Use of wind energy: evaluation of spatial relations, environmental aspects and social context by the means of GIS
- Responsible person: Mgr. Eva Kallabová, Ph. D.
- Team: Mgr. Stanislav Cetkovský, Mgr. Bohumil Frantál, Mgr. Eva Nováková, Mgr. Pavel Roštínský, Ph. D.
- Solving period: 2008 - 2010
- Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic - KJB700860801 - The research grant projects for juniors
Characteristic of the grant project
The aim of the project that is the contribution for interdisciplinary research of the problems of wind energy using is processing of comprehensive methodological apparat for the application of GIS in decision making process about suitability of wind turbines installation in conditions of the Czech Republic. Spatial evaluation of the landscape potencial based on synthesis of environmental and social aspects will be realized on example of South Moravian district. Project solving will include partial research stages based on theoretical enquiry, empirical data capture, partial analyses and subsequent cartographical synthesis realized on the constructed conceptual background. Empirical surveys will be carried out by methods of regional geography with application of quantitative and qualitative methods of sociological research. The main output will be a final map created with application of gap analysis representing localities according to the rate of suitability for wind turbines installation.
Subject of interest and main research objectives of the project
- complex and spatial evaluation of suitability and possible conflicts or problematic aspects of wind energy development
- cartographic synthesis of the evaluation on the example of the case study area
- development of the methodology for utilization of GIS tools in decision making process in condition of the Czech Republic
Geographical-sociological concept of wind energy problems solving offers comprehensive approach and enables synthesis of environmental and social aspects, which is necessary for wider evaluation of the suitability of specific locality for wind energy development. Analysis of the spatial relationships in the landscape is necessary in decision making process of suitability or unsuitability. GIS (Geographic Information System) as a basic analytical tool helps to predict which areas have or do not have potential for wind energy development and determines the rate of the potential. Physical-geographical conditions with environmental and social aspects present the main criteria of suitability or unsuitability of the given locality. An analytic framework using GIS allows to develop the exact model which will demonstrate suitable locations and land available for possible wind power development.
Main research objectives are as follows:
The proposed grant will be solved both in general level and in application level. Jihomoravský kraj (South Moravian District) was chosen as the main case study area. Nieder Östereich (Lower Austria) was chosen as the comparative base for social aspects and contexts particularly. Landscape character of Lower Austria is similar to South Moravia but public opinion of inhabitants is rather different. Lower Austria has also more experience with use of wind energy. Juxtaposition of both case study areas can thus detect main driving forces, specialties and patterns.