Forest Mapping and GIS
Forest mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) services are essential for effective forest planning. These tools work together to assess both spatial and non-spatial data, aiding in decision-making, planning, and recordkeeping.
In simple terms, you can think of the mapping aspect as information about “where something is”, while the GIS aspect is information about “what something is”.
Our workflow for forest mapping and GIS services typically involves the following steps:
Confirm Legal Boundaries: We start by procuring existing records, such as survey descriptions or plats, to confirm the legal boundaries of your property. Any previous management records are also considered.
GIS Evaluation: Using GIS, we assess your property for potential timber types, streams, access roads, utility features, and any areas of concern. We leverage various data sources, including aerial photography, topographic data, elevation models, and more.
Ground Truthing: We verify GIS assumptions through on-the-ground field proofing. This ensures the accuracy of our evaluations, considering the dynamic nature of forests and ownerships.
Field Mapping and Data Collection: Prominent features of your property are confirmed on-site, and we record their location and relevant details using GPS.
Final Assessments: Back in the GIS, all collected data are carefully evaluated to aid in decision making.
Customized Map Production: The project concludes with the creation of relevant and legible maps that reflect the results, tailored to meet your specific needs.
While different projects will vary in scope and intensity, it is almost a guarantee that your forest management goals will require the integration of forest mapping and GIS. These resources are invaluable when it comes to forest management planning.
Forest Mapping and GIS FAQs
-
The accuracy and reliability of forest mapping projects depends on the Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware used to collect data as well as environmental factors during data collection. GPS tends to be less accurate under extremely dense tree canopy and on cloudy days.
Typical projects will require accuracy and precision to around +/- 10 feet of a feature’s actual position on the ground.
It is important to note that regardless of GPS capabilities, a forester can never replace a registered land surveyor for the establishment of legal boundaries or markers.
-
County GIS websites are typically publicly accessible platforms maintained by local governments to provide basic geographic information to the general public. Typically, users are limited to basic measurements and visualization with a county GIS website.
On the other hand, professional GIS software allows for in-depth spatial analysis, data management, integration of private data, and advanced visualization.
While county GIS websites may be a great resource for basic application, they are not suitable for professional work.