Stratospheric Balloon Landing Suitability Analysis in Arizona, USA
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Collection Information
This item is part of the MS-GIST Master's Reports collection. For more information about items in this collection, please contact the UA Campus Repository at repository@u.library.arizona.edu.Abstract
Stratospheric balloons are increasingly important platforms for atmospheric research, remote sensing, and testing space-bound technologies. A critical operational challenge for high-altitude balloon operators is rapidly identifying safe and viable landing zones, especially in emergencies. This study aims to (1) quantify which geographic, demographic, and regulatory factors should most affect landing zone suitability across Arizona, and (2) produce a decision-support map to enable high-altitude balloon operators to quickly select safe landing areas. To achieve this, the study utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to multiple criteria – including population density, controlled airspace, powerline proximity, and Gap Analysis Project (GAP) Status Codes – based on expert/operator judgements. The study then applies these weights to spatial data within a GIS framework to generate a high-resolution suitability map, classifying areas from “highly suitable” to “not suitable.” The resulting output provides a tool that operators can reference in real time to reduce decision-making time and enhance public safety.Type
Electronic Reporttext