The projects below have been conducted by Don Morgan over the last five years

Data Management

Table of Contents

• Methods
• Results
• Discussion

Methods

Because this project aims to develop methodology (for analysing landscapes), we followed no specific methods, but rather use a set of general approaches for each objective:

• Data management
• Characterising natural landscapes
• Predicting long term consequences
• Linking scales
• Including stakeholders

We developed and applied methods in a series of pilot projects. We employ standard GIS technology, computer code and landscape modelling languages, using non-proprietary software when possible and developing modules rather than large integrated applications. Several reports describe the methods developed and the results of testing in case studies; these reports are referred to in the results section. Here we provide and overview of the methods used in the various projects.

Our original systems design philosophy was to use non-proprietary software to facilitate the free distribution of all computer models. Initially we relied on proprietary information systems software such as the PAMAP and the ARC/INFO GIS. Currently, the BC MoF does its data management using the ArcINFO and Oracle and we are dependent upon it for basic data management. However, most of the project application development has been based on free systems.

To facilitate landscape analysis and modelling, we needed to develop a set of geospatial data loading and management techniques.

Data for landscape analysis has come from a variety of sources during this project including the PAMAP , and ARC/INFO GISs. Non-proprietary spatial analysis and display tools, such as GRASS, were used whenever possible. JAVA, an Internet enabled computer language was used to develop applets (small applications). Applets were developed to test the feasibility of accessing and organising spatial data across the internet.

Results

In this section we describe the reports, software products and database scripts generated by this project. We do not list all the workshops held. At one level, workshops are part of the research process, however, they also serve to pass methodology to an interested audience.

Software products

Enns, B. 1997. FIPWIZ – Forest inventory file reader. – (Download)

Enns. B. 1997. TRIMporter – TRIM data reader. – (Download)

LAS. 1998. Open Geospatial Datastore Interface (OGDI) PAMAP reader: accessing PAMAP data from GRASS. LAS Inc. Montreal, Que.

Jennings, M. and D.G. Morgan. 2001. WWAT – Web Warehouse Access Tool. Research Branch. BC Ministry of Forests, Smithers, BC – (Download)

Cartography

Morgan, D. 1997. Lakes Landscape Analysis map set.

Morgan, D. 1997. Invermere Landscape Analysis map set.

Morgan, D.G. and D. Beauregard. 1999. Iskut-Stikine Succession Model - Poster.

Morgan, D.G. and D. Beauregard. 1999. Iskut-Stikine Fire Model - Poster.

Morgan, D.G. and D. Beauregard. 1999. Iskut-Stikine Logging Model - Poster.

Morgan D.G. 1999. Iskut-Stikine Fire Model Assumption Comparison - Poster.

Morgan, D.G. 2000. Relative Soil Moisture Regime – Telkwa Study Area.

Beauregard, D and Morgan, D.G. 2000. Shaded Relief of the Lakes Forest District.

Beauregard, D and Morgan, D.G. 2000. Shaded Relief of the Tweedsmuir-Entiako.

Morgan, D.G. 2001. Coastal General Soil Moisture Regime, Floodplain and Fans – Khutzeymateen Valley.

Morgan, D.G. 2001. Interior General Soil Moisture Regime, Floodplain and Fans – Sutherland River.

Discussion

In the past, modelling has failed to reach its potential as a decision-support tool in the forest management arena. Since the emergence of computer science, simulation modelling has defined a solid niche in many scientific fields, judging by the numerous published models. The application of models in forest management seems less successful—the calculation of timber-supply being the only consistent application of modelling. Yet the complexity and large spatial and temporal scales that characterise forest management problems suggest modelling should help. Land-use decisions can profoundly impact our economy and our ecology, with consequences that may reach forward several generations. Wise decisions seem essential. While the analysis methodologies and software discussed in this report aim to improve the quality of decisions, passable software and modelling expertise have existed for many years. We believe decision-support projects have failed primarily for two reasons. First, modellers and decision-makers do not understand each other’s objectives and limitations. Decision-makers must often decide quickly, using available information and subjective judgement, and they may have unreasonable expectations about what can be modelled. Modellers, on the other hand, often aim for efficient elegant models, backed by thorough research, and are not unduly constrained by time. Second, influential stakeholders have not been adequately included in modelling projects (McLain and Lee 1996, Selin et al. 1997). Thus, to support our analytical methods developed, we have developed a framework for involving stakeholders—the framework simply aims to align the objectives of the modellers and the decision-makers (including stakeholders). If this main aim is remembered, then we believe modelling can inform forestry decisions.

In an effort to improve data access and integration for all spatial modelling projects we developed technique and several specific tools, that work together (Figure 2), to access data and to automate data loading:

· FipWiz –assembles forest cover data,

· TRIMporter –assembles TRIM data,

· OGDI (open geospatial data interface) – a PAMAP extension added to facilitate reading of PAMAP, a proprietary GIS, data into GRASS, a freely available GIS.

· Data Warehouse Integration—integrated MoF and MELP data warehousing access.

· WWAT – web warehouse access tool.

Acknowledgements

DULP is a BC Ministry of Forest Research Branch project with funding assistance from Forest Renewal BC.