If you think about it, much of the management of a large piece of land is related to its spatial dimension. Pretty much every management factor is either affected by or affects the surroundings. So as geographers you need to help manage the preserve by using your tools and skills. In the following blog entries you will need the following:
- The management documents
- The GIS database (stored for you on blackboard)
- Discussions and interactions with your classmates.
How can you help? You mission in this blog is to do the following to the best of your ability:
- Answer the following question: What are the spatial dimensions associated with the management requirements? Hint: If you are trying to manage for horse trails, where are they? Why are they where they are? Should they be someplace else? How to horse trails affect other uses? The list is quite long so you might want to put a few down and wait for others to chime in.
- Does the GIS database provide you with the ability to manage the caldera? They obviously built this thing for something. Has it been used effectively? Why or why not do you think.
- What layers might help them do their job more effectively? Could you use the GIS to answer "what if" questions? For example, if you are going to create a national park, where would you put things like a reception building, toilets, roads, trails.... etc.? How do these affect the other mandates? Hint: you can create your own layers in the geodatabase if you want to experiment and then post them here.
This is the second to last blog. The final one basically these all together by asking you for your recommendations to Congress. Happy Blogging!!! Dr. DeMers
The extent of the Valles Caldera Trust looks like 13 mi. across horizontally and 13 mi. north and south. That is judging from the 2007 Elk hunting map. The horse trails seem to be in the southern end of the caldera.They seem to intersect the coyote hiking trail. They also intersect the seco hike. The movement of the horse trail may not have to happen if management and coordination is well maintained.
ReplyDeleteGIS is a must in managing the caldera. I can't not having GIS to manage any national park.According to the data in the blackboard file it seems to have ok data there are maps of trails, hunting, fishing areas, horse riding trails and hiking trails.
One layer that may help is potential disaster area such as flood zones, mud slides, volcanism and such. Along with that there should be the closest major roads, staging area for fire and rescue. There should be infra structure and safe building and how to reach them. These affect the mandate because they are all apart of management.
I agree with your evacuation zone layer. It's a really good idea!
DeleteI am for the evacuation zone as well, particularly with forest fires. I realize that there are many variables that play into the evacuation of people from a burn zone (fire size, wind, drought conditions, ect), but such procedures should be implemented, along with other potential disaster plans. It's done with museums and building complexes, why not the occupied areas of the Preserve?
DeleteThank you for your comments. When i wrote this the thought of the fire drills when I was in elementary school popped in my head for some reason
DeleteHahaha I know exactly what you mean!! Sadly though with the recent fires, drills wouldn't be a bad idea!
DeleteI think you idea of your potential disaster areas layer would benefit the area a lot! There are just too many potential disasters that could happen that could cause a large loss of human lives and it can be prevented just with a simple procedure being thought up and implemented. Like Andrea said if museums and schools can have them why not the preserve? This issue will also ease the minds of a lot of concerned citizens, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
DeleteI know that researchers in other places have tried to asses the fire risk using elements such as amount of dead vegetation and amount of precipitation. Perhaps this would be very helpful in mapping potential distaster areas that you suggested.
DeleteI do agree with potential disaster area should be a layer which should include fire prone areas so that the safety of the Caldera and public is upheld.
DeleteThe spatial dimensions associated with the management requirements of the Preserve are as varied as the environs of the Caldera itself/ These include the physical (geography, vegetation, waterways), cultural (historic and prehistoric archaeology, land-use patterns,ect), the faunal (animal movement patterns, habitats, ect), the modern (ranch operations, recreational operations, religious operations, scientific operations, ect) and the predicted/future operations (Trust operation goals, infrastructure, ect) to name a few. These all have their own attribute and entity data associated with them (x and y coordinates, vector or raster map layers, ect.) that are useful when converting raw data into more usable and applicable formats such as trail and road maps, archaeological site data, forest fire history and areas, and general polygon data for much of the spatial data in the Valles Caldera GIS database.
ReplyDeleteThe GIS database provide entity and attribute data on natural, site infrastructure, and ranching datasets. In some ways the database is ideal for the Valles Caldera management program: it has accurate maps and attribute data for the major uses and activities within the site, such as hunting boundaries, infrastructure, and natural data. Where the data falls short, however, is when it is applied for predictive analysis or how the built environment (roads, trails, ranching, hunting) and its use affects the surrounding area.
