Part 11 Geographic Information SystemsObjectivesWhat is a Geographic Information System?A Brief History of GISWhy Use GIS in Forestry and Natural Resource Management OrganizationsGIS TechnologyData Collection Processes and Input DevicesOutput DevicesGIS Software ProgramsSummaryApplicationsReferences2 GIS Databases: Map Projections, Structures, and ScaleObjectivesThe Shape and Size of the EarthEllipsoids, Geoids, and DatumsThe Geographical Coordinate SystemMap ProjectionsPlanar Coordinate SystemsGIS Database StructuresMetadataAccess to Spatial DataScale, or Resolution, of Spatial DatabasesApplicationsReferences3 Acquiring, Creating, and Editing GIS Databases and Dealing with ErrorsObjectivesAcquiring GIS DatabasesCreating GIS DatabasesEditing GIS DatabasesDealing with Errors in GIS DatabasesSummaryApplicationsReferences4 Map DesignObjectivesMap ComponentsMap TypesThe Design LoopCommon Map ProblemsUSGS 7.5 Minute Series Quadrangle MapsSummaryApplicationsReferencesPart 25 Selecting Landscape Features Based on Their AttributesObjectivesSelecting Features from a GIS DatabaseSelecting Features Within Some Proximity of Other FeaturesSummaryApplicationsReferences6 Obtaining Information About a Specific Geographic RegionObjectivesHow a Clip Process WorksHow an Erase Process WorksSummaryApplications7 Buffering Landscape FeaturesObjectivesHow a Buffer Process WorksBuffering Streams and Creating Riparian AreasBuffering Owl Nest LocationsOther Applications of Buffer ProcessesSummaryApplicationsReferences8 Combining and Splitting Landscape Features and Merging GIS DatabasesObjectivesCombining Landscape FeaturesSplitting Landscape FeaturesMerging GIS DatabasesSummaryApplications9 Joining and Linking Spatial and Nonspatial DatabasesObjectivesJoining Nonspatial Databases with GIS DatabasesJoining Two Spatial GIS DatabasesMaking Joined Data a Permanent Part of the Destination TableLinking TablesSummaryApplications10 Updating GIS DatabasesObjectivesThe Need for Keeping GIS Databases UpdatedUpdating an Existing GIS Database by Adding Landscape FeaturesUpdating an Existing GIS Database by Modifying Existing Landscape Features and AttributesSummaryApplications11 Overlay ProcessesObjectivesIntersect ProcessesIdentity ProcessesUnion ProcessesIncorporating Point and Line GIS Databases into an Overlay AnalysisSummaryApplications12 Synthesis of Techniques Applied to Advanced TopicsObjectivesLand ClassificationsRecreation Opportunity SpectrumBuffer Strips for the Protection of Public and Private PropertyHabitat Suitability Model with a Road Edge EffectSummaryApplicationsReferences13 Raster GIS Database AnalysesObjectivesDigital Elevation Models (DEMs)Elevation Contour IntervalsShaded Relief MapsSlope Class MapsInteraction with Vector GIS DatabasesViewshield AnalysisSummaryApplicationsReferencesPart 314 Trends in GIS TechnologyObjectivesIntegrated Raster/Vector SoftwareHigh-Resolution GIS DatabasesDistribution of GIS Capabilities to Field OfficesData Retrieval From the InternetPortable Devices to Capture and Display GIS DataStandards for the Exchange of GIS DatabasesLegal Issues Related to GISSummaryApplicationsReferences15 Institutional Challenges and Opportunities Related to GISObjectivesSharing of GIS Databases with Other Natural Resource OrganizationsSharing of GIS Databases Within a Natural Resource OrganizationDistribution of GIS Capabilities to Field OfficesTechnical and Institutional ChallengesBenefits of Implementing a GIS ProgramSuccessful GIS ImplementationSummaryApplicationsReferences16 Certification and Licensing of GIS UsersObjectivesCurrent Certification ProgramsThe NCEES Model LawThe Need for GIS Certification and LicensingGIS Community Response to Certification and LicensingSummaryApplicationsReferencesAppendixesA: GIS-Related TerminologyB: GIS-Related Professional Organizations and JournalsC: GIS Software Developers
