Session Abstract

Using GIS to integrate GPS data, field measurements and digital photography to monitor West Nile Virus occurrence in S.E. Alberta

During the 2003 & 2004 field seasons, the City of Medicine Hat Parks and GIS departments worked collaboratively to map & analyze potential mosquito breeding habitat, in an effort to monitor the spread of West Nile Virus in Medicine Hat and the local area.

Field crews from the Parks department recorded information on site location, larvae counts & any treatments that were applied. For each site location, information was recorded using a handheld GPS unit and a digital camera. Using ArcGIS in conjunction with the GPS Photolink software, an accurate map of the study sites was generated, including a spatially referenced (and hyperlinked) photograph.

Once the final WNV maps were compiled, the information was exported using the ArcPublisher extension. A copy of the (free) Arcreader software, data files and linked photos were burned to CD and provided to project stakeholders. This allowed the site information, maps and photos to be quickly, easily and cheaply distributed to a non-technical user base.

Speaker Biography

Nigel Forster

MSc. Geography
University of Saskatchewan; 1995

BSc. Geography & Archaeology
University of Calgary; 1989

GIS Superintendent
City of Medicine Hat
2002 - present

GIS Instructor
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
1999 - 2002

GIS Consultant/Project Manager
Digital Environmental Management (Saskatoon)
1998 - 1999

GIS Technician
Devel-Tech Inc. (Saskatoon)
1995 - 1998