人文社会地理信息系统(geographical information system, GIS)源于人文科学、社会科学和地理信息科学等多个学科的交叉融合,属于自然科学与人文社会科学的学科交叉领域.本文依托南京师范大学长期开展地理信息科学与人文社会科学交叉融...人文社会地理信息系统(geographical information system, GIS)源于人文科学、社会科学和地理信息科学等多个学科的交叉融合,属于自然科学与人文社会科学的学科交叉领域.本文依托南京师范大学长期开展地理信息科学与人文社会科学交叉融合的科研和教学成果,系统分析了人文社会GIS的交叉学科特性,提出了人文社会GIS的内涵和知识体系,设计了“人文社会GIS”课程的创新教学模式,形成了有代表性的学科交叉课程教学实践案例,对于开展“新工科”和“新文科”背景下的交叉学科研究和复合型人才培养具有较好的参考价值.展开更多
为了解决工业发展导致的灌区土壤投入品残留污染问题,给出一种基于地理信息系统(geographic information system,GIS)的土壤污染监测预警系统。该系统结合VOC-PF1型传感器、STM32主控芯片和GSM通信模块,实现了高效的数据采集和通信功能...为了解决工业发展导致的灌区土壤投入品残留污染问题,给出一种基于地理信息系统(geographic information system,GIS)的土壤污染监测预警系统。该系统结合VOC-PF1型传感器、STM32主控芯片和GSM通信模块,实现了高效的数据采集和通信功能。通过反距离加权(inverse distance weighted,IDW)插值法进行空间分析,并设立预警阈值,实现对灌区土壤投入品残留污染的实时监测和预警。实验结果表明:该系统的监测精度高达98%,监测时长最高为49 s,具有很高的实用性和效率。研究结果不仅为灌区土壤投入品残留污染监测提供了有效手段,也为环境保护和农业可持续发展提供有力支持。展开更多
This paper introduces the formation mechanism and synthetic information prediction of large and superlarge deposits in Shandong Province by analyzing and studying on the GIS platform. The authors established a prospec...This paper introduces the formation mechanism and synthetic information prediction of large and superlarge deposits in Shandong Province by analyzing and studying on the GIS platform. The authors established a prospecting model of synthetic information from large and superlarge gold deposit concentration region, and the multi-source spatial database from concentration region of deposits and anomalies. On the basis of the spatial database, a target map layer, a model map layer and a predictive map layer were set up. Based on these map layers, geological variables of the model unit and predictive unit were extracted, then launched location and quantitative prediction of the gold deposit concentration region. The achievement of predicting large and superlarge deposits by the GIS platform has enabled the authors to design automation (or semi-automatic) interpretation subsystems, namely geophysics, geochemistry, geologic prospecting and comprehensive prognosis, and a set of the applicable GIS software for mineral resources prognosis of synthetic information.展开更多
Slope aspect is one of the indispensable internal factors besides lithology, relative elevation and slope degree. In this paper authors use information value model with Geo graphical Information System (GIS) technol...Slope aspect is one of the indispensable internal factors besides lithology, relative elevation and slope degree. In this paper authors use information value model with Geo graphical Information System (GIS) technology to study how slope aspect contributes to landslide growth from Yunyang to Wushan segment in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, and the relationship between aspect and landslide growth is quantified. Through the research on 205 landslides examples, it is found that the slope contributes most whose aspect is towards south,southeast and southwest aspect contribute moderately, and other five aspects contribute little. The research result inosculates preferably with the fact. The result of this paper can provide potent gist to the construction of Three Gorges Reservoir area in future.展开更多
Ecological security defined as the creation of a condition where the physical surroundings of a community provide for the needs of its inhabitants without diminishing its natural stock,which is important for regional ...Ecological security defined as the creation of a condition where the physical surroundings of a community provide for the needs of its inhabitants without diminishing its natural stock,which is important for regional security and social stability.In recent years,land use patterns in the Changbai Mountain region have changed significantly with intensive human activities,and consequently led to increasing problems in regional ecological security.Based on the Pressure-State-Impact-Response(PSIR) model and the mathematical method of catastrophe progression supported by geographical information system(GIS),the ecological security situation of the study area under land use and cover change(LUCC) was evaluated.The results indicated that the ecological security in Changbai Mountain region varied nonlinearly,which got better from 1990 to 2000 but became worse from 2000 to 2007,the ecological security levels in Changbai Mountain region were mainly medium and medium to low during the past 17 years,with higher values of Ecological Security Index(ESI) in the central region and lower values in the east and west,the ecological security situation was more serious in the settlements and river valleys,where the LUCC was most remarkable.展开更多
