Using ArcView GIS, Microsoft Access, and GPS for an Abandoned Mine Inventory in California

Author: Michael F Tuffly
Organization: Environmental Resources Inventory and Analysis (ERIA)

2104 Del Rey Court
Davis, CA 95616
USA

Phone: 530-753-0522
mtuffly@consrv.ca.gov

Using existing data from the United States Geological Survey coupled with literature, the California Department of Conservation embarked on a project to evaluate the magnitude of the abandoned mines in California with respect to human health and safety. We developed a field sampling regime for one watershed per bioregion in California. Field sample data consisted of soil and water for chemical hazards, and tunnels, highwalls, adits, and shafts for physical hazards. All field data was GPS coupled with postprocessing procedures. A relational database was constructed with input forms in Microsoft Access. Spatial analysis with ancillary data was conducted with ArcView GIS.