How Planners and Managers Can Get the GIS Products

You Want and Need

Brad Weigle Photo Science

Overview: Know the Available Technology Steps to a Successful GIS Project A Probable Future for Forestry GIS

Know the Available

Technology

CPU Development Compared to 30 years ago, desktop computers have: 100,000x processing power 125,000x memory 4,000,000x data storage Today’s terabyte is tomorrow’s petabyte

Utilize a Geodatabase to consolidate GIS data layers

Geodatabase features feature datasets: group related data identical projections topology RULES for gaps, overlaps, coincidence compactable feature classes: easily load older data cartographic representation Coverages: should be extinct by now can’t edit in ArcMap Shapefiles 1 data layer – 6 files no topology

Develop Standardized Cartographic Products Symbology implement standard symbols and colors for all layers use cartographic representation to insure map portability Scale determine base scale establish increments for insets Annotation use non-proprietary fonts determine subtypes for layers set standard font colors & sizes convert labels from layers 1st use Mapplex for addl. anno build 1 set for use in all maps reuse anno for other projects Template develop and use for all maps

Implement Models for repetitive GIS tasks

Modelbuilder in ArcGIS for vector processes access through ArcToolbox use graphic toolbar to add elements build and connect processes for data analyses/processing specify input and output data layers set variables for data and tool parameters to simplify model reuse allows looping, iterations, batch processing accommodates very complex models including data conversion from older formats to geodatabase ModelMaker in ERDAS Imagine complex-repetitive tasks on rasters

Investigate Stereo Imagery and LiDAR

Aerial Imagery collected with 60% overlap acquire: all raw images GPS/IMU orientation (eofile) orthophotos (unbalanced) tone balanced mosaics all available bands uses: stereo for 3D data collection semi-automated classification visualization of remote sites automated terrain extraction LiDAR – laser point cloud acquire all data - the point cloud uses: high resolution DEM high resolution terrain model vegetation canopy, density surface permeability

Steps to a Successful

GIS Project

1. Review existing data/metadata by content experts within the organization

Weed out old data or data with no metadata Download data layers from corporate data warehouse and link with attributes & metadata Review topology and repair problems Deliver data to GIS staff with metadata and contact information for responsible data steward If understaffed, have contractor fix data layers at additional expense but with savings of time

2. Prepare Definitive Scope of Work

Establish clear need for project and how results will be used Specify input data, analyses, output data layers/maps, and reports required Include data & directory structures and establish naming conventions Determine timelines/schedules to fit needs of organization, reviewers, & production staff Specify acceptance criteria Scope changes will increase time &/or cost

3. Use pilot area/delivery for initial product reviews

Generally first 10% of project is reviewed – reduces risks for all Review preliminary data layers with sample metadata Include map deliverables & review for content, symbology, & colors Establish a review team that remains constant from start to end of project Consolidate review comments in a database/spreadsheet with problems and expected remedies Meet agreed upon review turnaround schedule Modify scope, schedule, cost if needed

4. Conduct scheduled progress meetings & reports

Establish single point of contact a. for all data questions b. for all contract issues Schedule a regular date & time for project conference calls and online data demos Conduct separate project meetings and technical meetings Designate official note-taker and deliver draft of discussion & agreements out to participants within 24 hours Review schedule and progress against work plan Insure everyone does work on project between meetings, not just the GIS staff

5. Thoroughly review final deliverables

Schedule concentrated time for final review of products Check products against scope, not undocumented expectations Document any problems with expectations/details for fixes Meet review schedule specified in scope of work Provide written acceptance of project to GIS staff/contractor Conduct wrap-up meeting with “Lessons Learned” specifics

A Probable Future for

Forestry GIS:

Automated Vegetation Mapping

3D as a Standard

VEGETATION MAPPING The Present: Elementary Data Fusion

FIELD OBSERVATIONS

G I S ArcMap 10

REMOTE SENSING ERDAS Imagine ENVI

Photo Interpretation or Semi-Automated Feature Generation eCognition, See-5 Feature Analyst ERDAS Objective Socet GXP

VEGETATION MAPPING The Future: Automated Mapping Spectral Signature Library for Vegetation/Phases High Resolution 16 - 256 band Hyperspectral Imagery Concurrent LiDAR acquisition/ improved auto-correlation Desktop Supercomputers with 3-D monitors & petabyte hard drives Robust Rulesets for Image Classification Field and Visual Accuracy Assessment

3D data becomes the standard for vegetation mapping & GIS • Minimal/no additional cost outlay for hardware $20K to $2K to integration into all computers & PDAs • NAIP imagery delivered as stereo pairs, individual orthos, & tone balanced mosaics Only additional cost is hard drive space required • Stereo Analyst &/or other 3D extensions included with ArcGIS at no extra cost collect 3D data for all data layers using stereo images • 3D Resource data and views will be expected by the public

and resource managers be ahead of the demand for 3D data

Stereo Analyst in Anaglyph Mode

Stereo Analyst in Anaglyph Mode

Stereo Analyst in Anaglyph Mode

What GIS is All About Wisdom

Understanding Knowledge Information

Data Steve Gregonis – USFS Region 2 GIS Coordinator

Don’t Get Stuck In the Past “The Future is fun The Future is fair You may already have one You may already be there!” Firesign Theatre – We’re All Bozos on this Bus

Brad Weigle Photo Science (727) 576-9500 bweigle@photoscience.com