The present study is focused on a comparative evaluation of landslide disaster using analytical hierarchy process and information value method for hazard assessment in highly tectonic Chamba region in bosom of Himalay...The present study is focused on a comparative evaluation of landslide disaster using analytical hierarchy process and information value method for hazard assessment in highly tectonic Chamba region in bosom of Himalaya. During study, the information about the causative factors was generated and the landslide hazard zonation maps were delineated using Information Value Method(IV) and Analytical Hierarchy Process(AHP) using Arc GIS(ESRI). For this purpose, the study area was selected in a part of Ravi river catchment along one of the landslide prone Chamba to Bharmour road corridor of National Highway(NH^(-1)54 A) in Himachal Pradesh, India. A numeral landslide triggering geoenvironmental factors i.e. slope, aspect, relative relief, soil, curvature, land use and land cover(LULC), lithology, drainage density, and lineament density were selected for landslide hazard mapping based on landslide inventory. Landslide hazard zonation map was categorized namely "very high hazard, high hazard, medium hazard, low hazard, and very low hazard". The results from these two methods were validated using Area Under Curve(AUC) plots. It is found that hazard zonation map prepared using information value method and analytical hierarchy process methods possess the prediction rate of 78.87% and 75.42%, respectively. Hence, landslide hazardzonation map obtained using information value method is proposed to be more useful for the study area. These final hazard zonation maps can be used by various stakeholders like engineers and administrators for proper maintenance and smooth traffic flow between Chamba and Bharmour cities, which is the only route connecting these tourist places.展开更多
Based on the information of geology, geochemistry, geophysics and remote sensing, the GIS of multi-source information is used to evaluate Cu, W and Au mineral resources in Northern Qilian, China. As the GIS evaluation...Based on the information of geology, geochemistry, geophysics and remote sensing, the GIS of multi-source information is used to evaluate Cu, W and Au mineral resources in Northern Qilian, China. As the GIS evaluation system works out in the thinking of geological prospecting, its functions include file management, graph edition, database maintenance, information inquiry and comprehensive spatial analysis as well as prospecting target prognosis. Accordingly, the GIS evaluation system can be used directly and conveniently for inquiry and analysis of visual graphs or images.展开更多
Protecting and preserving our environmental systems require the ability to understand the spatio-temporal distri- bution of soils, parent material, topography, and land cover as well as the effects of human activities...Protecting and preserving our environmental systems require the ability to understand the spatio-temporal distri- bution of soils, parent material, topography, and land cover as well as the effects of human activities on ecosystems. Space-time modelling of ecosystems in an environmental digital library is essential for visualizing past, present, and future impacts of changes occurring within such landscapes (e.g., shift in land use practices). In this paper, we describe three novel features, spa- tio-temporal indexing, visualization, and geostatistical genre, for the environmental digital library, Environmental Visualization and Geographic Enterprise System (ENVISAGE), currently in progress at the University of Florida.展开更多
The objective of this paper is to develop a GIS(Geographic Information System) database for Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve(Jiuzhaigou,hereafter) in China and demonstrate its application as a research tool.A cost-e...The objective of this paper is to develop a GIS(Geographic Information System) database for Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve(Jiuzhaigou,hereafter) in China and demonstrate its application as a research tool.A cost-effective procedure was developed to compile a variety of geographical and biological data of the study area in terms of popular GIS format such as shape files.These files were further calibrated and validated using field surveys data.The developed GIS database was used to quantify the distributions of the wildlife(amphibians,mammals,and birds) using the distances of the wildlife to the centerline of the bus-tour routes.The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to quantify the correlation in space between pairs of different wildlife using the number of habitats for given space contexts.An ArcObject-based macro was developed to perform the analysis.The results showed the majority of the habitats of wildlife are located in the proximity of the tour-bus routes with an average distance ranging from 564 to 894 m depending on types of wildlife.This indicates a possibility of the disturbance to the wildlife by human activities.The correlation coefficient of the wildlife ranged from 0.36 to 0.64 depending on pairs of wildlife,indicating some correlations in space.However,due to the limited sample size,the statistical significances need to be further investigated.This paper has successfully demonstrated the use of the GIS-based database as a research tool for environmental study.展开更多
Based on the ArcGIS geographic information system and the ORACLE database management system,this paper reports our studies on the technology of Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS). By ...Based on the ArcGIS geographic information system and the ORACLE database management system,this paper reports our studies on the technology of Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS). By analyzing system structure,designing function modules and discussing data management,this paper systematically proposes a framework of technol-ogy to integrate,manage,and analyze the seabed information comprehensively. Then,the technology is applied to the design and development of the Bohai Sea Oilfield Paradigm Area Information System. The system can not only meet the practical demands of marine resources exploration and exploitation in the Bohai Sea oilfield,but also serve as a preparatory work in theory and technology for the realization of the 'Digital Seabed'.展开更多
