes. Therefore, this system needs to be dynamic. According to the above requirements, this CSRU-DSS was established on a multi-tier
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distributed architecture based on Java EE (Figure 2). Layer I is the map-service-based information distributedlayer architecture Java EE (Figure 2). Layer I is thetomap-service-based expression for users.based It hason a simple and user-friendly interface display results, andinformation to provide expression layer for users. It has a simple and user-friendly interface to display results, and functions and services. In addition, controls have been added for sending requests to LayertoII.provide Layer and services. addition, controlsahave added for sendingand requests to Layerapplication II. Layer II IIfunctions is the business logicInlayer comprising webbeen application sublayer a business is the business logic layer comprisingand a web application sublayer respectively. and a businessThe application sublayer sublayer storing web applications business applications, web application storing web applications and business applications, respectively. The web application sublayer delivers sublayer delivers a function request derived from Layer I to the business application sublayer. A a functionbusiness request function derived from Layer I tobythe sublayer. A complete business complete is completed thebusiness businessapplication applications after receiving the function functionfrom is completed by the business applications after receiving the function request the web request the web application sublayer. After processing the results derived from from the business applicationsublayer, sublayer.Java After processing the results deriveddynamically from the business application sublayer, application Server Pages (JSP) are generated by the web applications and Java Serveronto Pages (JSP)I.are dynamically bysuch the web applications and displayed onto using Layer displayed Layer In generated addition, GIS functions, as browse and query, are realized I. In addition, GISAPI. functions, such browserequests, and query, are realized using ArcGIS JavaScript and API. ArcGIS JavaScript Most of the as function with the exception of the hydrodynamic Most of the function requests, with of the hydrodynamic and contaminant simulation contaminant simulation function in the the exception dynamic function module, are processed in Layer II. Layer function in the dynamic function module, are processed in Layer II. Layer III comprises the numerical III comprises the numerical service layer, which stores the automatic numerical programs and service layer,component. which stores the automatic numerical programs and UDPServer component. UDPServer Automatic numerical programs provide numerical services that Automatic represent numerical programs provide services that represent the core functionalities of thefunction system, the core functionalities of thenumerical system, and the forecasting functionalities in the dynamic and the forecasting functionalities in the dynamic function module are realized. The UDPServer module are realized. The UDPServer component cooperates with the UDPClient component in Layer cooperates with thecontrol UDPClient component Layer II to complete access and control of IIcomponent to complete the access and of the numericalinprograms. A linkagethe between Layer II and the numerical programs.Layer A linkage andsystem Layer data III is established. Layer is the data Layer III is established. IV isbetween the dataLayer layer;IIall are stored here. It IV answers the layer; allfrom system data areLayer stored here. answers the reading request and fromwriting. Layer IIThe or Layer III, and controls request Layer II or III, andItcontrols data multi-tier distributed data readingisand The multi-tier architecture the mainextendibility, advantage ofstability, Java EE. architecture the writing. main advantage of Javadistributed EE. It possesses a clear is structure, It possesses a clear structure, extendibility, stability, reliability, and security. Most function modules are reliability, and security. Most function modules are performed in Layer II, displayed in Layer I and performed in Layer and obtainmodules data in Layer IV. In particular, forecasting obtain data in inLayer LayerII, IV.displayed In particular, the Iforecasting are carried out in boththe Layer II and modules Layer III. are carried out in both Layer II and Layer III.
Layer I—Information expression layer Web Browser
Layer II—Business logic layer
Web applications
Business applications
JSP webpage Java Servlet
Drawing components Reporting Components PDF generation components Data processing components
Tomcat
UDPClient component ArcGIS Server
ArcGIS Javascript API
ArcSDE
JDBC
JDBC
UDPServer component
Layer III—Numerical service layer
automatic hydrodynamicsediment program
automatic contaminant transport program
Layer IV—Data layer ArcGIS Desktop Spatial database
Calculated results database
Non-spatial database
Figure 2. 2. CSRU-DSS CSRU-DSSstructure structure map. map. Figure
Tomcat Tomcat has has been been integrated integrated into into the the system system to to implement implement and and publish publish the the web web service. service. The The web web pages are mainly developed by JSP technology and their GIS functions are obtained through pages are mainly developed by JSP technology and their GIS functions are obtained through the the ArcGIS Server JavaScript API. All of the business logic modules are implemented by Java Servlet ArcGIS Server JavaScript API. All of the business logic modules are implemented by Java Servlet or or
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ISPRS Int.The J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5, 140 5 ofServer 13 JavaBean. automatic numerical programs were developed by Liang et al. [23]. The SQL was selected for data storage and management.
