ARCGIS-BASED ACCESSIBILITY STUDY TO DEFINE ASH DEPOSIT SAMPLING LOCATIONS FOR ASH DISTRIBUTION MAPPING

Researchers dedicate their time in order to create new findings in the scientific world. Most research can be time consuming and expensive this includes traveling time and cost. Once a researcher(s) has traveled to the field unexpected experiences sometimes happen which can bring significant setbacks to the research. To have an already mapped out pathway in the area being researched will be of the upmost beneficial.

This research will consist of creating an Accessibility Map for Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador. This map will distinguish particular areas of the volcano as ideal places to sample ash deposits. Looking at landownership, groundcover, slope steepness and infrastructure through ArcGIS will present a better more thorough understanding of the area. Using a topographic map, ArcGIS will digitize each of these features creating different layers. These layers will then be overlaid on one another in order to create an accurate depiction on what pathway is the most accessible. This map will be used in the field by helping researchers travel to the safe sites designated by the digitized layers.

Traveling to Santa Ana will bring a concise overview on how the map relates to the area in real time. With new information the Accessibility Map will change over time and be updated on a consistent basis. This will be the first Accessibility Map for Santa Ana Volcano and, when proven successful, will open doors for other volcanos surrounding Santa Ana and other areas around the world.