Based on the practical application of Geology Information System(GIS) throughout the world, combined with the characters of road's geological hazard and it's supervision, the paper introduces on the importance of ...Based on the practical application of Geology Information System(GIS) throughout the world, combined with the characters of road's geological hazard and it's supervision, the paper introduces on the importance of the research on road's geological hazards information management and decision-making support system. The paper also analyzes the system's target, the principles and key techniques in developing the system. In the research, we developed the GIS-based road's geological hazard information management and decision-making support system and applied it to one speedway in the west of China where contains typical geological hazards. The system based on the database of road's geological hazard on the grounds of spatial graphic information and attribute information. By virtue of the scientific assessment and prediction mathematical model, integrating the GIS's strongpoint on spatial analyzing, the system is capable of visualizing the regionalization of road according to the geological hazards it contains, and accurately assessing and predicting geological hazards, thus efficiently assists the road construction and management units in the decision making on controlling the geological hazards and reducing the related loss.展开更多
This study considers the regional characteristics of the Tohoku region and the extent of the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and makes proposals for recovery and reconstruction of the areas affected b...This study considers the regional characteristics of the Tohoku region and the extent of the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and makes proposals for recovery and reconstruction of the areas affected by this disaster as well as for a reduction of the impact of natural disasters that may occur in the future with GIS (geographic information systems) as a social infrastructure positioned at the heart of the information infrastructure. Due to the fact that social media that used ICT (information and communication technology) was useful in the days directly after the disaster, it can be said that it is necessary to investigate the provision of an information infrastructure that uses ICT to reduce the impact of disasters. Therefore, this study proposes the construction of a geographical information database using GIS and the provision and sharing of information using social media GIS after discussion of the relationship between the development of the computerization of Japan and GIS as a valid example of using information systems for recovery and reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.展开更多
The mine ventilation and safety is one of the most important factors to influence on the coal production.More attention has been paid to manage safety information in scientific, efficient, and real-time way. Therefore...The mine ventilation and safety is one of the most important factors to influence on the coal production.More attention has been paid to manage safety information in scientific, efficient, and real-time way. Therefore, it is important to develop a practical mine safety assurance information system (CSAIS). Based on analyzing the actual management mode for ventilation and safety on mine, the paper studies the structure and function of the mine safety assurance information system based on GIS in detail. Moreover, it also suggests some applications and solutions. By combining with the practical situation, the paper realizes the whole function of the present system.展开更多
Numerical simulation modeling is a hotspot in the geological engineering computing field. Tak- ing a fast Langrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions (FLAC3D) numerical modeling on com- puting the geo-deformati...Numerical simulation modeling is a hotspot in the geological engineering computing field. Tak- ing a fast Langrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions (FLAC3D) numerical modeling on com- puting the geo-deformation information caused by the mining subsidence in a coalmine for example, a new GIS-Excel modeling method is proposed to build geologic strata within the simulation range combined with the coal-seam dip angle of the underground mining working-planes. First of all, the coal-seam model of the numerical computing is built by using the geographic information system (GIS) according to the stripe-through principle and the calculating formula on the size of the model blocks in the paper defined, then the FLAC3D numerical computing model of all geologic strata with- in the simulation range is also built based on the calculating formula of thickness of each stratum and the Excel fast computing advantages. The GIS-Excel method is good at the higher modeling accuracy, seldom making mistakes and consuming less time. The reliability and validity of the method is veri- fied well by its practical applications in the coalmine area.展开更多