JavaBean. The automatic numerical programs were developed by Liang et al. [23]. The SQL Server selected data storage and management. 2.2. was Spatial Data for Organization and Map Services
TheSpatial coastal zone is a complex region comprising multi-levels, multi-factors, and multi-fields. 2.2. Data Organization and Map Services Furthermore, coastal water variables exhibit temporal-spatial distributions. Therefore, it is difficult to The coastal zone is a complex region comprising multi-levels, multi-factors, and multi-fields. organize coastal zone spatial data and establish spatial databases. In the present case, a geo-ontology Furthermore, coastal water variables exhibit temporal-spatial distributions. Therefore, it is difficult approach was adopted andspatial a geo-ontology conceptual model of the coastal zone was constructed. to organize coastal zone data and establish spatial databases. In the present case, a geoThisontology providesapproach important for the organization spatial data in thewas coastal wassemantic adopted characteristics and a geo-ontology conceptual modelofof the coastal zone zone. Through This dataprovides categorizing, merging, and even segmenting, the spatial of data classes constructed. important semantic characteristics for the organization spatial data match in the concepts attributes the categorizing, geo-ontology conceptual model. Codingthe is spatial used to establish the coastalor zone. Throughofdata merging, and even segmenting, data classes the matchrelationship the conceptsbetween or attributes of the geo-ontology conceptual model. Codingdata is used to establish mapping the geo-ontology conceptual model and spatial of the coastal zone mapping relationship between geo-ontology conceptual andestablished spatial data according of the coastal withthe uniform encoding rules. Spatialthe databases for the coastal model zone are to the zone with uniform encoding rules. Spatial conceptual databases formodel. the coastal zone are established according to conception structures in the geo-ontology A geodatabase was applied to spatial conception structures in the geo-ontology A geodatabase was applied to and datathe storage. ArcSDE was employed to establish conceptual a databasemodel. connection between the SQL Server spatial data storage. ArcSDE was employed to establish a database connection between the SQL ArcCatalog. There is a one-to-one correspondence between a data table in the SQL Server and a feature Server and ArcCatalog. There is a one-to-one correspondence between a data table in the SQL Server set or a feature class in the ArcCatalog. Figure 3 displays the physical storage structure of the spatial and a feature set or a feature class in the ArcCatalog. Figure 3 displays the physical storage structure database. Seven sub-databases were established. Map services were published after the maps were of the spatial database. Seven sub-databases were established. Map services were published after the created inwere ArcMap. maps created in ArcMap.
Figure 3. Physical storage structure of the coastal-zone spatial database.
Figure 3. Physical storage structure of the coastal-zone spatial database.
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2.3. Automatic Coastal Numerical Programs and Numerical Services Web GIS-based automatic coastal numerical programs are an important component of the CSRU-DSS. They were employed for forecasting and are stored in Layer III. A preset static model in existing decision-aided systems provides numerical simulation and analysis for a specific computational domain. Therefore, the system does not work if the coastal environment changes. The automatic programs enable dynamic modeling and simulation for the implementation of coastal projects. To date, two types of CSRU have been considered in the CSRU-DSS; a coastline reconstruction project and a land-based outlet project. The coastline reconstruction project involves several CSRU activities that result in coastline change such as reclamation, coastal protection, and port construction. To this end, two types of automatic coastal programs have been established. The automatic hydrodynamic-sediment program was developed to simulate changes in hydrodynamics and the sediment condition caused by a new coastline reconstruction project. The automatic contaminant transport program was designed to simulate contaminant transport for a new land-based outlet. These programs are compiled into EXE files and provide numerical services. The general concept of the automatic program is as follows. Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3. Step 4. Step 5.
The modeling layer acquires requisite calculated parameters from a new coastal project and a computational boundary, including spatial data and attributes. They are performed automatically according to actions on the customized webpage. The best fit background model (BM) is selected from a model bank containing a series of validated models and initial coastlines. The new coastal project is added and the computational domain is created. The computational mesh is generated automatically. The mesh quality is improved by adding new nodes or adjusting the position of nodes in a poor grid after evaluation according to rules. Finally, the mesh met requirements of the numerical computational stability is obtained. The relevant simulation data and parameters are extracted from the BM such as tidal level at the open boundary and water depth in the computational domain. The project model is initiated and simulates the coastal conditions in multi-tidal cycles. The results of the numerical simulation are outputted automatically during the simulation. Coastline and computational boundary data are re-read to create a new computational domain before project implementation. Steps 2 to 4 are repeated to output the calculated results before the project.
