Geographic Information Systems Applications in Natural Resource Management

1. Geographic Information SystemsApplications in Natural Resource Management Chapter 16 Institutional Challenges and Opportunities Related to GIS Michael G. Wing & Pete Bettinger

2. Chapter 16 Objectives • The potential challenges ahead for successful and efficient GIS applications within and among natural resource management organizations; • The challenges that exist for organizations thinking of distributing GIS capabilities to field offices, a move becoming more prevalent as recent natural resource graduates likely will have GIS experience in coursework, and exposure or training in the field; and • How to assess the benefit of using GIS, a measurement process that will likely be necessary to develop more efficient business operations, higher quality products, and more timely management decisions.

3. Sharing GIS databases with other natural resource organizations • Some federal agencies make significant amounts of natural resource GIS data available to the public • USDA Forest Service, USDI BLM, USGS • State agencies also make data available, but within a narrower scope than federal agencies • Oregon Department of Forestry • State GIS data clearing houses, however, may make significant amounts of data available • In contrast, private organizations typically take a much different perspective of their data • Data are seen as proprietary even though the source data may have been drawn from public sources • Energies and strategies are turned to how best to recoup costs associated with maintaining data • Concerns may also arise as to whether competitors may gain insights into management practices should they get the data

4. Private organizations • Usually do not make data available to others unless they can find value in the exchange • There are exceptions: • The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) has developed a process whereby both public and private organizations can contribute data to improve statewide databases • Also in Washington State, a number of watershed analyses conducted in the late 1990s saw data sharing between private and public organizations to develop watershed-wide databases

5. Sharing of GIS databases within a natural resource organization • Issues of GIS database ownership, maintenance, distribution, and data quality within an organization can be problematic • This is usually a reflection of database design • A road engineer may be the best person to create and maintain a culvert database whereas a wildlife biologist may be the most appropriate to handle endangered species data • The abilities of an “expert” may not be suitable for GIS-related tasks or that person may not have time available for GIS tasks • A GIS technician, manager, or contractor may be a better solution in these cases • Other activities, such as maintenance and analysis, may also lead to GIS databases being shared within an organization

6. Data sharing processes • Becoming more important as field personnel and management are becoming interested in GIS technology • Data sharing can be as simple as routing a computer disk from person to person, or office to office • In more advanced examples, data sharing may involve placing all organizational databases on a FTP server or Intranet site that is restricted to organizational members, or certain organizational members

7. Distributing GIS capabilities to field offices can also be challenging • People • Provide training, statement of purpose, and motivation for GIS use • Databases • Clarify GIS database ownership, maintenance, acquisition, and distribution issues • Technology • Ensure that appropriate hardware and software are available, and are being managed properly • Leadership • Must demonstrate strong support for GIS, commit to long-term budgetary support, provide reward system for added responsibilities incurred by implementing GIS, and document the direction and strategic goals of the system

8. Technical and institutional challenges • One of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of using GIS is the effort required to create GIS databases • Therefore, duplication of previous data collection efforts should be avoided • Your best defense against duplication is awareness of what databases are available • Within an organization, databases should be cataloged in a database that is accessible to others • Metadata documents should also be available to describe the “fitness of use” of a database • Unfortunately, metadata are often absent, especially where private organizations are concerned • Be weary when using a database that is without metadata

9. Organizations that make data available • Should make guidelines that address all aspects of database distribution • Technologies used to transmit data • Pricing structure should also be determined • Liability risk will likely increase without guidelines • A liability policy should probably be tailored for each database

10. Before requesting data from an organization that doesn’t ordinarily provide data • Recognize that there are factors that hinder an organization’s willingness to share a database • This is the first step to successfully negotiate getting the data • Reluctance to share data may arise • Sensitive information such as endangered species or archeological sites • Ownership holdings or management practices • Scientific interest • Remedies • Payment for data • Confidentiality agreements

11. Benefits of implementing GIS • The decision to implement a GIS- hardware, software, and people- can be very intimidating • While the costs can usually be estimated, the benefits are more difficult to quantify • Creation and storage of maps • Facilitating the measurement and analysis of landscape features • Allows landscape features stored in a GIS format to be integrated with other GIS databases • Landscape analysis products can convey information more expediently than through other means • GIS program managers must find a way to demonstrate the value of GIS benefits

12. Successful GIS implementation • The costs of implementing and managing a GIS will vary from one organization to the next • Perhaps the strongest factor contributing to success is an organizational commitment from within the upper levels of management • This commitment needs to view implementing GIS as a long-term process • There are likely to be failures and unexpected challenges, particularly during the initial stages of implementation • GIS users should communicate their support for GIS to management • When technical difficulties arise, communication may also help managers understand that sometimes changes are needed to implementation processes

13. Being realistic about GIS • GIS projects and analysis will typically require more time, effort, and other resources than initially estimated • Can be tough on expectations for rapid success • User training must continue • Workshops, continuing education

14. Being realistic about GIS • Project objectives, rather than other measures, should be emphasized and can keep personnel focused when setbacks occur • Objectives can provide standards to judge project success • Achievement benchmarks can also bolster support when the going is tough • Involving GIS users, in addition to management, in the planning process may also increate effectiveness • Users are probably the best qualified to assess whether tasks can be completed