566 
permit simple overlaying in grid and polygon format, 
which result in composite maps and dissolve 
functions which perform the opposite operation by 
creating individual maps out of complex multi 
attribute maps. Comparison functions also include 
more involved statistical calculation of spatial 
data relation-ships. Operation include multivariate 
analysis, correlation analysis, time series analysis 
and canonical correlation analysis. 
7.3 Data Output and Report Generation 
Before any decision making process can be initiated, 
geographical information must be presented to the 
decision maker in a clear, concise and comprehensive 
format. A GIS must generate graphics and text to 
the exact specifications of the user. GIS output 
can take the form of images, charts, graphs, maps, 
facsimile data, or it can be generated as reports 
and tabular data (fig. 8). 
8 RECOMMENDED GIS FOR NOAA's CLIMATIC IMPACT 
ASSESSMENT 
The AISC GIS configuration must consist of an 
amalgamation of computer hardware, software, and 
peripheral entry and display instruments along with 
the information that is to be analyzed. All systems 
must function in unison to achieve the specified 
goals of AISC in natural disaster monitoring, impact 
assessment, and forecasting. 
8.1 Delineating Data Variables 
The following listing of data variables identifies 
inputs that must be integrated into a GIS for 
environmental monitoring, environmental and socio 
economic impact assessment, and environmental and 
socio-economic modeling, forecasting and advanced 
disaster warning/preparation. 
Weather Station Data 
precipitation 
temperature 
cloud cover (satellite) 
precipitation estimates (satellite) 
Environmental Observations in Cartographic Form 
soils (map) 
topography (map) 
hydrography (map) 
natural vegetation cover (map/satellite) 
vegetation response (AVHRR satellite) 
Cultural Observations 
political units (towns, borders, etc.) (map) 
transportation (map) 
population density/distribution/character (map) 
land cover/use (map/AVHRR satellite) 
agriculture 
crop suitability index 
existing crop regions 
production/yield observation 
inputs (fertilizer, irrigation, mechanization, 
labor) 
crop calendars 
grazing 
livestock density 
migration routes 
water holes 
basic need support 
markets 
hospitals 
good storage depots 
refugee camps 
8.2 Software Needs 
An automated GIS must incorporate a variety of 
software capabilities for data encoding, computer 
network communication, data entry, data base 
management, data analysis and data output. A 
complete GIS configuration must include software 
that is capable of encoding both spatial and non- 
spatial data, along with image data. A GIS must be 
capable of processing data through the use of 
spatial/statistical analytical procedures for 
modeling. Additionally, it must allow for data 
storage in an easily accessible and retrievable data 
management system. Such a GIS must include the 
following integrated software subsystems: 1) 
Geographic Subsystem software for data entry of 
analog to digitally converted data and data file 
creation; 2) Preprocessing software, including image 
processing and encoding software to format system 
compatible files in vector and/or raster data 
structures for analysis; 3) computer networking 
communication software for data processing and 
access on other network nodes; 4) Data base 
management subsystems to facilitate data file access 
(editing/update), retrieval (search/extraction/ 
formatting) and storage/cataloging; 5) Data analysis 
software subsystem with spatial/statistical analysis 
capability for scenario modeling; 6) Output software 
subsystem for peripheral devices, e.g., photocopy, 
line plotter, CRT, floppy disk and computer tape. 
Particular to AISC needs is that a GIS must be 
capabbe of assessing the impact of an event on an 
afflicted area in terms of the physical, social and 
economic indicators (i.e. vegetation response (NVI), 
crop production/yield, food prices, land use 
changes). The functions required in this process 
would include: combining data sets (overlaying) for 
visual interpretation, statistical analysis in 
determining variable relationships (i.e. impact), 
and various forms of correlation analysis for 
determining data redundancy in modeling. 
GIS must finally be capable of producing modeling 
scenarios for forecasting and determining impact 
abating strategies. Examples would include, 
specifying in advance areas of impact and intensity 
thereof, forecasting crop production/yield, 
estimating food shortages, determining disaster 
assistant needs, improving policy and food security 
management decisions, relocating existing stocks of 
food or bumper crops in neighboring regions and 
recommending alternate crops capable of growing in 
expected weather conditions (Steyaert, 1984). 
A complete GIS configuration must 
incorporate a variety of software capabilities to 
display facsimile data and digital images, 
outputting information to a CRT for animation and 
image graphics. Hardcopy output should include 
graphic representation of maps in grid cell and 
polygon format such as contour, choropleth, 
isopleth, and dot maps, as well as other graphic 
output including pie charts, bar and line graphs. 
A GIS configuration must incorporate 
software capable of providing computer network 
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