Automatic numerical simulations of before and after the implementation of a new coastal project are applied in order to compare the coastal environment changes caused by the project. There are several steps involved in each process including project data acquisition, calculated domain drafting, calculated mesh generation, initial and open boundary condition abstraction, program running, and simulation results extraction. Human operation is unrequired throughout the whole process. The process was described in detail by Liang et al. [23]; in addition, the authors also demonstrated the high efficiency, rationality, and robustness of an automatic coastal numerical program. Figure 4 displays the automatic hydrodynamic-sediment program workflow. In this workflow, basic information, such as the position, number and type of a project, open boundary position, and tidal prism section position, is required. After defining a new project on the web browser, the project and open boundary information is stored in TXT files. All necessary information for setting up a new local model is automatically acquired from these files. During simulation, results were outputted every hour and stored in DAT files formatted as text. These DAT files are more readable than NC files.
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Start
Basic information
Model bank
After the project Add a new project
Select submodel
Rule set I Auto-generate computational domain
Background model (BM)
Auto-generate mesh Rule set II Computational mesh Basic information
Initial and open boundary conditions
Modeling Hydrodynamic simulate
Sediment simulate
Hydrodynamic fields Before the project Auto-output simulation results
Sediment fields
End
Figure 4. 4. Automatic Automatic hydrodynamic-sediment workflow. Figure hydrodynamic-sedimentprogram program workflow.
2.4. Assessment Modules and Decision-Aided Services 2.4. Assessment Modules and Decision-Aided Services Related national standards are employed when evaluating the effects of a new coastal project on standards are employed evaluating the effects(Directive of a new coastal project theRelated coastal national environment. In Chinese National when Standard GB/T 29726-2013 of Strategic onEnvironmental the coastal environment. In Chinese National Standard GB/T 29726-2013 (Directive of Strategic Assessment for Reclamation Planning in Bays), the hydrodynamic comprehensive Environmental Assessment for indexes: Reclamation Planning the hydrodynamic comprehensive index is calculated using four average changeinofBays), current speed at representative points, index is calculated four indexes: average change of currentinspeed at representative points, average change of using erosion-accumulation rates, percentage decrease tidal prism, and percentage average change of erosion-accumulation rates, percentage decrease in tidal prism, and percentage reduction in water exchange rate. These were obtained from the calculated results after reduction in water exchange These model were obtained from the calculated results after computational computational stability. The rate. evaluation for coastal environment impact caused by the coastline stability. The evaluation model coastal environment impactcan caused by the coastline reconstruction reconstruction project was thenfor obtained. A quick assessment be completed online according to this standard. seawater evaluation model was established according to Chinese project was thenAnother obtained. A quickquality assessment can be completed online according to this standard. National Standard GB 3097-1997 (Seawater Quality Standard). This wastoused to evaluate seawater Another seawater quality evaluation model was established according Chinese National Standard quality after the new land-based outlet. The This concentration contaminant discharged from thethe GB 3097-1997 (Seawater Quality Standard). was usedoftoa evaluate seawater quality after outlet was obtained from the simulation results. These evaluation modelsfrom were the implemented Java new land-based outlet. The concentration of a contaminant discharged outlet wasby obtained servlets to provide decision-aided from the simulation results. These services. evaluation models were implemented by Java servlets to provide
decision-aided services. 2.5. Integration of the CSRU-DSS 2.5. Integration of the CSRU-DSS One of the major features of the CSRU-DSS is the connection of various modules and their performance of systematical such as management of spatial data, query of coastal One of the major featuresfunctions of the CSRU-DSS is the connection of various modules and their information, and coastal environmental assessment of CSRU. A workflow-based integration performance of systematical functions such as management of spatial data, query of coastal information, approach was adopted. There are several workflows in the system including the process relationships and coastal environmental assessment of CSRU. A workflow-based integration approach was adopted. among modules for transactions. Different modules and components were invoked in different There are several workflows in the system including the process relationships among modules for transactions. Following their sequential organization, the integration of the system was completed. transactions. Different modules and components were invoked in different transactions. Following For instance, the environmental impact assessment was carried out in the following order: project their sequential organization, the integration of the system was completed. For instance, the drafting, numerical simulation, results handling and visualization, assessment, and decision making. environmental impact assessment was carried out in the following order: project drafting, numerical During this process, the type of numerical services and assessment modules were selected simulation, results handling andproject visualization, assessment, and decision making. During this process, automatically according to the type defined by the users. the type of numerical services and assessment modules were selected automatically according to the project type defined by the users.
