Geographic Information Systems Program
Foothills Research Institute (FRI) began as Foothills Model Forest in 1992 and was part of the Canadian Model Forest Network. Foothills Model Forest, and the GIS Program with it, transitioned and grew through the Canadian Model Forest Network’s three phases. In Phase I (1992 to 1996), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was a key project area involved in developing a comprehensive data model, a decision support system for forest planning and assembling infrastructure for technology transfer in the form of hands-on training. Near the end of Phase I, and through much of Phase II (1997 to 2001), the demand for GIS products and support for various program initiatives grew tremendously. Consequently, GIS staff began to provide a supporting role for other projects at the Foothills Research Institute While incorporating Phase I and Phase II goals, Phase III (2002 to 2007) saw the GIS Program develop GIS tools and models to facilitate research that supports sustainable forest management.
GIS staff work with researchers to facilitate sound data management practices and to undertake analysis processes. All researchers at the Foothills Research Institute have full access to Geographic Information Systems and rich GIS data layers to enable them to perform their own analysis and mapping.
The GIS team applies innovative technologies to more effectively store, analyze, and communicate data collected by research projects. This work has resulted in a number of workshops and courses offered to Foothills Research Institute partners and staff.
Many Foothills Research Institute projects have now extended their spatial scope far beyond the initial Foothills Model Forest land base. The GIS department has supported this expansion by acquiring and managing ever larger spatial datasets. An increased demand for GIS services has underlined the need for a GIS steering committee to help clarify and prioritize GIS goals at Foothills Research Institute. Plans are in place to implement a steering committee, called the GIS Activity Team, by the spring of 2008.
Moving into the future with a new name and new partners, Foothills Research Institute is continuing its mandate to support research into sustainable integrated resource management practices. The GIS Program continues to be an integral part of this research at Foothills Research Institute.