Layers that might help with these questions and problems are buffer zones surrounding the utilized areas and the effects of past, present, and predicted use of those trails and areas. With the proper data layers, predictive questions could be answered, but it would require compilation of further datasets concerning specific problems, such fire prevention, history, and the effects of the last decade’s worth of forest fires.
I think your entry is very well written and you cover all of your bases. I agree with your ideas about using buffers to help the built environment issues. Also it would take quite a bit of work to help answer predictive questions but it can be done with the compilation of other pertinent data sets. Overall your entry is very helpful and gave me some ideas I can work with. Great job!
DeleteThere are several spatial aspects that apply to the Caldera. This includes mostly the land and what its uses are in each area. Where there is recreational aspects going on, where there are animal habitats, where there are certain rare plants, where the scenic areas are, where the historical areas are, the cultural, the geological, the hydrology. All of these areas fall into the spatial category of the caldera and it is crucial to GIS to know where these areas are and what they are being used for in order to manage and preserve them effectively.
ReplyDeleteIn order to manage all of these different aspects using a GIS database you need all of these elements including attribute tables, topography, coordinates, DEM, ect. This is a lot to manage which requires many layers and information. I think using GIS is an effective method of managing the caldera. It has helped layout certain land use areas for example hiking trails. However, there are many elements that still need to be noted and maintained. More data that needs to be entered in order to manage all of the caldera as a whole.
I think a layer that would help them do their job more effectively would be areas of caution. These areas would be good for visitors and for that national park service if they were to take over. This way if there were expansions within the park they would know where more of the caution areas are like flood zones, fire zones, lose rocks, and other dangers. Also, a layer that shows endangered species including wildlife and plant life. This way the National Park Service could still preserve these areas and not build or knock any of the habitats down. These would be useful and insightful in the future for GIS.
After viewing how all of the land is being used now it seems there is not much more room for expansion without harming the preservation of the park. This is just my opinion.
I have a quick question about the project report that graduate students have to turn in. Does it have to be completely in essay format, or can parts of it use bullet points?
ReplyDeleteDo you mean places that they want to keep undisturbed or places that are for now?
ReplyDeleteThe caldera’s dimensions are approximately 12 miles by 12 miles filled with woodlands, wetlands, meandering streams, roads, hiking trails, and equestrian trails. Each one of these is represented in the database by a separate feature that can be added when needed. The equestrian and hiking trails presently are located around the preserve so that they overlook the valleys. The buildings feature and the roads feature show that there is an empty space in the center of the preserve that has room for more campsites and hiking trails.
ReplyDeleteThe Caldera database is very beneficial because it gives a visual representation of all aspects of the preserve at the same time. This is useful for management because they can make informative decisions that will affect other aspects. Meaning if they are making a decision on horse trails, the location can be related to road location and terrain. The database can also be used effectively for environment and biological studies by being able to see the vegetation and soil types around the preserve. Also since a requirement was for it to be a functioning ranch, the database is effective because it includes pastures and corrals.
The database would be helpful for any management system including the National Park Service in planning for the area. It would be useful for establishing campsites, public places, and analyzing species in the preserve. Layers that would be beneficial for future management would be including a point feature that would locate historical sites. This would help authorities determine which part of the preserve needs extra attention and protection from the public.
The spatial dimensions of the Valles Caldera Preserve consist of many components. These components include vegetation (grasslands, forests, meadows, etc.), hydrology (river, streams, and lakes), wildlife (fish, elk, birds and other species), geology (rock formations) and human interactions (hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, roadways, etc.) As Mr. Funk mentioned the possibilities of creating spatial dimensions are endless. However, what is most important are the spatial dimensions that aid in managing the Preserve as also stated. I agree with everyone else, I do believe that GIS provides the ability to manage the Caldera and has been used effectively. Using GIS has been very beneficial, since it has provided a general picture of the whole place (Caldera) by tracking where the recreational sites are located, defining the types of vegetation and geology within the area. Maps have been created (like the one’s shown in blackboard) to provide aid in recreational activities such as hiking, fishing and hunting. With the layers provided in the GIS database, maps can also be produced to further aid the Trust by indentifying which locations may be allowed for the public use and which other location can be left for preservation alone. Overall the layers put into the GIS database are very useful although more additional layers can be added. Like many others have mentioned, I also believe that layers displaying hazardous zones such as fires should be mentioned along with safety routes. Overall, the further use of GIS can be served for additional purposes for the future not just for the Preserve but in other places similar to the Preserve.
