Montana - NATURAL RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM
MontanaNatural ResourceInformation SystemFiscal Year 1996 Annual Report
IntroductionThe Montana NaturalNRIS Mission StatementResource Information System(NRIS) was formed inThe Montana Natural Resource Information System providesresponse to the growing needcomprehensive access to information about Montana'sfor quick access to thenatural resources to all Montanans through the acquisition,increasing amounts of naturalstorage, retrieval, and dissemination of that information inresource information.meaningful form.As a program of the MontanaState Library, NRIS is worksto make information onMontana's natural resources easily and readily accessible. Serving governmentagencies, business and industry, and private citizens, NRIS operates a clearinghouseand referral service to link users with the best information. In 1985, NRIS began byproviding services through its Montana Natural Resource Index and the MontanaNatural Heritage Program. In response to growing user needs, the programexpanded to include the Montana Water Information System and the NRISGeographic Information System.Over the years, NRIS strived to meet the growing information needs and challengesof Montana's governmental agencies, private business, and general public bydeveloping new services. NRIS now offers a wide variety of data management,information indexing, and data retrieval services.Fiscal year 1996 was a busy time for NRIS.We filled over 2,180 requests for naturalresource information and services. TheNatural Heritage Program responded toover 750 requests; the Water InformationSystem responded to over 560 informationrequests; and the Geographic InformationSystem responded to over 860 service andinformation requests.NRIS FY96 Annual ReportPage1
FY96 HighlightsDetailed reports for each of the NRIS programs are contained in the following pages. Thissection provides a quick overview of some of the program’s activities during FY96.Geographic Information SystemDuring FY96, the NRIS GIS program continuedproviding a diverse array of products and servicesto Montana’s GIS community. Some services werethe traditional mediated services where we assistGIS users on an individual basis. Some serviceswere new networked based services where wepublish information on the Internet that patrons canaccess themselves.As GIS technology matures and becomes moreintegrated into organizations, the demand foranalytical applications has been increasing. As oneof the leaders in the use of GIS technology inMontana, NRIS GIS is asked frequently to assist indeveloping major GIS analytical applications. This year, we undertook three major analyticalprojects: two for the US Forest Service and one for the Department of Health and EnvironmentalSciences. These projects are detailed under theProjects Overview section of this report.With the maturing of our Internet services during FY95, the way NRIS GIS conducts business isfundamentally changing. We now have an increased ability to invest time and resources inbuilding an information infrastructure that permits us to publish data and information that can andis accessed by many users. After we publish data and information on the Internet our patrons canaccess the information at their convenience without impacting NRIS GIS staff. This allows us tomeet the needs of a much larger community and frees up resources to provide a higher level ofservice to those who need it.Natural Heritage ProgramRefining access to and delivery of programinformation remained a priority in 1996. A pilotproject between The Nature Conservancy and theNational Biological Service helped us develop newfeatures on the Internet including: an on-linerequest form; better graphics capabilities; datasearches based on county or species status; and aprototype sensitive species guidebook. Results ofthis project will be applied in other states as theirdata management and Internet capabilities allow.Linkages with GIS and development of newdatabases and systems, described below, havecontinued to allow us to stay abreast with the risingdemands for information on biodiversity and landNRIS FY96 Annual ReportPage2
management.The Heritage Program conducted significant research and inventory projects during the year,incorporated the results of these projects into its database system, and continued to provideinformation services to state and federal agencies, county and local offices, private consultingfirms and academic and foreign requestors.Approximately 1,500 data requests were received and answered in FY 1996, from all sectors:state, federal, local government as well as the private sector. This figure includes requests placedby U.S. Forest Service staff in Region 1 via a subset of Heritage data available on their mainframesystem. These figures do not include visits to our Internet site, which numbered over 13,000.Water Information SystemDuring 1996, staff continued improving assess towater data by increasing the number of Internetlinks to new and existing sources of waterinformation. Also during this time, many of thedata sources established new products and reportformats on the Internet. These new products makewater information easier