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CaseStudy Study 3. 3.Case 3. Case Study 3.1. StudyArea Areaand andSystem SystemSetup Setup 3.1. Study 3.1. Study Area and System Setup NingboSea Sea is is situated southeastern coastcoast of China and covers oceanic of 8014.89 Ningbo situatedononthethe southeastern of China and an covers anarea oceanic area of 2 Ningbo Sea is situated on the southeastern coast of China and covers an oceanic area of 2 km . Its 1579.97 km coastline extendsextends from Hangzhou Bay to Sanmen (Figure Recently, CSRU 8014.89 km . Its 1579.97 km coastline from Hangzhou Bay to Bay Sanmen Bay5).(Figure 5).8014.89 Recently, km2.activities Its 1579.97 coastline extends from Hangzhou Bay to Baybecoming (Figurethe 5).the Recently, CSRU activities in Ningbo havehave been increasing, resulting in the region becoming leading marine CSRU inkm Ningbo been increasing, resulting in Sanmen the region leading marine activities in Ningbo have been increasing, resulting in the region becoming the leading marine economy of Zhejiang Province, China. Consequently, its coastal environment has been significantly economy of Zhejiang Province, China. Consequently, its coastal environment has been significantly economy of Zhejiang Province, demands China. Consequently, its coastal environment this, has been significantly impacted, leading increased for CSRU a CSRU-DSS forfor impacted, leading totoincreased demands for CSRU management. management.ToToaddress address this, a CSRU-DSS impacted, leading to 6) increased demandsbased for CSRU management. To address this, a CSRU-DSS for Ningbo Sea (Figure was developed on the basic framework and functional structure Ningbo Sea (Figure 6) was developed based on the basic framework and functional structure described Ningbo Sea (Figure 6) was developed based on the basic framework and functional structure described earlier. Historical and in-situ coastal water data were managed in the database using a geoearlier. Historical and in-situ coastal water data were managed in the database using a geo-ontology describedapproach, earlier. Historical coastal water data were managed in the database using a geoontology completeand setsin-situ of model banks were established for simulation, evaluation models approach, complete sets of model banks were established for simulation, evaluation models were ontology approach, complete sets of model banks were established for simulation, evaluation models were set up, and other components were obtained in the Ningbo-CSRU-DSS. This system provided setwere up, and up, other components were obtained in the Ningbo-CSRU-DSS. This system provided online and other components were obtained in the of Ningbo-CSRU-DSS. system provided onlineset functions for managers such as display and query basic information This in coastal waters, sea functions for managers such as display and query of basic information in coastal waters, sea use online functions for managers such asnumerical display and query of basic information in coastal waters,and sea use planning, project management, simulation, coastal environment assessment, planning, project management, numerical simulation, coastal environment assessment, and decision use planning, project management, numericalreport simulation, coastal online environment assessment, decision making. In addition, a decision-aided can be created and downloaded in and the making. In addition, a decision-aided report can be created online and downloaded in the form decision making. In addition, a decision-aided report can be created online and downloaded the of form of a PDF file. In this section, two scenarios are presented to demonstrate the applicationin and a PDF file. In this section, two scenarios are presented to demonstrate the application and operation form of a of PDF In thisenvironmental section, two scenarios are presented to demonstrate theusing application and of operation the file. complete impact assessment of a new coastal project this system thein complete impact assessment a new coastal project using this using system insystem this area. operation the complete environmental impactof assessment of a new coastal project this this area.ofenvironmental in this area.
Figure 5. Map of Ningbo Sea and its adjacent areas. Figure and its its adjacent adjacentareas. areas. Figure5.5.Map Mapof of Ningbo Ningbo Sea Sea and
Figure 6. Main webpage of Ningbo-CSRU-DSS on a browser. Figure 6. Main webpage of Ningbo-CSRU-DSS on a browser. Figure 6. Main webpage of Ningbo-CSRU-DSS on a browser.