ReplyDeleteThe just over 140 square mile preserve contains a large amount of items that make up the Valles Caldera’s spatial dimensions. Mountain ranges, dense forests, high-altitude grassland valleys, streams, waterfalls, rivers, tall canyons, recreational areas and paths, and wildlife, are only a hand full of what the preserve contains. Using GIS as a management and analytical system is very powerful. GIS is an invaluable tool to the preserve as it allows for better management decision making and greater efficiency. The management benefits of GIS are infinite related to decision making, which is strategic to the success of an organization. For example, GIS provides cost benefits through making better decisions about location, such as zoning, planning and conservation. Also, GIS presents a language that improves communication between different teams, departments, disciplines, professional fields, organizations, and the public. This in turn can enhance briefings about various geographic patterns and relationships including land use, the environment, and safety situations. The Valles Caldera preserve has already successfully mapped many human recreational activities such as; hunting units, equestrian trails, fishing locations, and hiking trails. From the already mapped areas it is easy to see the relative locations of what the preserve has to offer. However, other application of GIS can be very beneficial to safety such as mentioned above, for example; forest fire risk zone mapping can be produced by monitoring forest health, flood areas can be determined by evaluating watersheds in the area, and public safety systems can use GIS to provide location and status information to emergency response teams such as police, fire, and rescue. This valuable information improves the time and accuracy of the team’s response. Thus, with the adequate data layers the Valles Caldera can be an enjoyable and safe place to visit.
ReplyDeleteBlog Questions Part IV
ReplyDeleteThere are many spatial dimensions in the Valles Caldera depending on where you are in elevation. The area of the Caldera is, as the crow flies, approximately 12.25 mi. east to west and 12.5 mi. north to south equaling a little over 153 square miles. There is also an elevation change from a low of about 8,000 ft. at the mouth of Redondo Canyon, and in some of the lower points in the Valle San Antonio, to high of 11,254 ft. at Redondo Peak. This difference of 3,254 ft. and its ring of mountain tops enclosing it from the surrounding area is what make the ecosystem isolated and special. This uniqueness is what gives the low flatter valleys its lush grass land along with the many wooded mountain peaks inside this enclosed boundary the characteristics necessary for the varied animal and plant life to exist in this place.
The database they’ve built, from what I’ve seen so far, has a considerable amount of useful information but like any GIS it can be expanded and improved as more data is gathered. In my opinion they are not using it to manage the Caldera because I tried to add some of the geology data to their topo and terrain layers but it was still in the North American 1927 Datum, which tells me they don’t use it very much. They have a snowshoe /cross country skiing Raster Dataset and some equestrian trail shape files but I couldn’t find any hiking trail data only the pdf images which didn’t appear to be very good GIS. The Elk hunting and Fishing pdf’s appeared to be GIS data but I couldn’t find them in the data provided. Did someone else make them?
I would say they probably need to add more anthropogenic influences to their database to see what kind of areal correspondence it would have on existing conditions in the Valles Caldera.
I agree Robert, I don't think that the Trust uses the database as much as they should or to its full potential for that matter. A lot of the data just doesn't match up and I'm not sure if it's because the Trust members are preoccupied with other things of they don't really grasp how much this database could help them implement their ideas. I think areal photos would help but I know that it cost a great deal to do it and they for sure don't have the money as of now to be doing that. I agree with you idea of them more anthropogenic influences to the database. You have some very well thought out ideas, I would just elaborate more on what specific layers could help them with anthropogenic influences.
DeleteI also agree that there seems to be a total lack of cultural elements in the database, which, given that one of their goals is to preserve the cultural integrity, seems like a rather large omission.
DeleteThe database as a whole seems a bit piece-meal, like there isn't a larger design at work. Instead it seems like they are creating maps as they are needed. Unfortunately, this results in some large gaps.
