Mapping Software

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  • September 26, 2016 at 1:42 pm #89474
    JaredWoodcock
    Participant

    I was wondering what mapping software you all use for your forest management plans. I have used ARCMap in the past but I am looking for something cheap and simple for building maps for landowners.

    Any suggestions are welcome.

    September 26, 2016 at 2:28 pm #89476
    Carl Russell
    Moderator

    I have been using a great app on my iPad and iPhone called GISkit. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gis-kit/id429688355?mt=8 It costs a little bit of cash but it is heads and tails above any other field mapping app. I don’t even carry a compass (well I carry a compass, just don’t use it), or pencil, or clipboard anymore.

    It is easy to use, has many features, GPS tracking, in-the-field editing, and several layers of map styles. There is no desktop version, but I can export GPX and KMZ files which can be opened in other mapping program and even google earth. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has a statewide data base with interactive maps which I have been using for the map drawing tools.

    The first image below shows a screenshot of GISkit with data collected in the field and refined within the app. The second is data collected in GISkit uploaded onto the VT ANR map.

    Carl

    • This reply was modified 8 years, 1 month ago by Carl Russell.
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    September 27, 2016 at 5:03 pm #89500
    JaredWoodcock
    Participant

    Thanks Carl, I dont have a cell phone so that might not work. I am using a handheld Garmin.

    Anyone else use any programs for a laptop?

    September 29, 2016 at 10:25 am #89505
    jpaviemore
    Participant

    Though I haven’t messed with it too much, you might try QGIS–it’s similar to ARC, but free (and open source). I’ve heard good things about it.

    Here’s the website: http://qgis.org

    October 5, 2016 at 5:59 pm #89538
    Baystatetom
    Participant

    I use arc gis. I did try Q gis and just couldn’t quite get it. Its hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I bet if somebody in the know sat down and showed it to me I would have been better off. I have been getting Arc for free by being a member of a land trust and they have been putting me on their user list. Last I checked it was around $2000 to buy it.
    In Mass. we have a online data viewer “Oliver” it really is quite useful. I often use it together with arc or as a place to download data. I can get soils layers, endangered species maps and assessors info off it.
    ~Tom

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