 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
October 27, 2005
Geospatial Applications: N.D. Forest Service Uses Geospatial Technologies
North Dakota Forest Service personnel are using geospatial technologies to enhance their work in forest management. Several are using a geographic information system (GIS) computer software program to manage forest and riparian projects. Seven individuals participated in a GIS training workshop in Grafton on Oct. 10, 2005, conducted by me. Participants learned how to use fGIS, a free GIS program developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Craig Brumbaugh, riparian forestry specialist in Grafton, is using geospatial technologies to help manage Cart Creek watershed in Pembina, Walsh and Cavalier counties for riparian benefits. Tom Nowatzki, state forest specialist, is using these technologies to manage state forest land across the state. Robert Harsel, forest resource management specialist in Lisbon, is using GIS, GPS and aerial photography in the Sheyenne National Grasslands in Ransom County. These and other North Dakota foresters start by acquiring accurate points, routes and boundaries using global positioning system (GPS) units. They use the fGIS program to display the GPS data on high-resolution aerial photography. The GIS program allows them to visualize and determine the number of acres included in their project area. They are using the 1-meter resolution National Agricultural Imagery Program’s (NAIP) aerial photography acquired during the growing season. Since the NAIP imagery is high resolution and taken during the growing season, foresters can identify various types and quality of vegetation. In the future, state foresters intend to use GPS to mark insect and disease infestations and then use GIS to compare known infested areas with other spatial data to identify possible causes for the infestations. The GIS software allows users to overlay GPS-collected data on digital soil maps and elevation data. Weather information is another example of remotely sensed data that is available for forest management. The North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) monitors and records local weather conditions throughout North Dakota and disseminates these detailed data in a GIS format on the NDAWN Web site. I will offer additional GIS workshops for individuals who want to learn how to use fGIS. These workshops will be scheduled at various locations across North Dakota. Anyone interested in participating in an fGIS workshop can contact the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at NDSU. If you are interested in attending an fGIS workshop, send an e-mail to Lori at Lori.Sholts@ndsu.edu or telephone (701) 231-7261. ### Source: John
Nowatzki, (701) 231-8213, jnowatzk@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