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3.2. Reclamation 3.2. ReclamationScenario Scenario ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5, 140 of7.13The 7. Theplanned planned reclamation project area of Xiangshan Bay Bay is presented in Figure The reclamation projectininthe theinner inner area of Xiangshan is presented in9 Figure project construction will directly lead tolead some in regional and the sediment The project construction will directly tochanges some changes in hydrodynamics regional hydrodynamics and the 3.2. Reclamation Scenario environment. To assess these changes and make scientific decisions, the Ningbo-CSRU-DSS was sediment environment. To assess these changes and make scientific decisions, the Ningbo-CSRU-DSS employed by local coastal zone managers. As shown in Figure 7, users defined the project and related The planned reclamation project in the inner area of Xiangshan Bay7,isusers presented in Figure 7. The and was employed by local coastal zone managers. As shown in Figure defined the project calculation parameters ondirectly theonwebpage. The changes project position can be inputted in the or project construction will lead to some in regional hydrodynamics and the sediment related calculation parameters the webpage. The project position can be inputted intextboxes the textboxes environment. To assess these changes and make scientific decisions, the Ningbo-CSRU-DSS was drawn on the map. Other basic information, such as project amount, scale, and arrangement form, or drawn on the map. Other basic information, such as project amount, scale, and arrangement by local coastal zonethe managers. As shown Figure users defined the project andabstracted related canemployed be inputted or chosen from drop-down menu.inAll this 7, information is automatically form, can be inputted or chosen from the drop-down menu. All this information is automatically calculation parameters oninthethe webpage. The project position can be inputtedwas in the textboxeson orthe and recorded in TXT files background. The simulation information outputted abstracted and recorded in TXT files in the background. The simulation information was outputted on drawn on the map. Other basic information, such as project amount, scale, and arrangement form, webpage in detail. Once the simulation was complete, the environmental impact assessment was the webpage in detail. Once from the simulation was complete, the environmental impact assessment was can be inputted or chosen the drop-down All this information is automatically executed automatically. An overall evaluation menu. was obtained, and the calculated resultsabstracted for the four executed automatically. An overall evaluation was obtained, and the calculated results for the four and recorded in TXT files in the background. The simulation information was outputted on the hydrodynamic-sediment indexes and comprehensive index were outputted on the webpage (Figure hydrodynamic-sediment indexes and comprehensive index outputtedimpact on the assessment webpage (Figure webpage in detail. Once the simulation was complete, thewere environmental was 8). 8). The tidal prism and water exchange rate decreased by 1.73% and 5.67%, respectively. The change executed automatically. An overallrate evaluation was obtained, calculated results for thechange four in The tidal prism and water exchange decreased by 1.73%and andthe 5.67%, respectively. The in current speed was 38.00 and 23.92 cm/s at maximum flood tide and maximum ebb tide, hydrodynamic-sediment and comprehensive outputted on theebb webpage (Figure current speed was 38.00 andindexes 23.92 cm/s at maximum index flood were tide and maximum tide, respectively. respectively. The sediment exchange rate reached 0.06 cm/yr and the calculated comprehensive index 8). The tidal prism and water exchange rate decreased by 1.73% and 5.67%, respectively. The change The sediment exchange rate reached 0.06impact cm/yr and the calculated comprehensive indexaccording was 17.52. wasin17.52. Overall, there was a negative on hydrodynamic and sediment conditions current speed was 38.00 and 23.92 cm/s at maximum flood tide and maximum ebb tide, Overall, there was a negative impact on hydrodynamic and sediment conditions according to Chinese to Chinese National Standard GB/T 29726-2013. 9 displays course comprehensive curves of tidal index currents respectively. The sediment exchange rate reachedFigure 0.06 cm/yr and thethe calculated National Standard GB/T 29726-2013. Figure 9 displays the course curves of tidal currents before and before project at a position adjacent to projectconditions defined by the users. was and 17.52.after Overall, thereimplementation was a negative impact on hydrodynamic andthe sediment according after project at GB/T a position adjacent to the project defined bychange theofusers. There was There was implementation anNational obviousStandard influence on29726-2013. the tidal current this position. The in the coastal to Chinese Figure 9at displays the course curves tidal currents anenvironment obvious influence on the tidal current at this position. The change in the coastal environment at any at any point could be obtained easily.adjacent There to arethealternative approaches to data before and after project implementation at a position project defined by the users. point couldwas be obtained easily. There arethe alternative tofeasibility data The processing and display; these processing and these are useful for users toapproaches evaluate of a project and reach a There andisplay; obvious influence on tidal current at this the position. change in the coastal arefinal useful for users evaluate the feasibility of a easily. projectThere and reach a final decision. environment at to any point could be obtained are alternative approaches to data decision.
processing and display; these are useful for users to evaluate the feasibility of a project and reach a final decision.
