[deciduous]

Hey guys ! Hows everyone doing ? I just got a sweet new job that I'm really stoked about. I'm working for Evergreen Canada for the summer as the Stewardship Program Assistant. Basically, I'll be creating a system to map, and mapping out a large watershed park in North Vancouver. The main focus of this is to be able to track the spread of invasive species such as himalayan blackberry, and english Ivy.

My question to you all is this - Does anyone have any experience in the GPS mapping field ? If so, your suggestions or experiences would be very valuable right now....

The goal is to be able to update this map with info gathered by volunteers with little to no training....the terrain is very difficult - with two ravines in the park, so theres some issues around creating accurate distances.

Any ideas or links to sites that have good info would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks everyone and enjoy the rest of this sunny day !

[Raptor235]

You're probably should be looking at some kind of a google maps mashup there are tons of sites doing interesting things with them and I think some of them allow you to input locations and track them... doesn't the company have something already in place?

[deciduous]

Looking into the google earth possibilites,... the problem with that is that google earth doesn't really sync up with a gps .... right now the most promising software I have come accross is this

TNC Invasive Species Initiative page

it syncs with gps, can produce maps, and excel reports, and furthermore its actually designed around the idea of tracking invasive species ( or weeds as they call them ) this seems ideal as it will also serve as a database for invasive species, and we can track our progress over the course of time. It can also be run on ppc for use in the field.

Has anyone had any experience with this software ? or know of any other similar programs ? Any GPS enthusiasts here ?

[peachy]

I have nothing to offer. Just wanted to congratulate you on the job! Sounds neat and can serve to make a difference. Good luck!

[green_price]

Congratulations!

[deciduous]

Thanks a lot everyone ! Ya, this job is turning out to be really great. So far I've been able to set up a lot of meetings with various people from a lot of different groups who are interested in helping out with this project, or offering consultation advice. Just got an email from the Stanley Park Society today, who are very interested to hear how this project goes, as they are interested in creating a mapping system for invasives in their park as well....