GIS and Database Mgmt

NEA includes staff members who are fully trained and certified to work with the latest ArcInfo™ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for mapping, data analysis, and database management. We also have on staff a certified Global Positioning Systems (GPS) analyst operating NEA’s own high quality unit for projects requiring such field-level data collection.

Integrating GIS into clients’ applicable projects gives added credibility to data analysis. Our technical experts have extensive field and in-house computer experience working with large, complex sets of data. We organize information, digitize photos, integrate satellite imagery, develop map overlays, model, interpret results, and store and retrieve clients’ data for future use. We also regularly acquire and download, import, and use GIS data created from outside sources.

NEA presents spatially oriented resource information for analytical and display purposes in presentation-quality maps, reports, or other data file formats at our clients’ requests. This can be accompanied by clear and concise tables and charts to enhance understanding of the findings. We maintain strict quality assurance and control of all data and maps. With our GIS and GPS services, clients get a clear picture of their situation.

Project Highlights

Adaptive Management Monitoring of Northern Spotted Owls
National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI), Corvallis, OR

Through NCASI, private forestland owners, state and federal forestland managers, and state federal regulatory agencies have coordinated to research Northern spotted owls and their habitats. NEA is responsible for the development and maintenance of a GIS-oriented database of telemetry locations of spotted owls using GPS locations and GIS habitat analysis. Activities include acquisition of inventory and other data, importation of habitat layers, modeling of vegetation type and structure, preparation of maps, and maintenance of the highest level of confidentiality of all data and information.

Development of GIS Materials for Litigation, "Orradre Ranch, et al., vs. Monterey County Water Resources Agency"
Monterey County Water Resources Agency, Salinas, CA

NEA was retained to analyze land use and other changes which have occurred in the Agency’s service area since completion of two major reservoir projects in the 1950s and 1960s. In doing so, NEA initially gathered background data on agricultural land use, practices, and cropping patterns, and non-agricultural land use dating back to the 1900s. GIS tasks included conversion of ArcView™ files obtained from the Agency to ArcInfo™ files for analysis; preparation of land use coverages for the period prior to and after construction of the reservoirs; development of floodplain maps for both periods, showing differences in flood protection provided by the projects; and generation of litigation-quality maps, tables, and databases.

Analysis of Damages from Lost Water and Land
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, San Jacinto, California

In this long-term project, NEA has used GIS analysis to identify practicably irrigable acreage, cropping alternatives, irrigation technology, and losses to crops and livestock from reduced water supply to the reservation. Primary GIS activities have included preparation of maps and overlays, digitizing and spatial analysis of soil surveys, and analysis of land purchases, surface water hydrology, wells and aquifers, and public land surveys.