Developing an Interpretive Geographically Referenced Database and Module Model Focused on the Landscape at Treehaven Environmental Learning Center

Abstract

This project compiled geographic, textual, and photographic information about selected sites on Treehaven’s 1400 acre campus into an online map that is available for public interaction. A pre-­‐existing Geographic Information System in use with the Land Management Department provided the base data needed to georeference and create the point layers containing information about the selected interpretive sites. Eighteen sites were selected using semi-­‐formal interviews with Treehaven administrative staff, and photographs were taken at these sites to accompany their textual attribute information. The ArcMap project file was created using ESRI’s ArcGIS 10 software suite. This suite also created the map specific geodatabase, and was made forward facing through ArcViewer for Flex, a version of Adobe Flex specifically created for web mapping. The ArcMap project file geographically represents the trail system, buildings, and several prominent landscape features, as well as the photographic and interpretive information of the selected sites. Since the ArcMap project file has been uploaded to the ArcGIS server, it continues to go through several beta-­‐test rounds to ensure complete readability and usability for its forward facing components. The goal of creating an uploaded initial online map was fulfilled. However, adding and programming additional editing capabilities, and removing server securities for University staff member interaction were not. The project is ready for future improvements and changes when desired.