to obtain and interpret.Together with the Water Information System’sefforts, these new products represent major stridesthat improve service to end users by making iteasier to obtain information in ready-to-useformats. Many more users are taking advantage ofthe improved service, a fact demonstrated by thedramatic increase in the number of users obtainingwater data directly via the Internet during thereporting period.The Water Information System continues to use geographic information system (GIS) and newrelational data base technologies increasingly to serve System users by developing tools for avariety of water related applications. This year staff assisted personnel from several other stateagencies in obtaining and applying the GIS as an effective desktop tool for well head protectionand management of solid waste landfill sites. Significant progress was also achieved in using newrelational data base software to develop data bases with user interface menus that supporttraditional information management applications both within NRIS and other state naturalresource agencies.NRIS FY96 Annual ReportPage3
NRIS On the Internet: http://nris.mt.govDuring FY96 NRIS continued to expand ourInternet presence. NRIS operates a File TransferProtocol (FTP) server, electronic mail servicesfor all of the NRIS staff and the State Library, aTelnet server that allows remote log in to theNRIS network, and our most visible service--ourWorld Wide Web (WWW) site. The WWW siteconsists of a “Home Page” that describes theoverall program and provides hyper links to otherpages that provide details on all of NRIS’sservices and as well as access to natural resourcedata. The NRIS site is an on-line clearinghouseof natural resource information with connectionsto a myriad of other related sites around thenation. During FY96, there were an average of over 1,800 user sessions per week on the NRISWeb site.NRIS also greatly expanded the GIS WideArea Information Service (WAIS) server.The GIS WAIS Server allows a remotepatron to search our GIS database fordata, retrieve information documenting the data, view a sample of the data on-line, and thenretrieve the data directly to their computer. During FY96 we completed a grant NRIS receivedfrom the Federal Geographic Data Committee. The grant was to create a Montana node of theNational Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The NSDI includes a clearinghouse for locating andobtaining spatial data. Montana was the first state in the nation to implement a NSDI node.Below are some figures and charts that demonstrate the extent the NRIS WWW services areaccessed.Basic Access StatisticsJuly 1, 1995 to June 30, 1996Number of Hits for home pageTotal No. of Successful Hits24,3011,275,363Total No. of User Sessions95,621User Sessions from (United States)65.56%International User Sessions6.12%Origin Unknown User Sessions28.31%Average User Sessions per DayNRIS FY96 Annual Report261Page4
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Geographic Information SystemDuring FY96, the NRIS GIS program continued providing a diverse array of products andservices to Montana’s GIS community. Some services were the traditional mediated serviceswhere we assist GIS users on an individual basis. Some services were new networked basedservices where we publish information on the Internet that patrons can access themselves.As GIS technology matures and becomes more integrated into organizations, the demand foranalytical applications has been increasing. As one of the leaders in the use of GIS technology inMontana, NRIS GIS is asked frequently to assist in developing major GIS analytical applications.This year, we undertook three major analytical projects: two for the US Forest Service and onefor the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences. These projects are detailed under theProjects Overview section of this report.With the maturing of our Internet services during FY95, the way NRIS GIS conducts business isfundamentally changing. We now have an increased ability to invest time and resources inbuilding an information infrastructure that permits us to publish data and information that can andis accessed by many users. After we publish data and information on the Internet our patrons canaccess the information at their convenience without impacting NRIS GIS staff. This allows us tomeet the needs of a much larger community and frees up resources to provide a higher level ofservice to those who need it.During FY96 we filled 897 total requests and developed 9526 products through our mediatedservices. This number represents a significant increase in total requests for mediated services overFY95. We also provided information through the Internet to an additional 55, 446 patrons.Hundreds of thousands of maps, documentation reports, and databases were acquired from ourInternet servers. We intend to continue to enhance our Internet services during the upcomingyear to provide our patrons with easy, efficient, methods to identify and acquire the informationthey need.The tables below summarize GIS products and services provided during the last two fiscal years.FY 1996 Mediated GIS Services talProducts89754092015324492298341FY 1995 Mediated GIS Services talProducts4664502453310651585803NRIS FY96 Annual ReportPage8
