User Conference 2007 - Special Achievement in GIS

The mission of the National Geospatial Technology Extension Network (NGTEN), and Arizona's program in particular, is to facilitate the practical use of Earth systems science and bridge the gap between geospatial research/technology and its use by the general public, with particular emphasis on those with limited access to GIS. This is made possible through seeds sown by NASA, USDA and NOAA, and the networks provided by Land Grant (Cooperative Extension), Space Grant, Sea Grant and other local partners. These entities recognized that by working together they could facilitate knowledge exchange among researchers, application developers and stakeholders. Through this they envisioned facilitating the practical use of Earth observations, geospatial applications and decision support tools, while simultaneously informing the research and development community about evolving user needs. First piloted in Utah, Mississippi and Arizona, it has now been established in 14 states.

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Business Problem Solved

We have developed an approach to transferring technology and translating science to those who would otherwise not be exposed to geospatial technology. The Geospatial Extension Specialist acts as a knowledge broker, or the two-way conduit between research, applications development and practice. He or she works with Cooperative Extension agents who act as an intermediary between the source of information and the ultimate user, encouraging and supporting the adoption of new technology or innovations and “spanning the social distance” to help the public address pressing issues. The approach is designed to encourage the diffusion of innovation through early adopters who are respected and visible in their community; they provide practical evidence that an innovation actually works, which is important to later adopters. The result? Geospatial technology is making a difference among non-experts, effectively expanding the overall market.

Technology Implemented

Adapting science and technology results so that they are relevant to real-world applications is fundamental to successful technology transfer process. Our experience suggests that both “ground-up” and “space-down” approaches are necessary to help potential users understand and use geospatial decision support aids. For example, the Geospatial Tool Kit (GTK) is a simple, “turn-key” integration of imagery, GIS and GPS in a single digital field mapping solution helping new users realize the full benefits of geospatial technology on first exposure. Satellite data are equally important; however data access and data complexity poses series challenges. In response, we have created an online, spatially and temporally dynamic vegetation monitoring decision support tool. RangeView provides accurate and timely geospatial information about vegetation dynamics to natural resource managers including ranchers, government agency personnel and those working for NGOs.

Development Team Biography

The University of Arizona’s Arizona Remote Sensing Center involves students from a wide variety of backgrounds in an innovative, adaptive approach to research and development that involves stakeholders from start to finish. These students learn skills in GIS, remote sensing, web applications development/design, and technology transfer. Combined, Drs. Charles Hutchinson, Stuart Marsh, Barron Orr and Willem van Leeuwen, have over 90 years experience with geospatial technologies. In the six years since Arizona’s Geospatial Extension Program was launched, over 45 students have made core contributions to a wide range of projects, applications and education programs. They have gone on to pursue graduate school or make exceptional impacts in their professional lives. With their assistance, we have been able to introduce geospatial technology directly to over 17,000 direct participants as well as online interaction with geospatial technology which now exceeds 23,000 user sessions per day.