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Apps and gadgets in forestry; two classes
offered |
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February 20, 2017 |
Forestry technology has been undergoing many
changes. Managers of large public or industrial
forest lands have increasingly combined aerial
imagery with geographic information systems
(GIS) to develop ever more sophisticated,
geo-referenced forest information.
But GIS systems are usually expensive and
require a great deal of training to use.
Recently, a variety of free online GIS/mapping
applications with fairly simple interfaces have
emerged that allow people to get relatively
current aerial imagery for a site and obtain
geo-referenced data such as soil survey
information.
Simultaneously, paper plot sheets have been
losing ground to electronic field data
collection.
Over time, GPS, GIS, aerial photo capabilities,
and ever more computing power and software has
been integrated into field electronic devices
used by foresters and other natural resource
professionals. Ten years ago, such devices cost
thousands of dollars.
Now these features are available in most smart
phones and tablets for a few hundred dollars or
less.
On Friday, March 3, University of Idaho
Extension is offering two workshops to orient
participants to these technologies.
The first, Free Computer Mapping Tools for
Forest Owners, 9 a.m. to noon, will provide
demonstrations of Google Earth, ArcGIS Explorer,
Inside Idaho (an Idaho geospatial data
clearinghouse housed at the University of
Idaho), and the Web Soil Survey.
The second session, Android Forestry, 1 to 3
p.m., will introduce participants to
applications (“apps”) for GPS, mapping, forest
measurement, weed ID, citizen science, and many
other tasks that can be accomplished using
android mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets.
Both sessions will be held at the University of
Idaho Extension office in Boundary County, 6447
Kootenai Street, Bonners Ferry.
The facility has wi-fi access, so participants
can bring a laptop or similar mobile device if
they want to follow along with the
demonstrations. Space is limited for both
sessions. Those wishing to participate in either
or both workshops should pre-register at the
University of Idaho Extension office in Boundary
County by Friday, February 24.
Each program has a small registration fee to
cover handouts and refreshments. For
registration questions, contact the UI Extension
Office in Boundary County at (208) 267-3235.
Registration forms can also be downloaded at
www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry.
These programs are co-sponsored by University of
Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of
Lands. |
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