GIS Services

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. GIS has been and continues to be integral to many of the projects and research of AMP. GIS has also been one of many ways AMP has collaborated with other OSU researchers and staff. While many graduate students have been introduced to GIS in previous classes, it is not usually something they have explored in depth. AMP is available as a source of help and technical support when dealing with GIS problems. Some of the ways that we have assisted other OSU researchers and staff include:

help with identification of appropriate analysis tools and workflows
data management and interoperability of different GIS data formats
development of ArcGIS mobile apps for field data collection
conversion and hosting of reference data layers for GIS applications

In addition, AMP has purchased a high precision GPS receiver that is capable (under ideal circumstances) of 1 cm resolution mapping. This high precision GPS location is possible using a system known as Real-Time Kinematics or RTK. So far we have used this system to develop new high detail maps of farm infrastructure at the Grace Drake Agricultural Laboratory and the exact location of field experiments and samples as well as the location of environmental sound recording devices. One benefit of this level of precision is that it allows us to capture field observations very close together while still maintaining accurate relative positioning. We are exploring the possibility of using the system to precisely locate and log harvested fruits and vegetables from research plots. This positional data can than be referenced after analysis of the produce in the lab to show the location of best and worst performing verities of plants.

If you would like to work with AMP on a GIS related project or have questions about how to use ArcGIS at OSU please contact AMP GIS Applications Developer Kevin Armstrong.