Acquisition of a Geographic Information System for the Adirondack Ecological Center

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The State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry continues to strengthen the research program and support capabilities of the Adirondack Ecological Center (AEC). Recent improvements have emphasized additional personnel support, enhancement of comprehensive environmental monitoring programs, improvement of work and living spaces for researchers and students, and development of more effective description and documentation of the station and its associated research. Research program goals call for greater emphasis on integrative studies to investigate ecological processes on a large scale, with a spatial context and long-term perspective. The development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the station and immediate surroundings is a key component of this effort. This project provides matching funds to purchase computer hardware and software which will form the core of a data/information management and advanced spatial analysis system, to complement the excellent ecological research qualities of the AEC. These qualities include a strategic location and a broad historical data base pertaining to biological, chemical and physical variables, dating to the 1930's. The GIS will capitalize on these assets, faculty and graduate student strengths, and visiting scientist programs to advance synergism in ecological research and account for spatial variables in biological research. Automation in the collection, storage, display, and analysis of data and information gained from past, current, and future research at the AEC will substantially advance the research, improve the management, and increase the utilization of the station.