Database management and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable in environmental and water resource management for spatial analysis and data visualization.
Database Management - For more than 20 years, SSP&A has been designing, developing, and maintaining large geospatial datasets as an integral part of our project work. Environmental contamination characterization, water resource studies, and hydrologic modeling incorporate various forms of spatial data derived from a broad spectrum of sources, and obtaining the appropriate data and processing it into useable information is one of SSP&A’s strengths.
GIS & Mapping - To extend and complement our environmental and database services, SSP&A provides comprehensive professional services in spatial technologies and cartographic production. Our analysts use cutting-edge GIS software — including ESRI’s ArcGIS™, Python, and spatial SQL — to improve the efficiency of our projects.
GIS Capabilities
| Data Management |
GIS Implementation, Design and Creation |
- Data management via two-tiered structure:
- Large environmental datasets are maintained using SQL Server® or PostgreSQL, so that the core data are always preserved and available for use across multiple analyses;
- Analysis-specific Microsoft® Access® relational databases, when necessary, for ease of use, archiving, data-transfer, and quality assurance/quality control purposes;
- SQL scripts for data retrievals and exporting are archived within a task-specific database as part of the deliverable, enabling complete reproducibility;
- Develop databases that directly link to commercial and customized applications, including ESRI’s® ArcPro, ArcMap and related products; and utilities and software written in Python®, C/C++®, R®, Visual Basic®, and other languages.
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- Automated data downloading, processing, figure production and scheduled workflows based on continuous data streams;
- Spatial and temporal 3-D visualizations and interactive illustrations in Groundwater Desktop;
- Project design including GPS field methodology, field data analysis, and custom database design;
- Complex spatial and statistical analysis (kriging, distance matrices, regression analysis, etc.);
- Proprietary software creation, utilization, and integration;
- Custom-made SSP&A toolset aides in reducing error in processing and increases reproducibility and efficiency;
- Data acquisition, conversion, formatting, georeferencing and digitizing.
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Applied GIS Examples
| Environmental and Engineering Support |
Water Resource Applications |
- Remote sensing and aerial photograph acquisition and interpretation;
- Environmental database design;
- Natural resources monitoring and assessment;
- Water quality and site density analysis;
- Site density analysis;
- Utilities and transportation route selection and mapping.
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- Surface-water and groundwater modeling support;
- Geochemical site assessment;
- Regional climate and precipitation pattern mapping;
- Monitoring well site selection;
- Watershed delineation.
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| GIS Land Use and Land Records Management |
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- Legal exhibits, publications, and courtroom graphics;
- Land use planning and zoning;
- Development strategies and regional best management practices;
- CAD-based map interpretation and creation.
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For more information on how we may assist you with data management, GIS, or cartographic production, please contact Jim Cousins in our Bethesda, Maryland, office (301.718.8900).