Simply put, the spatial dimension associated with the management requirements is quite large! In my opinion the VCNP has a problem in that it has a very diverse set of management requirements as we have discussed previously. Due to this variety, the spatial requirements for using a GIS to effectively manage the area is equally large and diverse.
ReplyDeleteLooking at some of these various management requirements and their spatial needs, it’s easy to see that this is no simple task. Looking at each of the various aspects of VCNP: recreation, hunting, the ranch, the ecosystem, neighborhood harmony, protection, etc…it’s easy to see that any one of these could be assisted by a GIS. Add these together and it would be a serious effort to put together and maintain a comprehensive GIS for VCNP.
Looking at what they have, or at least what we were given, the VCNP has some really good data that could be effective in assisting them manage the preserve. Based on some of the specific needs of the various communities within the preserve, each would probably want some additional data to support their specific mission. However, it doesn’t seem that this data has been used effectively. The only SIPs or GIS output that I’m seeing are a few maps that are fair at best. I think that the quality of what they have already produced could be increased substantially. I also believe that even with the current data, they could produce many more products that would be much more helpful in managing the preserve.
Looking into the future, the VCNP seems to be moving in a positive direction. I think that the user data that they are collecting now would be very important aspect to integrate into the GIS. They would be able to use these reasonably accurate usage data to model future growth and needs such as facilities, infrastructure, and usage. As they move forward, I believe that this will be a very important aspect if they are to be successful.
The Spatial dimensions associated with the management requirements are approximately 12.5 miles by 12.5 miles (length by width). The area consists of many vegetation classes woodland/forest, grassland, shrub land, rocks field, roads, water and post fire bare ground. The horse trials are in the southwest portion of the Valles Caldera land. They are there because it is a selected land for horse riding. I would imagine it is good horseback riding land and an area to best keep other activities undisturbed. The horse trials could affect the hunting area it is within. It would be dangerous to ride a horse while people are hunting near you. And the horse riding could disturb people’s hunts, by scaring the elk or other game away. I feel they should leave the horse trails where they are. The people should where an orange safety vest while horseback riding during hunting seasons. Or not allow hunting where the equestrian trails are.
ReplyDeleteThe GIS database provides much information and helps greatly with managing the caldera. It has data of the administration, infrastructure, natural resources, ranching, recreational, transportation, vegetation and much more. With this data one can put their ideas onto the map or come up with ideas by looking at the maps data.
I’m looking at the recreational data, which includes Elk hunting, fishing areas, hiking trails, trail heads, van tours, and wagon rides and how it relates to the rest of the Valles Caldera natural resources. The GIS database gives me a great overview of all these different areas of land use and vegetation. With it I can think of ideas, add and remove data as I please (and much more) to give me an actual working idea, instead of imaging solely in my head. Using GIS would be the only way I would feel comfortable answering “what if” questions. I can’t visualize what the area looks like without GIS, because the area unknown to me.
Hi I finally sold the problem :)
ReplyDeletethe Unknown person is me Abdelaziz
Thank you, Abdelaziz. Yes your previous posts were also set as "no reply" which defeats the purpose. I'm glad you have this figured out. ... Dr. DeMers
DeleteThe Valles Caldera has a vast spatial footprint that can be seen it it's landscape, flora, fauna, cultural history, religious significance and recreational opportunities.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, the GIS database contains many quality pieces that are of significant value to decision makers who are responsible for managing the Caldera. Unfortunately, the expertise and time to study these GIS and make sound decisions that will have the most positive impact on the area is not available. Money is a big issue with the Valles Caldera. The quest to make the Caldera financially independent also makes scientific review and understanding limited.
For example, currently, there are areas of recreation that are indeed having some impact on the natural setting of the Caldera. What is the impact? Is it detrimental to the flora or fauna of the area? Past activities such as over grazing and timber harvesting have had an impact on the waterways. The impact is now being reversed; but could this happen in a better way, faster way? Layers that that show time measurements of the area would be a good asset to the database.
Overall the technical spatial dimensions of the Caldera are approximately 12.5 miles west to east and 12.5 miles north to south. The spatial dimensions associated with the management requirements are indeed very large and contain such a broad spectrum of activities that contain both human and environmental aspects. Just to name a few of the components that make up the Caldera include: ranching, wilderness, vegetation, hydrology, elevation, human access/utility (hiking, fishing, driving, equestrian trials, hunting, skiing), cultural aspects (Native American religion sites), ect. There is no doubt that there are many spatial aspects that come together to form the Caldera. Together these spatial aspects are as equally important for implementing GIS to effectively manage and preserve this area.