Average credit scores for people in the United States (US) differ from state to state. Some states have high, and some states have low average credit scores. Since lenders and employers use credit scores to make loa...Average credit scores for people in the United States (US) differ from state to state. Some states have high, and some states have low average credit scores. Since lenders and employers use credit scores to make loan and employment decisions, people living in states where average credit scores are high should experience the benefits of living where credit scores tend to allow more favorable loan and employment decisions. Although credit scores are the direct result of credit histories, credit histories may be impacted by demographic factors. If the demographic factors that impact credit histories are identified, ways to improve credit scores are likely to be discovered and available to people and state government policymakers. This study looks for demographic factors to indirectly explain the average credit scores for people living in each state of the US. The methodology includes statistical analyses and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping. Statistical analyses provide evidence to suggest that state average credit scores are explained by the demographic factors of education, family, income, and health. GIS mapping reveals clusters of states with similar demographics and credit scores.展开更多
文摘人文社会地理信息系统(geographical information system, GIS)源于人文科学、社会科学和地理信息科学等多个学科的交叉融合,属于自然科学与人文社会科学的学科交叉领域.本文依托南京师范大学长期开展地理信息科学与人文社会科学交叉融合的科研和教学成果,系统分析了人文社会GIS的交叉学科特性,提出了人文社会GIS的内涵和知识体系,设计了“人文社会GIS”课程的创新教学模式,形成了有代表性的学科交叉课程教学实践案例,对于开展“新工科”和“新文科”背景下的交叉学科研究和复合型人才培养具有较好的参考价值.
文摘This paper introduces the formation mechanism and synthetic information prediction of large and superlarge deposits in Shandong Province by analyzing and studying on the GIS platform. The authors established a prospecting model of synthetic information from large and superlarge gold deposit concentration region, and the multi-source spatial database from concentration region of deposits and anomalies. On the basis of the spatial database, a target map layer, a model map layer and a predictive map layer were set up. Based on these map layers, geological variables of the model unit and predictive unit were extracted, then launched location and quantitative prediction of the gold deposit concentration region. The achievement of predicting large and superlarge deposits by the GIS platform has enabled the authors to design automation (or semi-automatic) interpretation subsystems, namely geophysics, geochemistry, geologic prospecting and comprehensive prognosis, and a set of the applicable GIS software for mineral resources prognosis of synthetic information.
文摘Slope aspect is one of the indispensable internal factors besides lithology, relative elevation and slope degree. In this paper authors use information value model with Geo graphical Information System (GIS) technology to study how slope aspect contributes to landslide growth from Yunyang to Wushan segment in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, and the relationship between aspect and landslide growth is quantified. Through the research on 205 landslides examples, it is found that the slope contributes most whose aspect is towards south,southeast and southwest aspect contribute moderately, and other five aspects contribute little. The research result inosculates preferably with the fact. The result of this paper can provide potent gist to the construction of Three Gorges Reservoir area in future.
基金supported by the National Key Technology R&D Program of China under Grant No.2013BAK05B01the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.41371495+1 种基金the National Grand Fundamental Research 973 Program of China under Grant No.2010CB951102the National Key Technology R&D Program of China under Grant No.2011BAD32B00-04
文摘Ecological security defined as the creation of a condition where the physical surroundings of a community provide for the needs of its inhabitants without diminishing its natural stock,which is important for regional security and social stability.In recent years,land use patterns in the Changbai Mountain region have changed significantly with intensive human activities,and consequently led to increasing problems in regional ecological security.Based on the Pressure-State-Impact-Response(PSIR) model and the mathematical method of catastrophe progression supported by geographical information system(GIS),the ecological security situation of the study area under land use and cover change(LUCC) was evaluated.The results indicated that the ecological security in Changbai Mountain region varied nonlinearly,which got better from 1990 to 2000 but became worse from 2000 to 2007,the ecological security levels in Changbai Mountain region were mainly medium and medium to low during the past 17 years,with higher values of Ecological Security Index(ESI) in the central region and lower values in the east and west,the ecological security situation was more serious in the settlements and river valleys,where the LUCC was most remarkable.
