Maximizing LTER Site Map Accessibility

We propose that every site needs georeferencing information for every research plot/site/observation location. This information should be in a GIS file format, such as a shapefile, coverage, etc.

Rather than imposing minimum site requirements for spatial data layers and spatial metadata, we will conduct a telephone survey to determine where each of the 24 sites currently stand with respect to site GIS resources, spatial data layers, and metadata. The primary data layers required at each site will follow NIS suggestions.

Based on the results of the survey, we would like to have the sites that are already in the GIS/GPS and map serving arena to assist by adopting a site or two to produce a map of the adopted site/s to be served over the map servers that are already in place. These adopted sites will be mapped to show a boundary or quasi-boundary of the site (this boundary should include 85 – 90% of research plots/sites/observation location); some basic background layers, i.e. DEM, TM scene, roads; and a couple of research site locations that can be mapped to link to the research data collected at these sites. The spatial metadata will be included, with all of the required EML information such as projection, coordinate system, datum and attribute information, as well as spatialReference in spatialVector. The information produced from this effort should be include in SiteDB with links to the map services.

The survey will allow us to know where funds will be needed to bring those sites who need assisted mapping, up to a level where they can handle their own georeferencing for all research sites, GIS data layer production and mapping. We suggest that the network office may at some point offer map services for those sites that will not have the resources to handle their own GIS.