Operational use of Southern Pine Beetle Survey Data
for Forest Management:
Mobile Mapping and Data Acquisition
Maria D. Tchakerian1, Robert N. Coulson1, Forrest L. Oliveria2, and Steven R. Clark2
1Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology, College Station, TX,
2USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA

 

Aerial sketch mapping

 

Importance:

1. Survey and monitoring activities are generally undertaken to identify where and to what extent insects and diseases are impacting resources and conditions of the forest environment.  Survey and monitoring projects generally involve collecting field data, which is a costly and time-consuming pursuit.  Often, the usefulness of field data is related to how quickly it can be collected, displayed, and evaluated.  In this project we propose to streamline survey and monitoring of forest insects and diseases by integrating GIS, GPS, and data-logging technologies.

2. The survey and monitoring system developed by the USDA Forest Service for the southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most sophisticated approaches used for any forest insect or disease.  The aerial sketch-mapping and database management (SPBIS) sub-systems are particularly noteworthy accomplishments.  However, the various sequential activities associated with survey and monitoring have not been linked in an efficient manner.  In this project we propose to address (i) downloading aerial sketch map data to a handheld computer, (ii) navigation to point locations identified in the aerial survey, (iii) geo-referencing exact point locations of infestations, (iv) collecting data [data-logging] on the attributes of infestations, and (v) automation of data transfer to SPBIS. 

3.  By automating and streamlining the sequential steps involved in survey and monitoring, the system developed for the SPB will increase efficiency and accuracy, decrease costs, and expedite use of data for forest management purposes.  The approach developed in the project can be modified and applied to other forest insect and disease survey and monitoring programs.

 


Navigate to SPB spots (Using GPS tecnology)

Objectives:

The GOAL of the project is to develop a system for survey and monitoring of forest insects and diseases that integrates GIS, GPS, and mobile mapping technologies. 

The specific OBJECTIVES of the project are:

1.1. To develop an ArcPad® application for southern pine beetle (SPB) that links aerial and ground  survey activities with ArcGIS® spatial data themes and the Southern Pine Beetle Information System (SPBIS) database management system. 

2. To field test the system under operational conditions on selected Ranger Districts in Region 8.

3. To generalize the system for use in survey and monitoring other forest insects and diseases. 

 
 

 

 
 

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the activities associated with survey and monitoring the SPB.  The automated system proposed herein will address (i) downloading aerial sketch map data to a handheld computer, (ii) navigation to point locations identified in the aerial survey, (iii) geo-referencing exact point locations of infestations, (iv) collecting data [data-logging] on the attributes of infestations, and (v) automation of data transfer to SPBIS.

 

 

Data collection (SPBIS data sheet)

 

Application:

The automated survey and monitoring system for the SPB will be developed for use by ranger districts on the National Forests in the South.  The system will be applied under operational field conditions on selected ranger districts that currently have a SPB outbreak.  In addition to development of the system, implementation will require coordination among personnel on the ranger district involved in survey and monitoring and FHP representatives. 

Approach:

The sequential steps in survey and monitoring the SPB are illustrated in Figure 1.  We propose to use ArcPad® technology to tailor a system specific to the SPB.  ArcPad® is a technology that facilitates navigation, field mapping, and collection of survey and monitoring data using handheld and mobile devices by integrating database access, GIS, and GPS.  ArcPad® supports vector map and raster image display.  Data collected in the field can be uploaded into SPBIS.  Working with district personnel responsible for conducting SPB surveys, we will design custom input forms for ArcPad® that will be used to populate SPBIS.  A great deal of the customization will be performed in ArcPad Studio.  This facility allows building of applets (macros), custom tool bars and forms, and creation of default configuration files.  The key features of ArcPad® that make it particularly useful for survey mapping, navigation, and data collection are: support for industry-standard data formats, ArcIMS® connectivity, display and query functionality, editing and data capture, GPS plug-in capability, and ArcPad Tools for ArcView ® GIS.  Major emphasis in the project will be placed on operational use of the system by ranger district personnel under field conditions.  Issues such as durability, care and maintenance, and ease of use will be addressed.  Training for district personnel will be provided, once the system is field tested.