Figure 7. The new reclamation project defined on part of the webpage. Figure 7. The new definedon onpart part webpage. Figure 7. The newreclamation reclamation project project defined of of thethe webpage.
Figure 8. Coastalenvironmental environmentalimpact impact assessment assessment results displayed on thethe webpage. Figure Coastal Figure 8.8.Coastal environmental impact assessment results resultsdisplayed displayedon on thewebpage. webpage.
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Figure 9. Tidal current course curves before and after the project at a specified point on the webpage. Figure 9. Tidal current course curves before and after the project at a specified point on the webpage. Figure 9. Tidal current course and after project at aThe specified the webpage. The tidal fields before and curves after before the project arethe displayed. flow point vectoronbefore project The tidal fields before and after the project are displayed. The flow vector before project implementation The tidal fields before and after the project are displayed. The flow vector before project implementation in after red, and the implementation one after project is implementation is in blue. is in red, and theisone project in blue. implementation is in red, and the one after project implementation is in blue.
Figure 10. The new land-based outlet defined on part of the webpage. Figure 10. The new land-based outlet defined on part of the webpage. Figure 10. The new land-based outlet defined on part of the webpage.
3.3. Land-Based Outlet Scenario 3.3. Land-Based Outlet Scenario 3.3. Land-Based Outlet Scenario The building of a land-based outlet was proposed near the entrance of Huangdun Bay in The building of a land-based outlet was proposed near the entrance of Huangdun Bay in Xiangshan Bay. Theofproject parameters werewas defined on thenear webpage in detail (Figure 10). As shown, The building a land-based outlet proposed the entrance of Huangdun Bay in Xiangshan Bay. The project parameters were defined on the webpage in detail (Figure 10). As shown, 3/s. Three main contaminant this outlet was located at the surface layer with a discharge rate of 10 m Xiangshan Bay. The project parameters were defined on the webpage in detail (Figure 10). As shown, this outlet was located at the surface layer with a discharge rate of 10 m33/s. Three main contaminant parameters, chemical demand (COD), (DIN), dissolved this outlet was located oxygen at the surface layer with adissolved dischargeinorganic rate of 10 nitrogen m /s. Three mainand contaminant parameters, chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and dissolved inorganic phosphate were considered. discharge concentration A standard in parameters, chemical(DIP), oxygen demand (COD),Their dissolved inorganic nitrogenreached (DIN), and dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP), were considered. Their discharge concentration reached A standard in Chinese National Standard GB 8978-1996 Wastewater Discharge Standard). All this inorganic phosphate (DIP), were considered.(Integrated Their discharge concentration reached A standard in Chinese National Standard GB 8978-1996 (Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard). All this project information was recorded in a TXT file to Wastewater provide basic information for the Chinese National Standard GB 8978-1996 (Integrated Discharge Standard). All subsequent this project project information was recorded in a TXT file to provide basic information for the subsequent automatic numerical simulation. These processes were executed in the background. Then, the automatic numerical simulation. These processes were executed in the background. Then, the automatic contaminant transport program was selected following page actions. Similar to the automatic contaminant transport program was selected following page actions. Similar to the
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information was recorded in a TXT file to provide basic information for the subsequent automatic numerical simulation. These processes were executed in the background. Then, the automatic ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5, 140 11 of 13 contaminant transport program was selected following page actions. Similar to the processes of the new coastline reconstruction project, the project, assessment module of module seawaterofquality was executed processes of the new coastline reconstruction the assessment seawater quality was automatically after the simulation ended. The calculated concentrations at red tide stations in executed automatically after the simulation ended. The calculated concentrations at red tide stations Xiangshan BayBay were abstracted from thethe simulation in Xiangshan were abstracted from simulationresults. results.After Aftercomparing comparing with with the the national national standard, the calculated calculatedconcentrations concentrationsand andassessment assessmentresults resultsatat red tide stations were displayed red tide stations were displayed on on webpage (Figure 11). shown, theoutlet outletreduced reducedseawater seawaterquality quality to to below below the marine thethe webpage (Figure 11). AsAs shown, the marine functional functional zoning zoning seawater seawater standard. standard. The The seawater seawater quality quality at at other positions positions could be obtained based on expressions of the calculated results were were implemented such assuch course on webpage webpageactions. actions.Multi-style Multi-style expressions of the calculated results implemented as curves contaminant change change and contour plots. plots. course of curves of contaminant and contour
