Most of H&C's projects require spatial and multi-disciplinary analysis; we often need to construct and/or expand GIS databases, combining existing maps of the study area with remote sensing techniques, and field surveys using GPS. Therefore we have a team of GIS/RS specialists on hand to handle your project's needs. Here are some helpful definitions to help you understand the terminology, as well as examples of projects here at Huffman & Carpenter which use this technology.
GIS (Geographical Information Systems) are geospatial databases within a software program that can store, display and analyze geo-referenced data using digitized maps, images and tables for land management planning, process simulation and to support decision-making. GIS are powerful tools that enable the analysis of situations within their spatial context to support decisions for resource and land management planning, including response to hazards/disasters. Any information linked to a location with a known latitude and longitude or other geographic grid system can be a part of a GIS.
GPS (Global Positioning System) refers to satellite-based radio positioning systems that provide 24 hour three-dimensional position, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users anywhere on or near the surface of the Earth (and sometimes off the earth). The NAVSTAR system, operated by the US Department of Defense, was the first GPS system widely available to civilian users.
Remote sensing refers to the use of satellite images and/or aerial photographs to collect spatial information about a relevant area, in a time and cost effective manner. Software products, such as Erdas Imagine are used for processing and image interpretation of remotely sensed imagery, such as Landsat.
Landstat, developed by NASA, is series of US satellites designed for remote sensing and mapping of land areas. Landsat data are provided in .BIL (band interleaved by line) or .BIP (band interleaved by pixel) formats. BIL and BIP are supported by ARC/INFO and ArcView.
Changes in vegetation cover, whether caused by natural disturbances, such as the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic, or by human activities, have impacts on the watershed. These impacts are better understood and modeled within a Geographical Information System, which helps decision makers and scientists develop an integrated vision of the problem to select better management and development alternatives.
