Modeling Kinetic maps some climate elements in the governorates of southern Iraq and their design problems for the period (1989-2024)

Abstract

This study aims to study and assess the feasibility of modeling climatic factors' kinetic maps for Iraq's southern states based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a starting point for preparing dynamic maps capable of depicting temporal and spatial changes. This study focuses on major climatic variables, solar radiation, relative humidity, and evaporation rates, because they have direct implications on the environment and spatial planning. It employs climatic information from 1989 to 2024 and develops dynamic map models in color gradients and isopleths to delineate climate change dynamics. The output reflects a direct increase in solar radiation and evaporation rates with a gradual decrease in relative humidity, reflecting the impact of climate change in the region under study. Kinetic maps were also proven capable of revealing temporal patterns in climatic changes and detecting impacted zones with precision at high spatial resolution. In terms of design, the study identified a variety of cartographic and perceptual issues faced by the map maker, most notably the difficulty of selecting line weights, colour overlap, and scale and visual contrast issues. The study concludes that kinetic modeling is an advanced approach to examining phenomena and an effective method of helping decision-makers plan the environment, especially during drought hazards and thermal transformation.