Data and GIS Management

Nationally, and at the network level, the Inventory and Monitoring Program makes a strong commitment to data management as a basis for success. The goal of the Great Lakes Network's data management and GIS program is to collect, process, distribute and maintain the ecological data and related analyses that result from the network's resource inventory and monitoring work. The goals, philosophy, and policies that guide GLKN's data management efforts, including all phases of data handling (collection, entry, review, summarization, archival), are detailed in our Data Management Plan. Additional guidance aspects of data management unique to each Vital Signs project can be found in the documentation for each protocol.