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Welcome to the Virginia Department Of Forestry

IFRIS

Integrated Forest Resource Information System

A mobile computing software application in development by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) was a finalist for the 2007 American Council of Technology’s Intergovernmental Solutions Award. Today, the application was demonstrated at an international GIS and mapping software conference that attracted more than 12,000 attendees.

Since April 2006, foresters and field staff in Virginia have collected forestry data and keyed the information into a Web-based database, the Integrated Forest Resource Information System (IFRIS). Initially accessible only by desktop computer via the Web, IFRIS is being adapted for use on GPS-enabled mobile devices.

“Foresters make a wealth of observations in the field,” notes John Scrivani, director of resource information with VDOF. “With this system, field data is collected in a timely and efficient way, and then immediately updated on the IFRIS database. Even the location of the observation is recorded using global positioning technology.”

Foresters can note the acreage of a forested tract and the tree species within it. The capability to enter insect damage, wildfire hazards and water quality law enforcement information in the field will soon be available.

Significant benefits are being realized from the system.

Project manager Mindia Brown said, “IFRIS minimizes redundant data entry and errors; increases workforce productivity, and supports a mobile workforce through technology. It streamlines and integrates administrative functions with business applications; supports multiple program areas; enables location based tracking of activities; feeds employee and agency accomplishment reporting, and vastly improves customer service. This application is the first of its kind in the nation and is being used as a prototype for other states.”

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Last modified: Friday, 07-Mar-2008 21:24:10 UTC