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Geospatial considerations for a multiorganizational, landscape-scale program

January 1, 2013

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.

Publication Year 2013
Title Geospatial considerations for a multiorganizational, landscape-scale program
DOI 10.1080/15420353.2014.885925
Authors Michael S. O'Donnell, Timothy J. Assal, Patrick J. Anderson, Zachary H. Bowen
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Map & Geography Libraries
Index ID 70129334
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Fort Collins Science Center