Internet ServicesUse of Internet services provided by NRIS GIS exploded during FY95. Currently patrons whoare on the Internet can access the GIS program to find general information or to access selectedmap graphics, documentation, and databases. These services have been implemented by installinga World Wide Web (WWW) server and "Home Page", a Wide Area Information Server (WAIS),and an "Anonymous FTP" site on the GIS computer network. Use of the Internet services hasgrown steadily since their inception. During FY 1996 39,316 users accessed NRIS GIS webservices, this represents a 58% increase over 1995 when we had 22,919We started collecting statistics on Internet usage in August of 1994 and since then there havebeen 22,919 accesses of the GIS Web Services. Currently over 500 users access GIS servicesfrom NRIS in an average week. Plans call for expanding the number of databases on the Internetservers and developing new interfaces and indices to facilitate access.Montana GIS Users’ GroupNRIS GIS plays an active role in the Montana GIS Users’ Group. The Users’ Group is a nonprofit consortium of government agencies and business involved with GIS technology. The mainactivities of the Users’ Group are an annual conference and publication of theMontana GISNews. The Montana GIS News is designed to facilitate the transfer of information about GISdata, activities, and projects in Montana. The newsletter is published by NRIS for the MontanaGIS Users’ Group.The annual Montana GIS Users’ Group Conference provides an opportunity for individualsinterested in GIS to share ideas and experiences. The 1995 Conference in Helena attracted over300 people. NRIS helped with the conference by providing administrative support, activelyparticipating on planning committees, hosting workshops, and making presentations. NRIS alsohosted a Public Night where members of the local community had an opportunity to learn aboutGIS.A major effort undertaken by the Users’ Group this year is the establishment of endowedscholarships at both major Montana Universities. The scholarships will assist students pursuingstudies related to GIS. The goal is to have a 10,000 endowment at Montana State University by1997 and at the University of Montana by the year 2000. The endowments should provide 500per year in perpetuity. Fred Gifford and Kris Larson both serve on the GIS Users’ Group Boardof Directors.Montana Interagency GIS Technical Working GroupThe Montana Interagency GIS Technical Working Group (TWG) is a forum for the exchange ofinformation regarding the acquisition of new GIS data, the existence of current GIS data, and thestatus of new and on going GIS projects. The TWG also promotes and develops standards andprocedures related to GIS. NRIS supports the TWG by providing administrative support and byactively participating in meetings and sub-committees. Major activities for the TWG duringFY 1995 were associated with implementing a grant from the Federal Geographic DataCommittee (FGDC). The grant was to promote use of the Internet for data sharing andcooperation among GIS users in Montana. NRIS was the lead agency responsible for the grantimplementation. Tasks completed included:NRIS FY96 Annual ReportPage9
Develop Implementation Plan - The implementation plan is the guiding document directingefforts in pursuit of the goals approved by the TWG. The plan included tasks to be performedunder this grant and tasks to be accomplished outside the grant project.Update and Enhance the Montana GIS Data Directory - The Montana Data Directory isPC-based application that allows users to query information about GIS data and projects inMontana. Under the grant we evaluated converting existingMontana GIS Data Directoryentries to meet the FGDC Metadata Standard but found it unworkable. We then decided tosurvey the GIS user community about their GIS holdings. This information is being convertedinto a format accessible on a WAIS server and can be accessed via the Internet.Implement One Node on the FGDC Clearinghouse - A WAIS server with documentationabout NRIS GIS databases was implemented on the existing NRIS system. Since the majorinfrastructure was already in place, the primary work required under this task was installingand configuring the WAIS software and converting the existing documentation to the correctstructure. We also placed some high-interest GIS databases on the WAIS server.Develop Tools for Documenting Data to the FGDC Metadata Standard - NRIS GISdeveloped software tools for documenting data to the FGDC standard. This interface isimplemented in Arc/Info. NRIS uses this tool for documenting all its’ GIS holdings. Thesoftware will also be made available to any other sites interested in using it to document theirown databases.Research and Identify Tools for Searching for Spatial Data on the Internet - There aremany tools available for searching the Internet and new tools are continually developed. Wehave identified as many of these tools as possible so that we may provide them or informationabout them to GIS users in Montana.Update the Montana GIS Standards Plan to Comply with FGDC Metadata