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GIS Program
The GIS Program operates under the MIS program out of the Commissioner's office and consists of two full time staff, several cooperators in DFG agencies and usually one or more interns at any given time. The Program cooperates closely with MassGIS, relying on MassGIS for GIS software support, as well as key base data layers such as roads, hydrography and landuse. It also cooperates and shares data with the GIS programs in its sister agencies: Conservation and Recreation, Environmental Protection, and Food and Agriculture.
The Program also publishes a semi-annual newsletter. The newsletter is designed to provide GIS users in the Department with tips and tricks for working with GIS data, information on new data layers, and opportunities for training and technical support
Mission and Goals
- Provide GIS products, applications and services to the Commissioner's office and to those Programs and Divisions without GIS capability.
- Provide technical leadership and oversight to Divisional and other Departmental agency GIS efforts including the design and development of GIS systems, related applications and data development efforts.
- Advise on the purchase of GIS related technology and services, both by the Commissioner's office and other programs.
- Provide GIS related information and when necessary, training to Departmental personnel.
Recent Projects
Application Development
- AreaNav
- A custom built GIS application designed to provide basic GIS functionality and real-time GPS support for Environmental Law Enforcement Officers. For more information on AreaNav click here.
- BioMap ArcIMS Application
- HTML viewer provides access to the BioMap data via a browser. for more information on the BioMap project visit the NHESP BioMap home page
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Data Development
- Open Space
- OPEN SPACE - DFG currently holds more than 127,000 acres in fee and the development rights to over 1,400 acres. The GIS program automates the acquired parcels based on a variety of source materials including deed descriptions, surveys, and assessor's maps. This information is then submitted to MassGIS for distribution as part of the OPEN SPACE data layer. For downloads or more information on the Open Space data layer visit the Open Space MetaData Page on the MassGIS site. DFG holdings are also displayed on the WMA maps available via the MassWildlife website or from the DFW district offices.
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Training and Technical Support
- The GIS Program regularly supports Department staff in their use of GIS through customization of the MassGIS dataviewer and training in the use of GPS receivers.
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Decision Support
- In June, 2003 DFG GIS staff spent 3 weeks supporting the efforts of the State Police and the Division of Environmental Law Enforcement in an evidentiary search related to the 1997 abduction of Molly Bish. By providing 3D visualization techniques, training in the use of GPS technology, and basic spatial analysis, GIS program staff were able to help search coordinators set the extent of the search area and determine the resources required. In addition, the GIS program is preparing an investigative history that will enable law enforcement officials and the courts to review the search process through an interactive map document linked to photographs from the search site.
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