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

The goal of this project is to research the current topographic map (30m by 30m resolution) of Santa Ana Volcano, in El Salvador using the software ArcGIS to develop a plan of sampling locale of ash deposits on the volcano. The purpose of this research is to map out a feasible and informative route that can be implemented in the field for future studies. Criteria for the mapping will be accessibility assessment via 1. Infrastructure, 2. Slope steepness, 3. Ground cover, 4. Land ownership, 5. Size of area, 6. Travel time to and within sampling sites. This map will be key to developing a focused plan to collect necessary data on ash fall distribution of the Santa Ana Volcano. As a mean to develop the proposed map of accessibility we will use a topographic map shapefile from the Santa Ana Volcano provided by the Salvadoran Geological survey. The software of ArcGIS will be used to develop separate map layers that depict the mentioned criteria and combinations thereof. The last remaining piece of this project is to travel to El Salvador and conclude that the map created on ArcGIS is correct. Layering of these mapping results will be combined to produce more detailed information of needs. While the product of this research is going to be to produce an accessibility map for further studies, this map will also be a part of remapping the topography on this dynamic volcanic landform, and may need to re-mapped certain gully areas. This will only be visible, once in the field. The mapping in the field ought to be a part of this study, but the main purpose is the production of the accessibility map. Once this map is produced and proven to be successful other areas will be able to be mapped out the same way for future studies to commence. This is the first accessibility map for the Santa Ana Volcano and the methology will be the base to produce similar accessibility maps of other volcanoes in the country.