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Monitoring range health using ArcPad GIS software. Pantel, Andrew*,1, 1 British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
ABSTRACT- Consistency in range monitoring and data collection is challenging for government agencies with large staff numbers and high staff turnover. Technologies such as ArcPad, Microsoft Access and handheld computers are tools used to increase the value of the data collected. The British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range requires a consistent approach to monitoring Range Act agreement areas throughout the province. Handheld computers and GIS software assist range staff to collect detailed range health information and upload that information onto a provincial database. The data collected is geo-referenced and can be viewed and used by individuals throughout the province. Four range assessment checklists were developed to monitor upland health, stream health, wetland health and compliance of range use plans. The health assessment checklists monitor the resource objectives set by the provincial government for soils, forage, water, fish, wildlife and biodiversity. The compliance checklist monitors the legal requirements of the range use plan. The objective of this presentation is to provide an example of how GIS can assist in consistent data collection, the storage of georeferenced data and the retrieval of data for use by staff at a future date. The presentation will be an example of a range assessment using ArcPad GIS software.
KEY WORDS: ArcPad, monitoring, range, handheld
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