Next Generation Government: Gov 2.0 and Beyond

The USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Zone Map

—Greg Wilson, USDA Agricultural Research Service OCIO

The USDA's 'Plant Hardiness Zone Map' has for years been a fundamental source of information for agricultural researchers, farmers, private gardeners and professional landscapers. The map has evolved over the years and seen many significant improvements. Recently, the USDA ARS, in partnership with the Parameter-Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) Climate Group from Oregon State University, has updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, utilizing a 30-year climatic dataset, and applied sophisticated algorithms to extrapolate low-temperature data between reporting weather stations. These improvements will provide a better and more precise understanding of plant tolerances across the 50 States and Puerto Rico, and generally enhance the map's value for a broad range of uses.

Along with these enhancements to the underlying PHZM data, the USDA recognizes the need for a modern, scalable and interactive web-based GIS Viewer that makes these data more accessible and useful. USDA ARS worked with Esri Professional Services to develop an Interactive PHZM application in the Amazon Elastic Cloud which provides access to; both static and interactive cartographic maps, GIS datasets and a user friendly Viewer for exploring the improved PHZM dataset, other standard basemap and imagery products and basic search and query functions on these map layers. The PHZM application will be a tool for making optimal use of the USDA's investment in an improved PHZM dataset.