Abstract:
Total Column Ozone (TCO) has an impact on the Earth’s atmosphere. In this article the measurements are used for modelling the spatial distribution of the TCO in the atmosphere to observe the values of TCO and the state of the ozone layer as a whole. Spatial interpolation allows an extrapolation of large TCO point data sets to a larger area of interest and is an important method for such purpose. This article focuses on modelling spatial distribution of global TCO using two spatial interpolation methods applying the free open source software Quantum GIS (QGIS) and GRASS GIS. The priority is given to elaborate the workflow showing how to apply Quantum GIS and GRASS GIS and how to implement some spatial interpolation methods making a contribution to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in modelling spatial distribution of the TCO in Earth’s atmosphere. The main goal is, therefore, to demonstrate different means for integration of raw TCO data into GIS and modelling its spatial distribution using free and open source GIS software. The results show that QGIS and GRASS GIS are appropriate tools for modelling spatial distribution of TCO. There are two main advantages of this use: nocost for software and GIS application that allow also more complex spatial analysis of TCO in GIS environment using additional geographic data and analytical tools for spatial analysis.