Standardand the Spatial Data Transfer Standard - The Montana GIS Standards Plan wasdeveloped by the TWG to facilitate data exchange among agencies by ensuring consistency inthe development and documentation of GIS data bases. Topics covered in thePlan include:source materials, data automation, accuracy, documentation, and data transfer methods.Under the grant, the Montana GIS Standards Plan was revised to adhere to the FGDCMetadata Standard and the Spatial Data Transfer Standard.Implement a Montana GIS Users List Server on the Internet - List servers allow Internetusers to send an e-mail message to one address and have it broadcast to many othersinterested in that topic. The University of Montana implemented the Montana GIS ListServer to facilitate communication among the Montana GIS community.GIS SeminarsFor the past five years, the NRIS GIS Program has offered a series of GIS Seminars. Theseminars are held once a month throughout the fall, winter, and spring. A GIS expert typicallygives an hour long presentation to a wide variety of GIS users from governmental agencies andthe private sector. The topics of the seminars range from software specific technical tips andtricks to general information about topics such as cartography or new GIS projects in the state.At the request of the GIS Users' Group, NRIS also sponsored a half-day workshop in 1995,Understanding and Using Map Projections, by Gerry Daumiller. Other Seminar Topics for theNRIS FY96 Annual ReportPage10
1994-95 season included: Montana's Public Lands and Private Preserves - On the Ground and inthe Computer by Cedron Jones; Surfing the Internet for Fun and Profit by Fred Gifford; The MilkRiver Existing Irrigation and Water Rights Evaluation by Bill Greiman; Wildlife DistributionMapping by Fish, Wildlife and Parks: How Far Are We, Where Do We Go From Here by GaelBissell; An Update on the Status of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure by Allan Cox; andGIS-GPS and Archaeology - A Pioneering Montana Project by Peter Langen and Mark Baumler.GIS in LibrariesSeveral new libraries joined the "GIS in Libraries" program in 1995 and we are sponsoring newschools in the "K-12 GIS Program " as well. The libraries and schools participating in the projectnow include: Dennis Richards at the Mansfield Library in Missoula; Cynthia Rooley at the LibertyCounty Library; Tim Urbanic at the Billings Vo-Tech Library; Bill Mc Gregor at the CitizensTechnical Environmental Committee in Butte; Alice Hallstrom, Hot Springs Library; NancyBrennan, Bicentennial Public Library, Colstrip; Michael Ober at the Flathead Valley CommunityCollege; Dennis Brown at Capital High School in Helena; Margy Kernan at Helena High; T.A.Hennard, Corvallis High School; Norma Glock at Columbus High School Library; John Mecklerat the Plains High School; Arlie Patton at Billings West High School; Chris Ruffatto at WhiltefishHigh School; Jon Kaps, Flathead High School Library; and Gil and Marilyn Alexander at CanyonFerry Limnological Institute. The Montana State Library is also one of the more than 100participants nationwide in the Association of research Libraries "GIS in Libraries" project.Training procedures have been working well. Training is offered on-site as the school or librarycomes on-line. If several libraries come up at the same time, then training may be offered at theMontana State Library.Pam Smith has been working on a "GIS in Schools and Libraries" section for the Libraryhomepage, NRIS homepage, and GIS homepage. It will include pointers to some of the moreexciting data sources, such as the ESRI FTP site and the Bessie project; pointers to our data;Guidelines for becoming part of the "GIS in Libraries" or K-12 Programs; a pointer to theArcView software and a unix2dos software utility. We will also provide information to explainthe difference between ArcView and ArcView2.The 1995 Montana GIS Users' Conference was held in Helena, May 8 - 10. The GIS Users'Group hosted the Fourth Annual Public Night in conjunction with the conference. As always,poster presenters and vendors were available to show their work, share ideas, and answerquestions. Allan Cox gave the annual presentation which explains GIS in lay terms, and describedsome of
The Montana GIS News is designed to facilitate the transfer of information about GIS data, activities, and projects in Montana. The newsletter is published by NRIS for the Montana GIS Users’ Group. The annual Montana GIS Users’ Group Conference provides an opportunity for individuals interested in GIS to share ideas and experiences.
The Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) was formed in response to the growing need for quick access to the increasing amounts of natural resource information. As a program of the Montana State Library, NRIS makes information on Montana's natural resources easily and readily accessible. Serving
1 This document was created by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Montana Natural Heritage Program and the Montana Natural Resource Information System for the Montana Chapter Wildlife Society Annual Meeting 2011 and has been adapted for general distribution April 2011
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