ReplyDeleteThe GIS database does give the trust members and anyone else the ability to manage the Caldera efficiently. The GIS database most importantly creates a visual model of all of the spatial dimensions of the area at a given time. To effectively manage the Caldera the Trust members need to be able to pick and choose various aspects of the area and see how to interrelate them if they can or move things around to create an overall balance of the Caldera. For example horse trials and hiking trails need to be separated from areas that are being used for hunting that can cause serious threat to human lives. Thus far I believe the database has helped with the ability to manage the Caldera but I feel there can be a lot more done with it to assist it and ensure this area stays preserved in the future. Getting the general feel for the Caldera (geology, hydrology, ecology, ect) was the first step by using GIS, now I believe further layers can be developed in assisting the management of the area.
Some layers that can be added to assist the Trust members do their jobs more effectively may include what areas are best for campsites. When the Trust members do begin to allow the public to camp within the Caldera it will be important for them to distinguish what areas area appropriate and what areas should be completely off limits for camping. Another effective layer that can be created is possible natural hazard areas for flooding, wild fires, potential tornadoes, mudslides, ect. A layer that goes in hand with the previous would be an effective evacuation plan for employee’s potential people visiting the area, and campsite evacuations once campsites are established. Also buffers should be created around the equestrian and hiking trails during the hunting season to protect the well being of the public. Another layer to be added can also include areas such as religious sites, endangered plants and animals, and hazardous areas in which the Trust members want to keep off limits to the public to preserve the environmental aspects of the area and the safely of its visitors. Overall there can numerous layers added to the database to further assist the Trust members to make this area a permanent preserve and also for adding additional projects to the area if it does become a national preserve (roads, educational buildings, gifts shops, recreational shops, restrooms, ect.).
I like your point about keeping the hunting and other recreational areas separate--I hadn't of thought of that, but yeah, that would would be very important.
DeleteI agree also. I thought something similar but my thinking was I did not want to run into a herd of cows while out hiking with my kids!
DeleteI agree that it is very important to pay close attention to the difference between the areas designated by the access allowed to humans or not. Given the impact human interaction can have on any ecological reserve it is important to understand the differences between the two. Also, I like the point you made about the religious sites for Native Americans, this is something I had not previously thought of.
ReplyDeleteThe spatial dimensions that are associated with the management requirements include but are not limited to the animal habitats and grazing patterns, land attributes (water sources, meadows, vegetations, etc), cultural attributes (archaeology, etc), and current structures (building, toilets, man-made trails, etc).
ReplyDeleteThe GIS database is very comprehensive and can provide the ability for the preserve to be managed quite well. The only exception is the limitations is in how man made environments effect the natural area and vice versa. Impact is a big issue and could become more so in the future.
I think there needs to be layers that represent potential for danger (i.e. fires, etc). This could be represented by buffer zones. Also, something that gives and understanding of wildlife and their areas of inhabitants, allowing for building restrictions to be set in place. Overall, I cannot imagine much more expansion without compromising the natural integrity of the Caldera as it is today which is a mandate established by the Trust.
The Valles Caldera is approximately 12.5 miles by 12.5 miles. Within the approximate 156 square foot box encompasses both the physical geography and the human-environment interactions. The physical geography includes the vegetation (grasslands, forest, etc.) and hydrology (rivers, lakes). The human- environment interactions consist of ranching activities, roads, hunting, equestrian, and ski trails, as well as man-built infrastructure, basically recreational activities. Also a cultural aspect of the environment includes the religious significance to particular sites within the caldera. Another separate entity could be animal habitats. Together all these dimensions should be viewed together since each different dimension has or will have an effect on the other.
ReplyDeleteThe GIS database provides the ability to manage the caldera more effectively. Having a visual sense of the layout of the various dimensions is greatly beneficial to management. Visualizing these elements on a map allows for analysis and interpretation of the interactions between elements. One can draw conclusions and possibly predict certain outcomes from the data presented. Management and site planning can then be implemented more efficient and affectively.