文摘The present study is focused on a comparative evaluation of landslide disaster using analytical hierarchy process and information value method for hazard assessment in highly tectonic Chamba region in bosom of Himalaya. During study, the information about the causative factors was generated and the landslide hazard zonation maps were delineated using Information Value Method(IV) and Analytical Hierarchy Process(AHP) using Arc GIS(ESRI). For this purpose, the study area was selected in a part of Ravi river catchment along one of the landslide prone Chamba to Bharmour road corridor of National Highway(NH^(-1)54 A) in Himachal Pradesh, India. A numeral landslide triggering geoenvironmental factors i.e. slope, aspect, relative relief, soil, curvature, land use and land cover(LULC), lithology, drainage density, and lineament density were selected for landslide hazard mapping based on landslide inventory. Landslide hazard zonation map was categorized namely "very high hazard, high hazard, medium hazard, low hazard, and very low hazard". The results from these two methods were validated using Area Under Curve(AUC) plots. It is found that hazard zonation map prepared using information value method and analytical hierarchy process methods possess the prediction rate of 78.87% and 75.42%, respectively. Hence, landslide hazardzonation map obtained using information value method is proposed to be more useful for the study area. These final hazard zonation maps can be used by various stakeholders like engineers and administrators for proper maintenance and smooth traffic flow between Chamba and Bharmour cities, which is the only route connecting these tourist places.
文摘Based on the information of geology, geochemistry, geophysics and remote sensing, the GIS of multi-source information is used to evaluate Cu, W and Au mineral resources in Northern Qilian, China. As the GIS evaluation system works out in the thinking of geological prospecting, its functions include file management, graph edition, database maintenance, information inquiry and comprehensive spatial analysis as well as prospecting target prognosis. Accordingly, the GIS evaluation system can be used directly and conveniently for inquiry and analysis of visual graphs or images.
文摘Protecting and preserving our environmental systems require the ability to understand the spatio-temporal distri- bution of soils, parent material, topography, and land cover as well as the effects of human activities on ecosystems. Space-time modelling of ecosystems in an environmental digital library is essential for visualizing past, present, and future impacts of changes occurring within such landscapes (e.g., shift in land use practices). In this paper, we describe three novel features, spa- tio-temporal indexing, visualization, and geostatistical genre, for the environmental digital library, Environmental Visualization and Geographic Enterprise System (ENVISAGE), currently in progress at the University of Florida.
基金sponsored by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41101514)111 Project+4 种基金New Faculty Start-up Funds of Sichuan University(Grant No.JS20100324507093)the New Century Talent Support Program of the Ministry of Education of China(Grant No.NCET10-0578)International Science & Technology Cooperation Program(Grant No.2012DFG91520)Key Projects of National Science & Technology Pillar Program in the 12th 5 Years(Grant No.2013BAJ11B01)the Jiuzhaigou International Laboratory of Sichuan University,the GIS Center, and the Sustainability Research and Education Center of Sichuan University
文摘The objective of this paper is to develop a GIS(Geographic Information System) database for Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve(Jiuzhaigou,hereafter) in China and demonstrate its application as a research tool.A cost-effective procedure was developed to compile a variety of geographical and biological data of the study area in terms of popular GIS format such as shape files.These files were further calibrated and validated using field surveys data.The developed GIS database was used to quantify the distributions of the wildlife(amphibians,mammals,and birds) using the distances of the wildlife to the centerline of the bus-tour routes.The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to quantify the correlation in space between pairs of different wildlife using the number of habitats for given space contexts.An ArcObject-based macro was developed to perform the analysis.The results showed the majority of the habitats of wildlife are located in the proximity of the tour-bus routes with an average distance ranging from 564 to 894 m depending on types of wildlife.This indicates a possibility of the disturbance to the wildlife by human activities.The correlation coefficient of the wildlife ranged from 0.36 to 0.64 depending on pairs of wildlife,indicating some correlations in space.However,due to the limited sample size,the statistical significances need to be further investigated.This paper has successfully demonstrated the use of the GIS-based database as a research tool for environmental study.
