Geospatial Considerations for a Multiorganizational,Landscape-Scale Program |
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| Authors: | Michael S O'Donnell Timothy J Assal Patrick J Anderson Zachary H Bowen |
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| Institution: | 1. U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USAodonnellm@usgs.gov;3. U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA |
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| Abstract: | Geospatial data play an increasingly important role in natural resources management, conservation, and science-based projects. The management and effective use of spatial data becomes significantly more complex when the efforts involve a myriad of landscape-scale projects combined with a multiorganizational collaboration. There is sparse literature to guide users on this daunting subject; therefore, we present a framework of considerations for working with geospatial data that will provide direction to data stewards, scientists, collaborators, and managers for developing geospatial management plans. The concepts we present apply to a variety of geospatial programs or projects, which we describe as a “scalable framework” of processes for integrating geospatial efforts with management, science, and conservation initiatives. Our framework includes five tenets of geospatial data management: (1) the importance of investing in data management and standardization, (2) the scalability of content/efforts addressed in geospatial management plans, (3) the lifecycle of a geospatial effort, (4) a framework for the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) in a landscape-scale conservation or management program, and (5) the major geospatial considerations prior to data acquisition. We conclude with a discussion of future considerations and challenges. |
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| Keywords: | data management scalability life cycle libraries geographic products geospatial management geospatial coordination volunteered geographic information |
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