gis as a land planning resource

GIS as a Land Planning ResourceMichelle M. Landis, RLA

Great Ecology

November 30, 2016

Overview

Land Planning (R)evolutionCase Study – Habitat

Restoration

1960s (R)evolutionThere is a small movement for change in development practicesLandscape Architect Ian McHarg leads with new ideas for land

planning

1960s (R)evolution

He notices a lack of:Understanding about the environment

Integration with environmental sciences

Addressing human adaptations to the environment

1960s (R)evolution

1969 Mr. McHargpublishes the landmark book Design with Nature

1960s (R)evolution

Design With Nature Foundation for modern ecological planning Concepts for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

1960s (R)evolution

1960s (R)evolution1969 Landscape Architect Jack

Dangermond founds Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

1982 launches the ARC/INFO GIS software based system to bring science to the design process

Modern Evolution

ERSI Models

http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/fall04articles/arcgis-raster-data-model.html

Case Study: Habitat Planning for Natural Resource Mitigation Areas

Located in Denver, CORemote analysis to identify potential

parcelsField verification to verify and refine

findingsConceptual restoration plans Feasibility analysis is performedFuture habitat restoration Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse

http://chatfieldreallocation.org/wp-content/uploads/Chatfield_Reservoir_Compensatory_Mitigation_Plan.pdf

Habitat Planning: Natural Resource Mitigation Areas

On-site mitigation areas explored firstAdditional off-site areas explored to

add to mitigation

Habitat Planning: GIS Layers + Remote Analysis

Aerial (high resolution)Topo – 1’ contour intervalParcel boundaryRiver Conservation Zone

(RCZ)Stream courseRemote verification of

historic habitat polygons

Habitat Planning: Field Verification

Significant Erosion

Habitat Planning: Field Verification

Significant Erosion

Habitat Planning: Field Verification

Juvenile Willows

Habitat Planning: Field Verification

Lack of Willows and Likely the Hydrology Needed to Support Riparian Species

Habitat Planning: Field Verification

Southern Portion of the Property Includes High Functioning Ecosystems

Habitat Planning: Revised Habitat Polygons

Habitat polygons are revised to match field data

Habitat Planning: Preliminary Concept

Used for coordination between design team and scientific staff

Habitat Planning: Final Concept Plan

Used for review by agencies and stakeholders

Habitat Planning: Feasibility Study

Habitat improvement tiers are used to evaluate project costs related to Ecological Functional Units (EFUs)

Habitat Planning: Planned Restoration

After approval by agencies and stakeholders, habitat areas will be enhanced or restored as identified in planning documents

Questions?Michelle M. Landis, RLAGreat Ecologymlandis@greatecology.com858.750.3201