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Project Goal
Currently, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS) provides wildlife damage management expertise to over 850 of our Nation’s civil and military airfields across all 50 states, 3 U.S. Territories, and 9 foreign countries. By utilizing GIS and GPS technologies, Airport Wildlife Biologists can further understand, manage, and educate the aviation industry about the risks of wildlife strikes with aircraft.Business Problem Solved
Nationally, over $700 million in civil aircraft damages were reported to the FAA’s National Wildlife Strike Database from 1990 through 2014. Moreover, damages from wildlife strikes with military aircraft further increase these costs. Mapping the relationships among wildlife species, habitat use patterns, and animal movements on the airfield allows WS' biologists to provide stronger management recommendations to airport managers. As such, wildlife issues and management recommendations are better understood and decisions can be made to mitigate hazards, resulting in a reduction of wildlife strikes, and ultimately decreases in aircraft damages.
Technology Implemented
GPS Mobile mapping devices, laptops, and tablets are equipped with ArcPad/ArcMap software. Customized data collection forms are created using file geodatabase domains in ArcCatalog and are deployed using the “Get Data Ready For ArcPad” tool or used as a custom form in ArcMap. Once field data is collected, it is then processed and mapped using the latest version of ArcMap 10.
Development Team Biography
Jason D. Kougher, Airport Wildlife Biologist, USDA APHS WS Colorado Program
Laurence M. Schafer, Airport Coordinator, USDA APHIS WS Washington/Alaska Program
Michael J. Begier, National Coordinator, Airport Wildlife Hazards Program, Washington D.C.