Several layers can be utilized for more effective management. Hazardous zones, potential for flooding and fire, could be created using buffer zones. Along the same line, escape routes would need to be set in place for efficient evacuations in such areas. Historic landmark layer, campsite areas, hunting areas, trails, and roadways are also valuable layers needed for successful management practices.
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ReplyDeleteThe approximately 144 square miles of the Valles Caldera Preserve have a wide range of vegetation, geologic features, animal species, and cultural assets, as well as having a number of uses, such as hiking, hunting, ranching and timbering. In order to manage all of these different aspects of the Preserve, it is necessary to understand their spatial distribution. It is by understanding this spatial dimension of the assets of the Preserve that we can understand the relationships between areas. For example, by using spatial data, we can ask questions such as: are ecologically sensitive areas close to recreation or ranching areas? Are hunting areas overlapping other recreation areas, creating the potential for accidental shootings? Where are the fire risks?
ReplyDeleteThe database that is currently available has a great deal of information. However, some aspects (e.g. vegetation, ranch management) are much better covered then others (e.g. archeological sites). One of the goals of the Trust is to preserve the ecological, cultural and aesthetic integrity of the park. Yet the GIS database has nothing that reflects the desire to protect the cultural or aesthetic assets, and does not include any species distribution information. Furthermore, given that this is a volcanic landscape, it would be helpful to have data on the location of the geologic formations in the park.
In order to address some of the gaps listed above, layers on the location of archeological sites, the sacred Native American landscapes, historical buildings, old growth piƱon stands, distributions of important plant and animal species, and geologic features could help the Trust manage the Preserve. Once you had a more complete dataset, you could start asking questions such as: Where can you place required structures for the maintenance of the Perverse while minimizing effects on the ecological, cultural, and aesthetic integrity? What areas should not be grazed because of detrimental effects on the ecosystem? What areas will be productive for timber harvesting?
Having a GIS that has information on all aspects of managing the Preserve will greatly help the Trust in their management goals. While they currently have a large amount of spatial data, creating a GIS design plan and determining which additional layers are needed, would greatly improve the effectiveness of the Trust.
Valles Caldera has a dimension of around 13 by 13 miles and looks like a shape between a D and a square. There are several features in Valles Caldera that are necessary to management decisions. The decision depends on all of them since all the factors are interacting in this system.
ReplyDeleteIf we want to divide these features into classes to better understand them we can categorize them in following groups: recreational features (Elk hunting units, equestrian trails, hiking trails, van tours, wagon rides, fishing areas), natural resources (hydrology: streams and surface water sub-basins, mountains, vegetation, forests, different geologic types), Infrastructure (cabins, buildings, power and telephone lines), cultural (archeological buildings) and ranching (pastures, grazing enclosures). These features have spatial dimensions to them for example cabins are spread north to west, buildings are in southern part (close to power and telephone lines) and northern part close to cabins, highway 4 is located south of the caldera and the main access points to the caldera are through this highway, pastures are in north and southwest, pastures in northern part are extended from west to east, most of the grazing enclosures are in the pastures, etc.
The maps provided in the blackboard contain a lot of detail about Valles Caldera preserve. They can definitely be used for the management purposes. There are several tools in GIS that we can use for different purposes, for example for placing new buildings, roads, and other infrastructure we can do a site suitability analysis using tools like buffers, or slope, viewshed and soundshed analysis. I think if there were cultural maps included in the database we would have more information about the area for management purposes.
The Valles Caldera contains many spatial dimensions associated with the management requirements. With the Valles Caldera containing approximately 12.5 miles west to east and 12.5 miles north to south, there is a vast variety of spatial dimensions of both human and nature aspects can be associated with management requirements. This array of dimensions includes hydrology, wildlife, vegetation, human activities, cultural, and modern operations just to name a few. With the spatial dimensions being so vast the ability to manage a place such as the Caldera may look to the GIS database to provide some gateways for management of the Caldera.
