1. Department of Geography Geographic Information Science
Standardization of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) Data Management
Kerry Shakarjian
University of Denver
Department of Geography
Masters of Science
Geographic Information Science
Project Proposal
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

2. Overview Purpose ~3,100 miles crossing MT, ID, WY, CO, NM
Multiple land management agencies:
BLM, NPS, US Forest Service
Lead agency = US Forest Service
(Lakewood, CO)
Lead partner = Continental Divide
Trail Alliance (CDTA)
Purpose
Can multiple agencies utilize the same data standardization protocol for CDNST?
Can database management systems be used across multiple agencies to coordinate CDNST data after collection?
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

3. Data Consistency Varying trail management policies
Different methods/protocols among
agencies
Need: Multi-jurisdictional
collaboration
GIS attribute coding disagree
Agency road definitions differ
Creates potential for different
interpretation
Need: One method of coding
Variety of sources
Inconsistent data collection
Need: Systematic data collection
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

4. Tool for Managing CDNST
FS Infrastructure database (Infra)
Accountability through
accomplishments
Funding incentives
Spending wisely – future funding
from Congress
Minimize redundancy to
achieve consistency
Multiple user interface across
agency boundaries
Infra’s business flow chart (FS, 2004)
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

5. Data Required Current Infra database access
Why? GIS stored in Infra (data layers, aerials, topos etc.)
Most up-to-date GIS and Strategic Plan Project Instructions for Completing and Updating CDNST GIS Data
Attribute metadata
List of key GIS/Infra specialists
Within agencies (data collection & integration knowledge)
Within the study area (key to pilot project support)
Most current GIS CDNST data
Data needs assessment (pilot project-New Mexico)
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

6. Methods
Compare current attributes of CDNST data to standards and criteria for trails
Use trail data to evaluate Infra in relation to CDNST data
Redefine data criteria and methods for collecting data
Determine best technologies for data collection & possible integration into Infra
Develop, test and modify data dictionaries for collecting
CDNST data for populating Infra
Determine best data dictionary for integration into Infra
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

7. Pilot Project Flow Chart
New Mexico CDNST
Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Forest Service
National Park Service
Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA)
Data Attributes
Data Dictionary
Standardize Methodologies
Data Collection
Quality Control (Trail data criteria met?)
Infrastructure Database (or similar format)
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

8. Timetable June-August 08: Compile Trail data standards & criteria
September-October 08: Complete evaluation of CDNST attributes in a format compatible with Infra
November 08-February 09: Field work to determine best technologies and evaluate data dictionary
March-May 09: New Mexico project area data collection using final technology and data dictionary
Develop sample data entry forms for integration into Infra (non-GIS users)
June-August 09: Final evaluation of data collection method
September-December 09: Finalize thesis project report
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

9. Deliverables Final data dictionary for CDNST feature attributes
Non-GIS Data Entry Form
User manual for CDNST data collection
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

10. Summary
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal

11. Questions?
Kerry Shakarjian, MSGIS Project Proposal