Meeting the Needs of Forest Managers
ForNet delivers natural resources databases to forest managers via the Internet.
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ForNet benefits everyone by helping forest managers answer a challenging question:
How do we meet the needs of a developed economy while maintaining the ecosystems on which that economy depends?
An example: A modern American city, in part because of its proximity to the Great Outdoors, is attracting scores of new residents. Local businesses are booming. Property values are rising. And massive development and construction are underway. It's good news for all...even the surrounding forests. WHAT?! HOW?!
By using Internet technology, ForNet helps forest managers contribute to (by locating usable timber and land, for instance) and sensibly manage (by closely monitoring ecosystems) urban growth.
ForNet is a partnership involving the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN-DNR) - Division of Forestry, and NASA.
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ForNet is a partnership involving the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN-DNR) - Division of Forestry, and NASA.
ForNet provides forest managers with three important services...
By utilizing ForNet, forest managers are better able to manage complex forest ecosystems while meeting the demands of a growing economy.
Image Delivery Systems
- Manipulate data and retrieve only what is needed.
- Access a variety of spatial databases and navigate through them.
Information Resources
- Fire status; old growth extent and status.
- Insect/disease infestations.
- Urban land use planning.
GIS Data Services
- Create customized maps for field use.
- Access data and tools for analysis of complex issues.
- Conveniently access data such as FIA and CSA.
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ForNet makes aerial photographs, satellite images, and computer-based geographic information systems (GIS) available in a usable and timely format. From their computer screens, Minnesota forest managers and other planners are able to gather information and make sound environmental decisions.
In assisting forest managers, ForNet is taking four steps to bridge the gap between technological capability and day-to-day practice:
- assess the information and technology needs of MN-DNR forest
managers;
- develop solutions that meet identified needs using a variety
of image types, scales, and resolutions;
- adapt and modify Internet-based delivery tools for the solutions
developed;
- educate and train MN-DNR analysts, managers, and administrators on Internet usage and how to apply the solutions developed by the ForNet project.
This article was originally featured in NASA's Observatorium
Curator: Randolph Kim
Responsible NASA Official: Mark
Leon
Last Updated: 07/02/2002
