The mapping Centre
We put your ideas on the map!
TMC offers high-end global positioning system (GPS) mapping services (Trimble technology) and Geographic Information System (GIS) services. We use ArcGIS 9.3 and a number of other data conversion tools as necessary to create specialized map products tailored to each of our client’s needs. We also offer state of the art 3D stereo airphoto interpretation technology, employing PurView™ and ArcGIS 9.3 ®.
We have found that GPS and GIS can be used to create powerful education, conservation, and lobbying tools.If you are embarking on any type of environmental project check with in us first - we are full of ideas on how to add a GPS/GIS component to your project. We also have equipment to rent and offer training to raise your/your groups capacity to participate in such projects.
services
TMC will apply its GPS/GIS experience and capabilities in the development of habitat inventory methodologies, databases and data dictionaries as needed. Our combined GPS/GIS capabilities facilitate accurate and clear presentation of spatial data. Our mapping and inventory methodology experience includes:
- Development of methods and project implementation for Sensitive Habitat Inventory & Mapping (SHIM) surveys
- Development of methods and project implementation for Coastal Shoreline Habitat Inventory & Mapping (CSHIM) surveys
- Development of methods and project implementation for Wetland Inventory & Mapping
- Baseline Conservation Covenant Management Plan Mapping
- Liquid Waste/ Watershed Management Plans
SHIM and CSHIM methodologies are posted on the Community Mapping Network website (www.cmnbc.ca). SHIM and CSHIM are intended as standards for aquatic habitat mapping in urban and rural residential watersheds and coastal areas in British Columbia.
SHIM and CSHIM information can be applied to:
- Identify sensitive habitats for fish and wildlife along watercourses at a scale of 1:5000 or better
- Assist in determining setbacks and fish/wildlife-sensitive zones
- Help guide management decisions and priorities with respect to habitat restoration and enhancement projects
- Assist in the design of storm water/runoff management plans;
- Monitor for changes in habitat resulting from known disturbance;
- Provide a means of highlighting areas that may have problems with channel stability or water quality, and require more detailed study
- Identify and map point and non-point sources of pollution
- Provide current information, not previously available to urban planners, to allow more informed planning decisions and provide inventory information for Official Community Plans
- Provide baseline mapping data for future monitoring activities
- Map and identify the extent of riparian vegetation available and used by wildlife and fisheries resources
- Provide preliminary data for analyses which can be used to indicate potential trends in resources that may require further study
- Integrate new map information with existing TRIM and municipal planning maps
- Contribute information towards an inventory of fish distribution and limiting factors to watershed based fish production
- Assist in understanding urban water runoff patterns and help determine areas of impervious surfaces in urban watersheds
Our technicians are experienced and knowledgeable in applying GPS data collection to assessments of stream, wetland and shoreline habitats. Our staff hold certification in GPS field data collection as well as data processing and management. Our GPS capabilities include:
- Trimble Pathfinder® GPS Mapping (+/-5.0 meter accuracy under canopy, <1 m in open areas)
- Hand-held Garmin recreational grade GPS (+/-10m accuracy, < 1 m in open areas)
TMC will also provide GIS services. Field collected GPS data, PurView derived airphoto interpretations and other acquired data such as orthophotos, sensitive ecosystem information, and various watercourse datasets are integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) with other data to create specialized map products tailored to each of our client’s needs. Our GIS capabilities include development of both desktop and Internet server based GIS’s employing:
- ArcView/ArcInfo® 9.3
- orthophoto interpretation and digital image manipulation
- 3-dimensional aerial photo interpretation (PurView™)
- Tablet Digitizing
- Internet server based GIS application development (Autodesk Mapguide Enterprise)
- Hardcopy and digital map products
- Large size plotter maps (HP 755CM)
- Database Development (Ms Access)
- Stand-alone ArcView ® map and data CD's
Our staff and contractors will continue
to offer many training opportunities within the Comox Valley community and
beyond. Some of our recent training events include:
- Streamkeeper Courses (available through our Streamkeepers Program)
- Wetlandkeeper Courses (available through our Wetlandkeepers Program)
- GPS/GIS short courses (provided to individuals and groups as requested)
- CSHIM and SHIM surveys (provided to community groups and First Nations)