Geographic Information System (GIS) software has been in use by natural resources managers for several years, but its usefulness is limited by the availability of geo-referenced and rectified images. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are now reaching a level of affordability and accuracy such that its use in the field is more common. Its usefulness is, however, still limited by the availability of geo-referenced, current images.

The integration of GIS and GPS in the field of natural resources management will allow insights into research and management decision making that haven’t been imagined as yet. Just envision this: timely data obtained affordably that is accurate to within a meter from the most remote locations imaginable.

GPS, GIS, and digital aerial imaging could be combined to study ruffed grouse drumming log distribution and surrounding cover. Using GPS, the location of each drumming log is mapped. The location data is transferred to an aerial image using GIS software. If the forest canopy is altered by timber harvesting or by wind or fire, drumming logs can be located in minutes instead of hours. A digital image overflight can provide an aerial photo base update allowing an assessment of the potential impact on the population and predicted future conditions. Distance relationships between drumming activity centers can be accurately measured and assessed.

With today’s tight budgets and increasing time demands, consider using technology to your advantage. GPS technology integrated with digital aerial imaging, desktop mapping software, and pre-existing data sets can assist in resource management and decision making.

The knowledgeable technical staff at GPS Innovations is ready to introduce you to the technology, advise you on an application program, and show you how to collect data in new and economical ways.

Think of the Possibilities

What if you could have digital image data affordably and when it was needed - not in 3 to 4 months?

What if the image was geo-referenced so field staff could find a critical location quickly and accurately?

What if field locations could be transferred quickly and accurately to aerial images that were less than a week old?

Imagine the results that might be produced for those time critical decisions.

Applications

These are just a few ideas about how digital aerial imaging can be used in natural resource studies and management.

Forestry

• Tree species inventories
• Wind, fire, and storm damage assessments
• Insect and disease mapping
• Canopy coverage measurements
• Access road placement

• Habitat type mapping
• Invasive species mapping
• Rare, threatened and endangered species (plant colony) mapping
• Habitat type utilization
• Breeding habitat analysis
• Breeding territory distribution
• Population fluxes
• Metapopulation movements

• Monitor water conditions
• Map vegetation
• Perform inventories
• Monitor change in size over time
• Determine mitigation compliance

• Forestry
• Mining
• Pollution
• Construction