文摘Based on the ArcGIS geographic information system and the ORACLE database management system,this paper reports our studies on the technology of Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS). By analyzing system structure,designing function modules and discussing data management,this paper systematically proposes a framework of technol-ogy to integrate,manage,and analyze the seabed information comprehensively. Then,the technology is applied to the design and development of the Bohai Sea Oilfield Paradigm Area Information System. The system can not only meet the practical demands of marine resources exploration and exploitation in the Bohai Sea oilfield,but also serve as a preparatory work in theory and technology for the realization of the 'Digital Seabed'.
基金the Foundation of Project of Development of Transportation in Western of Ministry of Communication of China (200331880201)
文摘Based on the practical application of Geology Information System(GIS) throughout the world, combined with the characters of road's geological hazard and it's supervision, the paper introduces on the importance of the research on road's geological hazards information management and decision-making support system. The paper also analyzes the system's target, the principles and key techniques in developing the system. In the research, we developed the GIS-based road's geological hazard information management and decision-making support system and applied it to one speedway in the west of China where contains typical geological hazards. The system based on the database of road's geological hazard on the grounds of spatial graphic information and attribute information. By virtue of the scientific assessment and prediction mathematical model, integrating the GIS's strongpoint on spatial analyzing, the system is capable of visualizing the regionalization of road according to the geological hazards it contains, and accurately assessing and predicting geological hazards, thus efficiently assists the road construction and management units in the decision making on controlling the geological hazards and reducing the related loss.
文摘This study considers the regional characteristics of the Tohoku region and the extent of the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and makes proposals for recovery and reconstruction of the areas affected by this disaster as well as for a reduction of the impact of natural disasters that may occur in the future with GIS (geographic information systems) as a social infrastructure positioned at the heart of the information infrastructure. Due to the fact that social media that used ICT (information and communication technology) was useful in the days directly after the disaster, it can be said that it is necessary to investigate the provision of an information infrastructure that uses ICT to reduce the impact of disasters. Therefore, this study proposes the construction of a geographical information database using GIS and the provision and sharing of information using social media GIS after discussion of the relationship between the development of the computerization of Japan and GIS as a valid example of using information systems for recovery and reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
基金National Natural Science Foudation of China(59904001)
文摘The mine ventilation and safety is one of the most important factors to influence on the coal production.More attention has been paid to manage safety information in scientific, efficient, and real-time way. Therefore, it is important to develop a practical mine safety assurance information system (CSAIS). Based on analyzing the actual management mode for ventilation and safety on mine, the paper studies the structure and function of the mine safety assurance information system based on GIS in detail. Moreover, it also suggests some applications and solutions. By combining with the practical situation, the paper realizes the whole function of the present system.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41271436)
文摘Numerical simulation modeling is a hotspot in the geological engineering computing field. Tak- ing a fast Langrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions (FLAC3D) numerical modeling on com- puting the geo-deformation information caused by the mining subsidence in a coalmine for example, a new GIS-Excel modeling method is proposed to build geologic strata within the simulation range combined with the coal-seam dip angle of the underground mining working-planes. First of all, the coal-seam model of the numerical computing is built by using the geographic information system (GIS) according to the stripe-through principle and the calculating formula on the size of the model blocks in the paper defined, then the FLAC3D numerical computing model of all geologic strata with- in the simulation range is also built based on the calculating formula of thickness of each stratum and the Excel fast computing advantages. The GIS-Excel method is good at the higher modeling accuracy, seldom making mistakes and consuming less time. The reliability and validity of the method is veri- fied well by its practical applications in the coalmine area.
文摘Average credit scores for people in the United States (US) differ from state to state. Some states have high, and some states have low average credit scores. Since lenders and employers use credit scores to make loan and employment decisions, people living in states where average credit scores are high should experience the benefits of living where credit scores tend to allow more favorable loan and employment decisions. Although credit scores are the direct result of credit histories, credit histories may be impacted by demographic factors. If the demographic factors that impact credit histories are identified, ways to improve credit scores are likely to be discovered and available to people and state government policymakers. This study looks for demographic factors to indirectly explain the average credit scores for people living in each state of the US. The methodology includes statistical analyses and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping. Statistical analyses provide evidence to suggest that state average credit scores are explained by the demographic factors of education, family, income, and health. GIS mapping reveals clusters of states with similar demographics and credit scores.