Integrating GIS, GPS and mobile computing for forest resource inventories

摘要

A methodology is presented for conducting forest resource inventories using an integrated data collection system, which employs real-time differential GPS, GIS software and mobile pen-based computers. This approach allows for input, display, and query of geographically referenced field data in real-time, as well as advanced navigation capabilities for increased efficiency. The system utilizes a real-time differentially corrected GPS receiver linked with GIS field mapping software on a ruggedized penbased field computer for the collection of point, line and polygon GIS features and attributes in ArcView shapefile format. The system is tested for data collection capabilities, field efficiency, and performance under forest canopy, using a case study of continuous forest inventory (CFI) sample locations in the School's Austin Cary Memorial Forest. Positional accuracy is evaluated using a network of monumented GPS test points located on the University of Florida campus.