Suitability Modeling

I used ArcGIS Pro 3.0.2 to solve this problem. The main geoprocessing and analytics tools that I used include “Distance Accumulation”, "Aspect", and “Suitability Modeler”. Data used include raster data from the National Land Cover Database (developed land cover and forest canopy cover), elevation at the San Bernardino National Forest, and polygon data of lake boundaries at the San Bernardino National Forest.

I first define the criteria for bald eagles' suitable habitat, which are moderately forested area (45% canopy cover), northeast slope, being close to lakes (major food resources), and being far from developed areas. Then I used "Distance Accumulation" to derive raster data from the lake boundary and developed land cover. Then I used "Aspect" to derive slope data from the elevation data. I then checked the cell size and the projected coordinate system of the canopy layer and other layers to ensure accuracy. Next, under the Transformation Pane, I assigned values (provide mid-point and min/max values) to each layer so that they were on the same scale. The layers for canopy, slope, distance to lake, and distance to developed areas were applied with the functions of "Near", "Gaussian", "Small", and "Large", respectively. Next, under the Suitability Modeler Pane, I provided weights to each layer, given their relative importance to bald eagles (being close to lakes is the most important criterion). The layers for canopy, slope, distance to lake, and distance to developed areas were given the weights of 20%, 10%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. Then I used "Locate" under the Suitability Modeler Pane to identify the locations of the three most optimal habitats for bald eagles. Lastly, I visually examine the weighted suitability modeling results.

Suitability Modeling is a crucial technique for identifying suitable habitats for wildlife species of concern. It has lots of implications in my field (Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology). A possible scenario would be identifying suitable habitats for Marbled Salamanders in Wake County.

Problem description: As a GIS specialist, I am asked to perform Weighted Suitability Modeling to identify suitable habitats for Marbled Salamanders in Wake County for field study sites.

Data needed: Polygon data of streams in Wake County, the boundary of Wake County, and the National Land Cover Database (deciduous forest and developed area).

Analysis procedures: I will first define the criteria for suitable habitats for Marbled Salamander (close to streams, far from developed areas, and located in areas with more than 75% deciduous forests). Then I will derive the distance to streams, the distance to developed areas, and the percent deciduous forests. Then I will transform the layers into the same scale and apply weights to the distance to streams, the distance to developed areas, and the percent deciduous forests with 45%, 20%, and 35%, respectively. Then I will locate the suitable regions using Suitability Modeler and visually analyze the results.