GIS
The GIS is the second of three fundamental technologies for consolidating, storing, and distributing data gathered as part of monitoring and research projects at GCMRC. Its main purpose is to store and analyze spatial information, however, the role of GIS has expanded in recent years to include technical expertise for data collection of spatial and non-spatial data in Grand Canyon and increased accessibility to spatial data.
GIS is an important analytical tool for change detection of biological, cultural, and physical data. At GCMRC, GIS data range from canyon-wide imagery and elevation data sets to reach-based and site-specific information related to these three areas of scientific inquiry. Furthermore, GIS often functions as a catalyst for integrating physical, biological and cultural resource data in a spatially consistent frame of reference. This is possible in large part to the Survey Control Network developed and maintained by GCMRC's Survey Department.
The GIS applications of GCMRC are closely tied to the Database component of DASA. The ESRI spatial database engine (SDE) is employed by GCMRC for the storing and accessing of data sets through the Oracle Database. This allows for efficient data storage of extremely large raster and vector data sets as well as relatively quick retrieval of spatial information for both in-house GIS applications and for dissemination of spatial data via GCMRC's Internet Map Server (IMS).
The GCMRC maintains several imagery data sets in digital format between the years of 1998 and 2005. These data are mostly scanned analog images, however, multi-spectral, digital imagery was collected in May 2002 (ISTAR) and May 2005 (3001, Inc). These two data sets also have digital surface models developed using automated photogrammetry techniques to create a 1-meter elevation surface. The GIS database also contains data from several LiDAR missions conducted since 1999. Most LiDAR data are for specific reaches along the Colorado River with the exception of two data sets from the year 2000 which are canyon-wide in scope. More information is provided on GCMRC's Remote Sensing page.
The GIS and Database components of DASA maintain data standards and delivery requirements for spatial and tabular data delivered to GCMRC under contract. Additionally, an archive structure to store all GIS layers, imagery, database tables, and library reports exists in both the Oracle database and in file-based format.
GCES-Era Data
The GCES program developed up to 20 thematic ESRI Arc/Info coverages associated with spatial relationships of biological, cultural and physical resources at 17 GIS sites within the Colorado River ecosystem (CRE). Tabular attribute data exist as part of these legacy data sets, and a legacy report completed in 2001 further documents the status of these data. Some of the more useful data has been incorporated into GMCRC's base data holdings. In addition, other GIS data sets which were constructed as part of past GCES-supported investigations and delivered as part of a final product are maintained within an online archive. These data are mostly stored in a file-based archive, however, future plans exist to incorporate these data into GCMRC's Oracle DBMS.