Integrating GIS, RTK GNSS, and subsurface geophysical surveying for smart, climate-resilient infrastructure planning in underserved U.S. Regions

The work is based on the concept of employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS and subsurface geophysical surveying to improve infrastructure resilience in underserved areas. These technologies allow detailed real-time data, which allows making more informed decisions related to planning instruments and managing infrastructure. GIS enables the spatial analysis and mapping of environmental hazards; UAVs provide aerial image coverage at high resolution in the infrastructure monitoring process and RTK GNSS can provide accurate geospatial positioning. Elasticity of the soil and groundwater conditions are subsurface geophysical data that supplements surface results. The paper identifies the role played by these combined technologies in helping to conduct vulnerability assessments, predictive modeling, and climate change adaptation strategies. Although the results are promising, it is observed that there are challenges like the data integration, the overfitting of the model and that there is a requirement of the accurate real time data. The study suggests the use of such technologies to develop more evolving, responsive infrastructure planning schemes that can withstand effects of climate change and in the long-term the infrastructure will sustain and be resilient.