ReplyDeleteThe GiS database does provide the ability to manage the Caldera because it provides entity and attribute data of the caldera. The ability to use the GIS database as a key tool for management would be very rewarding to the management team of the Valles Caldera organization. From the database the management team could be able to identity locations of sites (e.g. elk grazing areas, prone forest fire areas, and infrastructure) as well as growth of the caldera, and preservation of the caldera. Which in turn will help adhere to the mandates set in place and may even help achieve mandates completely. Although the database would need more information, by having more aspects within the GIS database and more data imputed, the management of the Caldera can be monitored and management greatly through a GIS database. For example, maps and data of prone forest fire area can be looked into and the management of the caldera could better detain forest fires if they were to occur.
Therefore, this leads me to layer that might help the Caldera management team do their job more effectively may be by adding fire prone areas as stated in the example. As well as, evacuation routes for any natural disaster and from this, it would take care of the caldera and all of its aspects as a whole. Furthermore, history (layer) of the Caldera will help as well by providing answers to way things are they way they are and what is expected to occur. In the end, the GIS database would be a great utensil to the management of the Valles Caldera.
The Caldera covers an area of approximately 12 x 13 miles. The maps developed using GIS are extremely helpful for spatial management of the Caldera. The horse trails, for example, are laid out in areas that avoid the most mountainous of the area’s terrain while still providing views and some challenge. The maps showing the Elk Hunting Units and the Fishing beats are also clear and detailed. Data is only as good as the information input that forms it. The maps are only as good as actual time spent on the ground making them accurate but once complete they are very helpful. The way to make GIS work is to USE the information correctly once it is compiled. A master map showing all of the layers would be the best way to manage land use in and around the Valles Caldera.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see layers showing potential rest & picnic areas (bathrooms!) along the various beats as well as scenic overlooks and picture taking opportunities so that visitors can manage their time better. For management purposes, it might be nice to have layers with survey data such as types of trees, any areas that might have environmental damage or that might be prone to erosion (Soils major!) or other soil degradation. It might also be of benefit to see a layer of soil type/order. Soils effect vegetation and land use. Have any of the areas ever been prone to landslides or other natural disasters? New Mexico suffers from flash floods, it would be of great benefit to visitors to know where to go in the event of natural emergencies. The areas seem to overlap each other quite a bit. That is something that has always bothered me about the Valles Caldera: if the land is so multiuse and so much of it caters to private interests, what happens when the uses collide? I am not sure I would want to be hiking and run into a herd of cows with my children. That actually did happen to me on private land and it was a scary incident but fortunately my children were not there at the time. As I have stated in prior blogs, the mandate to protect the Caldera is best served by acknowledging the needs of the public more than the private.
There is a wide variety of spatial dimension associated with the management requirements. The preserve has an approximate area of 156.25 square miles. From this information, there is an immense variety of spatial dimensions associated with management requirements. The multiple spatial dimensions include hydrology, wildlife, vegetation, human activities, cultural, and modern operations, etc. The area of the Valles Caldera is very large, with a vast variety of natural activity to manage and preserve. Due to this, it is recommended that the Valles Caldera Trust consider implementing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage the preserve. The GIS database will consist of entity and attribute databases, in order to better manage the land within Valles Caldera. The GIS system is a unique tool that can be helpful by keeping an inventory of the spatial dimensions mentions previously. From the database the trust would be able keep accurate accounting of all natural resources, animals, and land use within the entire preserve. This accounting will help to the trust to abide by to the mandates set forth by Congress. There is a need for much more information in order to begin creating this database; however, the management of the Valles Caldera Reserve can be better monitored through the use of this GIS database. It is recommended that the preserve look into accounting the land use of the area. This account will help make long term goals more clear. Before a plan can be implemented, long term goals for the preserve need to be set. From that point, a plan of execution can be implemented. According to previous literature review, it was determined that defining long term goals was a task that needed to complete by the mandates.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera spatial dimensions includes many details such as wildlife, fishing areas, horse riding, hiking and many other components. The most important human activities in this area are hiking, hunting, fishing, horse riding and some recreational and also, some scientific activities. For many of this activities, we have maps and other geographic information that can make geo database for valles caldera for optimized managing. For every activity in this area we can produce map in GIS and provide better utility for people. Also, by making geo database for this area we can put every activities under our management and manage efficiently and preserve this unique area more efficiently. There a lot of maps in the blackboard that provide many details about the Valles Caldera Preserve and we can use many Arc GIS tools for efficient managing this area and we can calculate that what we have to do in various places and what we can do in this area without causing any damage to this national area.
ReplyDelete