Digital Quest, Inc.

Course at a glance:
This course focuses on applications of GIS/RS technology in the field of Agriculture & Natural Resource Technology. Specifically this project deals with the field of forestry and involves the creation of a campus-wide tree inventory. By utilizing GIS/RS technology, the benefits of having trees on campus can be quantified and expressed in terms that are relevant to environmentalists, government officials, land developers, and the public in general. Although the extent of your study for this project will be limited to the tools that you have utilized up until this point in your SPACESTARS education, this project will give you a tremendous amount of experience and information in the focus of spatial technology in the field of forestry.

The following unit objectives are targeted in this project:: Follow detailed project implementation steps to plan and create a GIS project that studies the vegetation inventory of the campus landscape. This includes recording diverse tree types and their condition, researching their biological profiles, determining indigenous vs. transplanted species, and assessing their suitability for the campus environment.; Use ArcGIS software and any necessary extension software programs, manipulate the project data and perform any relevant analyses for the project.; Organize findings into a map layout, import this layout into a word processing software program, and summarize these findings in a concise written report.; Communicate project findings via oral presentation to school administrators and any other relevant parties.

During the course you will also learn….

Collecting Data using GPS units
Delegating Personnel Assignments
Creating Data Log Worksheets
Categorizing Trees using Resource Manual
Estimating Tree Height
Measuring Tree Diameter
Estimating Age of Tree
Rating Condition of Tree
Ascertaining Merchantable Value of Tree
Conducting Tree Growth Analysis
Conducting Energy Conservation Analysis
Analyzing Storm Water Runoff Reduction
Researching Current Market Value of Lumber
Producing Written Report
Presenting Project to Stakeholders

Why is this topic important?
Forests and plant life are vital to our survival. Without plants, our oxygen supply would be depleted. Without forests, we would not only loose the timber we need to build with, but would also lose a huge productive ecosystem. From the many species of plants and animals that thrive in the shade, to the buffering effects they provide, forests are important. They are also important for aiding in water runoff and in preventing soil erosion. Studying where to place trees and plants on our own campus is a small but meaningful way to contribute to our own survival. By utilizing GIS/RS technology, benefits can be quantified and expressed in terms that are relevant to environmentalists, government officials, land developers, and the public in general.

Table of Contents:

Classwide Campus Application using Fundamental & Extended

Project Introduction
Project Overview Page
Project Planning
Project Implementation
Data Acquisition & Collection
- Data Acquisition:
- Adding Fields to Existing Data Tables
- Mapping & Labeling Campus Trees
- Creating the Data Log Spreadsheet
- Data Collection:
- Collecting Species Data
- Collecting Type Data
- Collecting Origin Data
- Collecting Habitat Data
- Collecting Height Data
- Collecting Diameter Data
- Collecting Age Data
- Collecting Condition Data
- Collecting Merchantable Height Data
- Collecting Merchantable Diameter Data
Data Processing & Analysis
- Data Entry
- Estimating Tree Age Mathematically
- Mapping Tree Attributes
- Tree Growth Analysis
- Energy Conservation Analysis
- Storm Water Runoff Reduction Analysis
- Merchantability Analysis

Who could use this knowledge?

Who are the direct stakeholders?

Skills we assume you have before you take this class:

You must know ArcGIS 9.1, have basic computer skills, including a working knowledge of an office suite (such as PowerPoint, Word Docs, and Spread Sheets) and experience with the Internet.

Software you will need:

ArcGIS 9.1 , an office suite (such as PowerPoint, Word Docs, and Spread Sheets) and an Internet browser.

Hardware you will need:

A networked computer lab with a 1:1 ratio of students to computers, which meets the following minimum specifications: Pentium-III, Celeron, Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon running at 1ghz or equivalent, at least 1GB of RAM memory, Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional, a network server providing at least 500MB of storage per student, and appropriate read/write permissions for both the server and workstations. You will also need Internet access and a suitable means of displaying PowerPoint presentations (LCD projector, large monitor, plasma screen, etc.). You will also need a GPS unit.

Teacher Support…

Detailed, thorough student documentation, Full lesson plans including objectives, materials needed, procedures and assessments, PowerPoint presentations with narratives, Customized assessment and answer keys based on local data

What Data will you use…

Filename Type Description
cfcc dbf Census Feature Class Codes

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