The objective is to estimate the spatial extent of potential hazardous materials release and compare these potential impact zones with georeferenced demographic data using a GIS modelling approach. The modelling effort is divided into two phases. The initial model uses maquiladora locations, distance, terrain and wind flow variables. The exposure zones will be analyzed relative to the demographic variables, including population density, age and income. Due to the utilization of different national, local and field sources for data, the resultant database is a combination of many levels of scale and positional accuracy.
Further complications arise when map attribute or classification accuracy is considered.
Many analytical models, based on categorical or interval data, are subject to error due to reliance on attribute definitions. These errors, unfortunately, are inherent in spatial data sets and can be tolerated if the end user is aware of data accuracy issues, the quality of the original data and the likely error propagation throughout the model. The majority of these degrees will be granted within the next year, with additional graduate student projects being planned for the upcoming year. The proceedings of this conference are forthcoming. Mexico is undergoing an extensive effort to collect and automate their geographic data for the nation, particularly the border.