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| Natural Resource GIS Program |
The goal of the NPS Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Program is to provide usable geographic data and information, through geographic information systems, for scientifically based management of park resources and for park planning. GIS have been used by the NPS since the mid-1970's when Yosemite and the Great Smoky Mountains national parks embarked upon geospatial projects. Today, most NPS units utilize GIS data and technology. With GIS, park managers have a powerful tool to assist with resource management problems. GIS allows park managers to bring together and relate information that otherwise would be impossible to integrate. Managers can then discover changes, patterns, and trends in the resources.
Natural Resource GIS Program
The Associate Directorate of Natural Resource Stewardship and Science provides major funding for GIS data acquisition and the support of the Regional Technical Support Centers for operations and park projects. The role of Natural Resource GIS is to provide internal and external coordination and leadership on Natural Resource and Inventory & Monitoring GIS and information management issues. The I&M Program maintains a cooperative agreement with Colorado State University (CSU) for the Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC) and national level support, database development, and establishment of GIS and data management training programs. The natural resource and national programs are working cooperatively to develop GIS metadata and data management systems and an integrated presence on the World Wide Web.
The Natural Resource GIS Program performs the following functions:
- coordination of GIS implementation within the NRPC, Regions, and NPS Units
- coordination of partnerships with other agencies and organizations
- facilitation and management of joint and cost-shared geospatial data development
- management of Natural Resource and I&M GIS data acquisition
- cooperation and implementation of the spatial data clearinghouse and data archiving
- development and coordination of GIS and information management plans, standards, and policies
- coordination of GIS and data management educational and training opportunities
- facilitation of information and data sharing within the NPS GIS community
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