Using GIS in Forestry

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A look at Texas’ Wildfire Risk and Forest Distribution

Forest Fires Background

• In 1944 after the implementation of the Smokey the Bear campaign, wildfires were reduced from 22 million acres destroyed to 6.5 million

• There is a common misconception that wildfires are caused by lightning. Studies show that 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by people.

• Suppressing or preventing fires actually add to the organic matter available to be used as fuel during a fire. This causes fires to burn with more intensity (i.e., burn hotter and damage more acreage).

Why do you think the Smokey the Bear campaign was modified in 2001?

Initial Campaign: August 1944 Modified Campaign: April 2001

GIS in Forestry

• What is GIS? Stands for Geographic Information

SystemsA system used to store, analyze,

and geographically display spatial and tabular data.

Takes layers of spatial data and arranges them to identify, interpret and analyze spatial relationships

Image from: http://courses.washington.edu/gis250/lessons/introduction_gis/

GIS Relevance to Forestry

• Land cover and change detection analysis Forest fragmentation Species diversity Forest productivityReforestation Soil conservation Forest healthWater resources

• Emergency ManagementHazardous fuel reduction

(identifying areas for controlled burning)

Fire safetyWildfire ignitionsEmergency response

Using GIS & GPS when eyes can’t locate the drop point

GIS Relevance to Forestry