GIS Projects

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GIS can be used in a huge variety of projects. In some cases, all that's involved is simply creating maps that are customized for a particular purpose. In others, sophisticated analysis is needed. But even simple projects require software and expertise that many organizations lack. The GIS Center is capable of handling projects of all sizes and types. The tasks can be broken down as follows, and we can be involved in any or all of them, according to your requirements.

Project Planning - It's important to recognize in advance which goals are feasible and which are not, within the practical constraints of the project. In many cases, doing this requires more experience than actually doing the work. But effective use of GIS requires a systematic approach, so planning is crucial.

Identifying and Obtaining Existing Data - Adequate data sets can often be obtained from existing sources. But quality varies dramatically among these sources, and each must be evaluated to ensure they are fit for use in the project.

Creation Of New Data - In some cases it will be necessary to create some or all of the data for a particular project, which can require special equipment and software. The creation of GIS data also involves its own set of unique accuracy issues; recognizing them is an important key to the overall success of the project.

Analysis - The real power of GIS is in the analyses that are possible by combining information from disparate sources and using the spatial capabilities of the software to find where and how features of interest converge.

Creating Maps, Reports, Presentations - The task most identified with GIS, making maps, is generally the last in a project. After the analysis is done, results are often most effectively communicated graphically.

Typical projects: natural resource inventories for municipal environmental commissions and planning boards; GPS mapping of streams, trails, or other features of interest; mapping component of watershed characterization studies; riparian corridor assessments; data conversion; specialized data creation.