Figure 11. 11. Seawater-quality impact assessment assessment results results displayed displayed on on the the webpage. webpage. Figure Seawater-quality impact
4. Conclusions and Future Work 4. Conclusions and Future Work This paper presented the design and implementation of a Web GIS-based CSRU-DSS. Compared This paper presented the design and implementation of a Web GIS-based CSRU-DSS. Compared with existing systems, this system is simple to use, and can provide active management and reliable with existing systems, this system is simple to use, and can provide active management and reliable decision support in the management of CSRU. decision support in the management of CSRU. During system development, the geo-ontology approach was employed for the organization of During system development, the geo-ontology approach was employed for the organization of spatial data. Well-structured spatial databases are established and provide map services. Automatic spatial data. Well-structured spatial databases are established and provide map services. Automatic hydrodynamic-sediment and contaminant transport programs are developed and transplanted into hydrodynamic-sediment and contaminant transport programs are developed and transplanted into the system. Therefore, dynamic modeling and simulation after a webpage-defined coastal project can the system. Therefore, dynamic modeling and simulation after a webpage-defined coastal project be achieved. The entire computational process is performed automatically without manual can be achieved. The entire computational process is performed automatically without manual intervention. To evaluate a project’s influence on the coastal environment, the assessment modules intervention. To evaluate a project’s influence on the coastal environment, the assessment modules are are invoked. Reliable decision-aided services are performed according to national standards and invoked. Reliable decision-aided services are performed according to national standards and based on based on simulation results. The organization of modules is addressed using the workflow simulation results. The organization of modules is addressed using the workflow integration approach integration approach and the systematical functions are realized. The CSRU-DSS was applied to and the systematical functions are realized. The CSRU-DSS was applied to Ningbo Sea, China, where Ningbo Sea, China, where it plays an important role in the management of CSRU in this region. it plays an important role in the management of CSRU in this region. CSRU-DSS has been shown to be CSRU-DSS has been shown to be an innovative and practical decision-aided tool for CSRU an innovative and practical decision-aided tool for CSRU management. management. Functional improvements of CSRU-DSS are currently under development. In the future, other automatic coastal numerical programs will be incorporated into the system. An automatic ecological program capable of forecasting the influence of a new coastal project on ecological oceanic environments will also be integrated. Furthermore, a proxy service [24] will be invoked for online decision support and uncertainty analyses. In addition, comprehensive assessment models will be embedded in the system to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a coastal project’s influence.
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Functional improvements of CSRU-DSS are currently under development. In the future, other automatic coastal numerical programs will be incorporated into the system. An automatic ecological program capable of forecasting the influence of a new coastal project on ecological oceanic environments will also be integrated. Furthermore, a proxy service [24] will be invoked for online decision support and uncertainty analyses. In addition, comprehensive assessment models will be embedded in the system to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a coastal project’s influence. Therefore, future CSRU-DSSs will provide improved and more comprehensive services. The system is expected to be effective in long-term coastal management, with the potential to be adapted and applied to broader coastal zones. Acknowledgments: The work described in this paper was substantially supported by grants from the State Ocean Administration People's Republic of China (grant Nos. 201105009 and 201405025) and the Foundation for Creative Research Groups of China (grant No. 51221961). Author Contributions: All the authors contributed to the development of CSRU-DSS and this manuscript. Jing Xie, Shuxiu Liang, and Jiang Change designed and implemented CSRU-DSS and wrote the manuscript. Zhaochen Sun proposed the research and conceived the system framework. Jiawen Sun edited the manuscript. Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Abbreviations BM CRSU CSRU-DSS GIS ICZM JSP
Background model Coastal space resource utilization Coastal space resource utilization decision support system Geographic Information System Integrated coastal zone management Java Server Page
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