Mobile Computers Help Foresters Collect, Measure Forest Information

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 15,000 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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The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, there are Forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.

With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 184,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $29 Billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.