mapping for - cooperative extension mapping panel 1 mapping for foresters some options and...

Resources‐Resilience‐Renewal‐Restoration 94th Annual Winter Meeting, New England Society of American Foresters March 25‐27, 2014

3/26/2014, Mapping Panel

1

Mapping for Foresters

Some Options and Considerations

Goals

• Many different systems foresters have

• Everyone has different comfort levels with technology

• Many software and hardware options

• Understand your current mapping needs

• Understand your current system

• Think about how technology can improve your mapping system



2

Some questions to Ask• What are your mapping needs?

• What are the best tools?

• Do you want one integrated or automated system or separate components to mix and match?

• How will your system change in the future with technology?

• Data Storage and maintenance – Will not talk about but important “GIS is a database that happens to make maps” (Shane Bradt)

Forester Mapping Needs

Inventory / navigation mapping (fieldwork)

Mgmt plan mapping (the product)

Boundary lines Locus Map

Inventory Points Stand Map

Access (roads, trails) Topo Map

Features (notablepoints)

Soils Map

Other… Other…

*Operations map



3

What are the best tools?

Inventory /navigation mapping

Mgmt plan mapping

Handheld GPS Desktop program (GIS)

Phone tablet Apps Tablet w/app

Data logger / tablet PC Tablet PC w/program

There is a GPS chip in all of these – it is a GPS

Google EarthWeb Soil Survey (WSS)etc. edited in word

What are the best tools?

• Some considerations

– Hardware, software, hardware‐software combination

– Desktop programs v. phone applications

– Cloud v. local

– Free v. paid

– Ruggedized, weather resistant, battery life

– Cost

– Comfort with technology



4

Do you want one integrated (automated)system or separate components to mix and match?

• Hip chain – paper and pen – hand drawn map

• GPS – tally sheet – DNR GPS – NED‐2 – GIS mapping

• GIS inventory layout – DS cruiser on datalogger – GIS mapping

• Tablet PC Inventory‐GIS‐GPS data collection and mapping

How will your system change in the future with technology?

• DNR GPS –

– Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

• Download GPS info and save in multiple formats

• Upload GIS information

– Boundary points

– Inventory points

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/DNRGPS/DNRGPS.html



5

DNR GPS

• ESRI Shapefile (GIS)• Google Keyhole Markup Language (Google Earth)

• GPS Exchange Format (MapSource)

• Etc.• Interact with clients in unique way

• Save files in the Industry Standard

Inventory/ Navigation Mapping(Fieldwork)

Information needs* Tools

Inventory Points GPS

Boundary Data Logger (GPS)

Other features Mobile device w/ applications (lite or full); (GPS)

Donn will speak in more detail about field inventory options



6

Inventory MappingData Collection

Approach Advantages Disadvantages

Handheld GPS & Hand Collection

• Familiarity• Less expensive

• Less automation, more time intensive

Data Loggers / Tablet PC

• Easier to automate• May promote an integrated, seamless collection and mapping process

• More expensive• Tech know‐how• Manufacturer support and longevity(?)

MobileApplications

• Flexibility and options

• May have less functionality

“Mgmt. Plan” Mapping Tools

• What functionality do you need?

• 4 examples

– Recreational user GPS software

– Google Earth

– GIS software

– 3rd party mapping (WSS)

• For many of these options there are paid and free versions with different functionality



7

Recreational User GPS SoftwareGarmin MapSource (Basecamp)

Recreational User GPS Software• Application

– Map your points, line, polygons –

– Basic mapping (no legend)

• Considerations

– Fewer layers

– File format may not be industry standard (.shp)

– Fewer analysis tools

– Inexpensive and accessible to users

– Can you get your data out



8

Recreational User GPS Software

Google Earth



9

Google Earth• Application


– Basic mapping

• Considerations– Fewer layers

– File format may not be industry standard (.shp)

– Fewer analysis tools

– Free

– Google Pro version with more functionality

KML Tools Project UNH Cooperative Extension

• Calculate area• Create buffers• Create cruise points

ArcMap GIShttp://www.esri.com



10

MapWindow GIShttp://www.mapwindow.org

GIS (ArcGIS, MapWindow GIS, etc.)

• Application


– Advanced mapping

• Considerations

– Infinite possibility

– File format is industry standard (.shp)

– Lots of analysis tools

– Free or expensive version ($1500/yr)

– May get what you pay for…



11

Mgmt. Plan MappingApproach Advantages Disadvantages

RecreationalMapping Software

• Cheap• Easy to use

• May not produce all needed maps

• Limitedfunctionality

Mobile / OnlineApplications (e.g. Google Earth, WSS, etc.)

• Easy‐moderatedifficulty

• More/Less Functionality

• Great for certain functions

• May be hard to export maps

• May be clunky to get in mgmt. plan

• May not have legend

GIS • Robust• Customizeanything

• Free version clunky/buggy

• Difficult to learn

Conclusion• How tech savvy are you or do you want to be?

• The more complicated the system the more you should use it.

• What is the functionality that you need? – Use as many or as few applications or approaches as needed

• How will what you use change over time?



12

Thank You

• Peter Palmiotto, Antioch University

• Donn Downey, Forest Metrix

• Steve Eisenhaure, UNH woodlands and Natural Areas

• Shane Bradt, UNH Cooperative Extension

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