Geographic Information Systems (GIS) produces map layers modeled on different types of spatial data. These layers can then be combined in various ways to derive information from the data, such as features within a watershed. This is particularly useful when analyzing the factors that impact the health of a watershed.

How does the RCD use GIS?

The Western Shasta RCD uses GIS to support all ongoing projects and has been successful in producing GIS datasets and maps for project proposals, presentations, on-the-ground projects, Web applications and reports. The RCD can create maps which convey overall information about our watersheds, as well as site-specific information. Maps of interest include fuelbreak locations and strategies, water quality monitoring sites, noxious weed locations, stream restoration activities, fuels management plans, T&E species habitat, landowner stewardship maps, and so on.

A primary application for GIS and Web-enabled GIS is the Watershed Information Model, or WIM. This CALFED funded Web resource is a 24-hour tool for our local watershed groups and community to explore the watersheds around us through interactive mapping. Visitors can view general information on the watersheds including documents, photos and GIS resources and then venture to the Interactive Maps for a hands-on exploration into GIS mapping. Link to WIM: http://wim.shastacollege.edu.

The Western Shasta RCD uses ArcGIS (and ArcIMS for WIM), products of ESRI, as the primary analysis and display tool. Mobile GIS using ESRI's ArcPad and a Trimble GeoXT is also currently applied to weed mapping projects and erosion inventories. Mobile GIS will be expanded further as the need to map features in the field becomes further necessary. GIS is applied to many of our projects and can answer questions regarding project planning such as: Where are sensitive areas in the watershed? Where are T&E species distributed? What land use changes have gone on over time? Where are photo points captured to accurately display before and after? Who are the landowners we seek to work with for this fuelbreak?

GIS is an essential tool for project design and implementation, assisting the Western Shasta RCD with our continued efforts to be a leader in conservation and restoration activities in Shasta County.

Please visit the Watershed Information Model for other GIS resources, located under the Did You Know? tab.