2. Spatial and Temporal Analysis for Energy Systems

In this book, the concepts and procedures for assessment of energy systems are discussed in order to apply a number of spatial and temporal analyses with geographic information system (GIS). In addition to digital mapping, GIS can change the way of viewing our Earth’s resources in a more complex way by integrating data from remote sensing, GPS, and a wide range of databases. Many GIS packages are freely available as open software or as commercial software broadly used in industry, government, and academia. This chapter introduces some fundamental concepts that are dealt with in next chapters. After identifying certain open issues in spatial and temporal analysis, a case-oriented approach is proposed for assessment of energy sources including nonrenewable sources and renewable sources with their temporal dynamics and spatial patterns. Also presentation of new GIS technologies will discuss the strengths and weaknesses, along with the opportunities and limitations of using GIS methods for wide-ranging applications in assessment of energy sources.