Track: Ecology, Conservation, and Archaeology
New GIS Uses for Tackling Environment and Natural Resource Issues
Gary MollCity and county governments are using this new computer technology much more than in the past, but the technology boom is not being directed at environment and natural resource issues. While the reasons for this disparity are not completely understood, new opportunities to apply GIS technology to urban natural resource issues have become available and will hopefully close the gap between priorities and action. American Forests has completed a five-year effort to map, measure, and analyze the size, condition, and value of urban forest ecosystems. Nationwide urban tree cover provides about $400 billion in ecological benefits. By conducting a detailed ecological analysis, a community can take advantage of existing natural resources and reduce management costs. GIS is an extremely proficient tool for tackling the complexities of city and county management and may also provide the key to unlock the benefits of natural resources and the environment. To help cities and counties analyze their urban ecology and use the findings from their analysis for planning and development, American Forests developed a GIS application for desktop computers called CITYgreen.
Gary Moll
American Forests
P.O. Box 2000
Washington, D.C. 20736
USA
Telephone: 202 9554500
Fax:
E-mail: GMOLL@AMFOR.ORG