Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers provides a resource for developing knowledge and skills concerning GIS as it applies to forestry and natural resource management. This book helps readers understand how GIS can effectively be used by professional foresters and land managers to conduct spatial analyses or address management decisions. Through topics presented, readers will improve their ability to understand GIS data sources, identify GIS data types and quality, perform common spatial analysis processes, create GIS data, produce maps, and ultimately develop the skills necessary to use GIS analysis to answer real-world questions.
This book will be of great benefit to GIS users looking to directly apply techniques to real-world data or foresters and natural resource scientists who use GIS in their research.
Author(s): Krista Merry, Pete Bettinger, Michael Crosby, Kevin Boston
Publisher: Elsevier
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 393
City: Amsterdam
Cover
Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers
Copyright
Dedications
Preface
Reflection 2.1
Diversion 5.4
Inspection 3.3
Translation 7.1
1. Geographic information systems
Introduction
Brief history of the development of GIS
GIS hardware
GIS software
Commercial off-the-shelf software
Open-source software
Conducting spatial analyses
Conclusions
References
2. Geographic data
Introduction
Data models
Vector data models
Tabular data
Topology
Raster data models
Other data models
Resolution
Data format
Data precision and accuracy
Data errors
Missing data
Inconsistent data
Attribute issues
Positional problems
Database design
Data file types
Shapefiles
Geodatabases
Other common file types
Metadata
Conclusions
References
3. Reference systems
Introduction
Ellipsoids, datums, geoids
Projection systems
Cylindrical projections
Conic projections
Azimuthal projections
Coordinate systems
Geographic coordinate systems
Projected coordinate systems
Universal transverse mercator system
US state plane system
Other coordinate systems
Metes and bounds surveys
US public land survey system
Canadian Dominion Land Survey
Conversion between systems
Conclusions
References
4. Making maps
Introduction
Map components
Map title
Orientation
Scale
Symbols
Legends
Neat lines
Labels
Insets
Graticule
Other components
Background image
Data visualization
Map types
Conclusions
References
5. Geographic data collection
Introduction
GIS database development planning
Creating GIS databases
Digitizing a hand-drawn map
Digitizing on a computer using a raster image as a base
Collecting vector features with GPS
Collecting vector features with a drone or an aircraft
Collecting structured and unstructured data
Scanning a map
Capturing an aerial image, then perhaps classifying the image
Capturing a satellite image, then perhaps classifying the image
Where to find GIS databases
Data quality, accuracy, and errors in GIS databases
Conclusions
References
6. Geographic data management
Introduction
Storage and file size
Local disk
External drives
Cloud storage
Internet of Things and online mapping
Conclusions
References
7. Geographic data processing—vector data
Introduction
Physical selection of spatial features
Attribute query
Buffer
Split
Clip
Erase
Intersect
Union
Identity
Merge
Dissolve
Generalize
Simplify
Densify
Smooth
Join
Spatial join
Conclusions
References
8. Geographic data processing—raster data
Introduction
Resolution
Elevation and topography
Reclassification
Map algebra
Interpolation
Classification
Supervised classification
Unsupervised classification
Object-based classification
Spectral indices
Normalized difference vegetation index
Enhanced vegetation index
Normalized difference moisture index
Data conversion
Conclusions
References
9. Remote sensing
Introduction
Aerial imagery systems
Satellite-based imagery systems
Unmanned aerial vehicle imagery systems
Conclusions
References
10. Advanced applications in forestry and natural resource management
Introduction
Case study: riparian areas
Case study: recreation opportunity spectrum
Case study: fertilization options
Case study: forested area by management unit
Conclusions
References
11. Professional practices
Introduction
Professional standards
Potential legal issues involving GIS
Professional responsibility
Conclusion
References
Appendix: questions
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Z
