Earth-based GIS applications cover a broad spectrum of techniques, data sources, and scientific disciplines. GLEC has developed specialized GIS solutions for professionals engaged in environmental assessment and monitoring, resource analysis, imagery processing and permitting support. The following project examples illustrate some key capabilities in the environmental and geotechnical arena:

Watershed Management Plans GLEC has supported several clients in developing detailed watershed management plans at the township and county level. As part of the plan’s GIS component, special 3-D mapping techniques are utilized to delineate and refine existing watershed boundaries.

Critical Habitats and Development Land cover and species distribution are typical spatial categories that support environmental, development, and permitting decision-making. In this project map, eagle nests were plotted over land cover to support permitting analysis of a proposed wireless transmission tower.

Remote Sensing Our location in the center of the Great Lakes region has allowed us to work on several large scale environmental studies of freshwater resources. In this map example, we utilized low level color aerial photography to correlate field data and digitize near shore substrate and biota features. The resulting GIS maps support ongoing assessment of environmental impacts of chemicals, runoffs, and invasive species in the Great Lakes.

Topographic Analysis Digital elevation models provide a rich database for numerous environmental and geotechnical applications. In this example, DEMS were combined to provide a seamless table for technical overviews of avian flyways and signal propagation.

Littoral Ecology Many inland lakes are experiencing overgrowth of invasive plant species. In this map example, GLEC scientists surveyed and measured macrophyte (plant) data which was plotted and linked to a GIS database. The plant beds were overlaid on a 3D bathymetric layer that facilitated volume and other habitat measurements .