Implementation and Evaluation of a Geospatial Management Solution for the U.S. National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program

Authors

  • Jason A. Matney North Carolina State University http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4461-8163
  • William S. Slocumb North Carolina State University
  • Jordan W. Smith Utah State University
  • Peter Bonsall US National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
  • Stacy K. Supak North Carolina State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2019-9250

Keywords:

Federal land management agency support, geospatial data management, web mapping applications, park and protected area stewardship

Abstract

Many U.S. federal land management agencies experience difficulties modernizing the management of their geospatial data. These data are frequently administered using desktop-based geographic information systems (GIS) that require specialized skillsets to operate, potentially rendering insights derived from their usage inaccessible to large swaths of land managers. The increasing scale and complexity of geospatial data necessitates modern management tools. While many land managers regularly seek out novel strategies, there is limited discussion in the literature of applying contemporary web-based GIS techniques to land management problems. This research note presents a standardized geospatial approach in the form of a web GIS tool called a Geospatial Management Solution (GMS). Key components of a GMS are described, alongside its implementation within the U.S. National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program based on their identified needs. Our results include recommendations for land managers considering implementing a GMS, and suggestions for future research.

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Author Biographies

Jason A. Matney, North Carolina State University

PhD Candidate in the Center for Geospatial Analytics

William S. Slocumb, North Carolina State University

Research Associate in the Center for Geospatial Analytics

Jordan W. Smith, Utah State University

Director of the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environment and Society

Peter Bonsall, US National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program

Geographer and GIS Specialist

Stacy K. Supak, North Carolina State University

Teaching Assistant Professor in the Center for Geospatial Analytics

Published

2019-03-11

Issue

Section

Research Notes