Free computer workshops in mapping and forestry coming

BONNERS FERRY — Forestry technology has been undergoing many changes. Managers of large public or industrial forest lands have increasingly combined aerial imagery with geographic information systems to develop ever more sophisticated, geo-referenced forest information. But GIS systems are usually expensive and require a great deal of training to use. Recently, a variety of free online GIS/mapping applications with fairly simple interfaces have emerged that allow people to get relatively current aerial imagery for a site and obtain geo-referenced data such as soil survey information.

Simultaneously, paper plot sheets have been losing ground to electronic field data collection. Over time, GPS, GIS, aerial photo capabilities, and ever more computing power and software has been integrated into field electronic devices used by foresters and other natural resource professionals. Ten years ago, such devices cost thousands of dollars. Now these features are available in most smartphones and tablets for a few hundred dollars or less.

On Friday, March 3, University of Idaho Extension is offering two workshops to orient participants to these technologies.

The first ‘Free Computer Mapping Tools for Forest Owners,’ from 9 a.m. to noon, will provide demonstrations of Google Earth, ArcGIS Explorer, Inside Idaho — an Idaho geospatial data clearinghouse housed at the University of Idaho — and the Web Soil Survey.

The second session, entitled Android Foresty, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., will introduce participants to applications (apps) for GPS, mapping, forest measurement, weed ID, citizen science, and many other tasks that can be accomplished using android mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Both sessions will be held at the University of Idaho Extension office in Boundary County (located at 6447 Kootenai, behind the courthouse, in Bonners Ferry). The facility has wi-fi access, so participants can bring a laptop or similar mobile device if they want to follow along with the demonstrations. Space is limited for both sessions.

Those wishing to participate in either or both workshops should pre-register at the Univerity of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County by Friday, Feb. 24. Each program has a small registration fee to cover handouts and refreshments.

Information: UI Extension Office in Boundary County at 208-267-3235. Registration forms can be downloaded at: www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry. These programs are co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands.