GIS-based support for the complex botanical studies at the Molnieboi Spur, Altai

TL;DR

This paper introduces a GIS application for the Molnieboi Spur in Altai, integrating diverse botanical, geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to facilitate complex environmental studies.

Contribution

First GIS-based platform developed for the Molnieboi Spur, combining multi-parameter data to support comprehensive botanical and environmental research.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of spatial relationships among natural components.

Integration of diverse datasets into a single GIS platform.

Facilitated complex botanical and geophysical analyses.

Abstract

The Molnieboi Spur is located at the northwestern margin of the Katun Range, the high-mountain part of the Altai Mountains. Unique geological and geophysical characteristics of the Molnieboi Spur made it an attractive target for complex botanical studies including botanical, soil, geological, geochemical, geophysical, radiation, and soil gas surveys and analyses. In this paper, we present the first version of the geographic information system (GIS) application for the Molnieboi Spur developed using the software QGIS. A digital elevation model for the study area was derived from a detailed topographic map. The database was filled with tabular data on about 100 parameters including: eight botanical characteristics of the Lonicera caerulea local population, two cytogenetic indices of Lonicera caerulea seeds, five types of biochemical parameters of Lonicera caerulea leaves and fruits, three types of geochemical characteristics of the local soils, three types of radiation parameters of the local soils and Lonicera caerulea plants, and one soil gas parameter. The results of the magnetometric survey were inserted as a raster image. A visual analysis of the maps produced allows one to better understand the spatial relationships between various natural components of the Molnieboi Spur.