Student Type
Undergraduate
College Affiliation
College of Arts and Humanities
Department
Geographic Information Systems
Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio poses many long term concerns for humans and the environment. Over a hundred thousand gallons of hazardous chemicals were released into the air, soil, and waterways after the train derailed and started a fire. Norfolk Southern performed a controlled burn of the chemicals after residents were told to evacuate. Was this really the best solution? Geographic Information Systems (GIS) datasets and tools can be used to get a better understanding of the impact the accident has had on the community. Overlaying datasets of waterways and cropland onto a map can help one understand the environmental impact. Additionally, datasets from the ArcGIS living atlas of household income and health insurance coverage can bring insight to humanitarian concerns. GIS is an extremely helpful tool in gathering and assessing data to further research and also to make sure the public is well informed.
Recommended Citation
Nix, Lillian M. and Vansell, Tara, "The Human and Environmental Concerns of the Ohio Train Derailment using Geographic Information Systems" (2023). 2023 Student Academic Showcase. 17.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2023/Posters/Session1/17
Included in
The Human and Environmental Concerns of the Ohio Train Derailment using Geographic Information Systems
The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio poses many long term concerns for humans and the environment. Over a hundred thousand gallons of hazardous chemicals were released into the air, soil, and waterways after the train derailed and started a fire. Norfolk Southern performed a controlled burn of the chemicals after residents were told to evacuate. Was this really the best solution? Geographic Information Systems (GIS) datasets and tools can be used to get a better understanding of the impact the accident has had on the community. Overlaying datasets of waterways and cropland onto a map can help one understand the environmental impact. Additionally, datasets from the ArcGIS living atlas of household income and health insurance coverage can bring insight to humanitarian concerns. GIS is an extremely helpful tool in gathering and assessing data to further research and also to make sure the public is well informed.