John Caffin, David Crockett, and Rachel Hough
The U.S. Forest Service has spent large amounts of money and time compiling digital data sets of the National Forests for use with their GIS to support environmental analyses. However, some of their maps are still created manually. URS Greiner Woodward Clyde Inc. created a map for the U.S. Forest Service to demonstrate the ability of ArcView GIS to digitally reproduce a common map series. The USFS is looking for a more efficient method to create and update their maps. The current update cycle can be as long as eleven years. Using GIS technology to establish a digital map series will allow the U.S. Forest Service to complete updates in days rather than years.
ArcView software is used everyday by people from many disciplines in a wide variety of situations. As an example, some foresters use ArcView to develop applications that allow them to monitor forests, while others use it to predict fire spread. However, the ability and subsequent value of using ArcView to make a dynamic map cannot be overlooked. A professional map product can be created in a relatively short period of time and can be followed by a reproduction time frame that is far more efficient than other software packages available today.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) produces maps for every National Forest in the United States. These maps are made to guide visitors to the Forests and to pertinent Areas of Interest. Presently the maps are being produced on a seven to fifteen year revision cycle. In the past, this mapping process was manual or semi-automated, costly, and labor intensive. In recent years, some of the maps were produced using cartographic software packages not available to Forest Service employees at Forests and Ranger District Offices. Currently, ArcView software is available at every Forest Service Office.
John Caffin, GIS Coordinator for the southern region of the U.S. Forest Service, contracted URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, Inc. (URS) to reproduce a Visitor Map using ArcView software in order to perform a series of tests.
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Test 1: Can the current Visitor Map be reproduced using existing Forest |
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Service GIS data that was built to support environmental |
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analyses rather than map production? |
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Test 2: Can the map be printed on a large-scale format?
Test 3: What possibilities exist for future map production? |
The Ocala National Forest, located in central Florida was selected as the test site. When the project began, ArcView 3.0a was the current software version used to reproduce the map. The task was specifically to digitally reproduce the map. URS was not to change the contents of the map in any way. The data available from the Ranger Districts within the Ocala National Forest was given to URS on CD. After reviewing the existing GIS data, the following obstacles were encountered:
One solution to the problems encountered in the Test 1 phase would be the completion and implementation of standardized data layers at each Forest. These data layers should contain the basemap datasets that are needed to create every Visitor Map. Examples of these are:
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The library should also contain point data needed for each Forest. The locations should be gathered using digitally corrected GPS for improved accuracy. Compilation of these datasets can be accomplished and maintained at each District Office. Remote or Web access should also be provided for the public and other units or agencies. URS Greiner Woodward Clyde Inc. discussed these issues with Mr. Caffin following the creation of the map product.
The Test 2 phase was a simple process. Mr. Caffin wanted to prove that the map produced using ArcView software could be printed on a large-scale format. The reasoning behind this test is that the USFS prints thousands of maps at a time for distribution. Therefore, a digital copy of the map was given to a local printing company in Tallahassee, FL. They read the file and were able to print the map using an offset printer. This process also forwarded the idea of each District having the ability to create and reprint maps as needed within their District.
Future mapping possibilities for the USFS were discussed in the Test 3 phase. Using a GIS to produce the maps could accomplish the following goals: 1) promote the development of standard data layers, 2) enhance the quality of the data, and 3) promote map production at the District level. Production processes could be less time consuming and automated. Also, once a project is created for the Visitor Map, additional data could be added to produce a series of special interest maps. Examples of these include:
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Finally, using a GIS at each District will allow maps and data to be kept current, thus ensuring accurate maps for Forest visitors.
In conclusion, the advantages of automated mapping are clear. URS Greiner Woodward Clyde Inc. has demonstrated the automation of a Visitor Map in approximately 100 hours. The three tests prove the ability of ArcView software to produce a map of professional quality. The efficient reproduction capabilities of ArcView have also been confirmed. Through this experiment the Forest Service has identified standard marker symbols needed for ArcView users. Forest Service marker symbols are now available and can be obtained by contacting Reed Wheeler @ 801-975-3734, rwheeler/wo_gstc@fs.fed.us. For more information on this project, contact John Caffin in Atlanta, GA @ 404-347-4814, caffin_john/r8@fs.fed.us or Rachel Hough in Tallahassee, FL @ 850-942-6007, rachel_hough@urscorp.com.
John Caffin
GIS Coordinator, Southern Region
U.S. Forest Service
David Crockett
Supervisory Cartographer, Development Group
Geospatial Service and Technology Center, U.S. Forest Service
Rachel Hough
GIS Analyst
URS Greiner Woodward Clyde Inc.