Clustering and Significance in Spatial Distribution Analysis of the Skudai River Catchment Using Geographic Information System (GIS)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36777/jag2025.4.1.3Keywords:
Spatial Distribution, Pollution, GIS, Environmental, Land UseAbstract
This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns of point-source pollution in the upstream Skudai River catchment, with particular emphasis on restaurants, laundromats, car washes, and workshops. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in the region have generated a range of environmental challenges, including alterations in hydrological and geomorphological processes and deterioration of water quality. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were employed to analyse and visualise the spatial distribution and clustering patterns of point-source pollution. The results revealed significant non-random clustering for all pollution source categories, with distinct concentrations occurring in specific areas of the catchment. The study further examined the relationship between point-source pollution and land-use types, identifying prominent pollution hotspots in commercial and residential areas, while the transportation sector emerged as a major potential contributor. Analysis of the proximity of pollution sources to water bodies and neighbouring spatial patterns provided additional insights into the distribution and potential environmental implications of these sources. The findings provide useful evidence to support water resource management, environmental conservation, and urban planning in the Skudai River catchment, and demonstrate the value of GIS-based spatial analysis for informed decision-making and targeted pollution control.
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