Introduction to Geographic Information Systems in Forest Resources

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Although most GIS professionals become more interested in solving analytical puzzles using the tools provided by a GIS, most onlookers are most impressed by the high-quality cartographic output from a GIS.

GIS has advantages over manually producing maps:

• Quick reproduction time
• Data updates are reflected on newly printed maps
• Errors are easily fixed
• "Single use" maps are possible within time and budget constraints

There are some drawbacks to GIS produced-maps:

• Maps can be made by personnel with no cartographic training or ability, sometimes resulting in
  • Ugly maps
  • Inaccurate maps
  • Maps with data of inappropriately mixed scale (e.g., combining a statewide precipitation layer with a detailed map of a small, non-industrial private forest)
• Many versions of the same map with different currency of data can cause confusion

The lab exercises throughout the quarter will show how easy it is to create GIS-based maps (and how difficult it is to create really good GIS maps).

Here are a few examples of some GIS-produced maps.

A topographic map with a close-up
An orthophoto map image of stands at Pack Forest
A 3-D visualization of Pack Forest's landform
Stand age classes from 1995 for Pack Forest
Culvert locations in part of Pack Forest. What do you think caused errors on this map?
Research documentation for publication (CFR graduate Lisa Carlson's data)

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Syllabus Schedule Class Meetings Assignments Course Data Contact Us CFR 520 Lab Locations Software Collect It Page

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