View Poster Application

GPS 101: TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER LAND MANAGEMENT

Extension Education

Chris Dillard
EXTENSION SPECIALIST
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

\r\n The global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) are important tools for owners in managing their land and forests.  The goal of the project, “GPS 101:  Technology for Better Land Management”, was to educate participants on GPS and GIS and on how these technologies can assist in land management.  The project promoted the use of geospatial tools and applications, and the integration of geospatial concepts in land management.  The project consisted of eight introductory-level workshops that were held in various Alabama counties.  The target audience for the project was land owners who are interested in incorporating geospatial technologies into their management strategies.  The project outcomes and impacts were measured using tests and surveys to determine what participants learned and whether it changed their land management behaviors.  The workshops included presentations, GPS exercises and GIS software training on laptop computers.  GPS exercises consisted of hands-on training on the use of GPS hardware and on typical data collection tasks, including waypoint collection and area calculation.  GIS software training consisted of GPS data import and analysis, map creation and editing, and data creation and editing.  As a result of post-workshop evaluations and collaborator discussions, a workshop manual has been developed.  The manual includes workshop presentations, articles, tutorials, and a CD containing geospatial software and additional articles.  Pre and post-workshop tests showed an increase in attendee knowledge of geospatial technologies.  A survey showed that workshop attendees have incorporated geospatial technologies into their land management practices.  Workshop evaluations indicate interest in further training.

\r\n

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

Click to view Poster

Authors: C. Dillard, A. Brodbeck, W. Rowe
  1. Dillard, C. Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36849
  2. Brodbeck, A. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36849
  3. Rowe, W. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36849