BACKGROUND
The Department of Defense must comply with a multitude of environmental regulations. Compliance with these regulations requires the collection and analysis of vast quantities of data for each military installation in this country. In addition, the DoD has committed to aggressive goals to eliminate or reduce pollution in all forms. To date, environmental compliance, pollution prevention, and clean-up activities have been conducted at each base under numerous, independent programs. In many cases, the same data has been re-collected for different programs and is seldom normalized and shared among different groups.
OBJECTIVE
Using GIS technology, design an interactive system that facilitates comprehensive environmental management and planning at a military installation. Emphasize the use of a cost-effective PC platform and a user-friendly Windows operating environment. Support both surface and subsurface mapping of environmental data. Offer decision makers direct, real-time benefits of GIS data bases.
APPROACH
Emphasis in design of the EDMGIS was placed on ease of use, multi-program environmental application, and conformance to accepted GIS standards and procedures (e.g. Tri-Service Spatial Data Standards). The system was built using off-the-shelf software applications ArcInfo, ArcCAD, ArcView, AutoCAD, and GIS/Key. Every opportunity was taken to incorporate data from existing digital data bases.
CONCLUSIONS
The EDMGIS allows a standardized approach for managing multi-program environmental data. Being easy to use, the package allows personnel at a base or regulatory agency to selectively retrieve, analyze, display, and output data relevant to a specific area of interest. For closing installations, this system helps ensure timely, safe conversion of DoD property to facilitate economic revitalization. For operating installations, this system provides an indispensable tool for managing environmental, health, and safety data to achieve environmental compliance, pollution prevention, and environmental restoration goals.
Jim Grummon
Earth Tech
1461 E. Cooley Dr.
Colton, CA 92324
Telephone: 909-424-1919
Fax: 909-424-1924