Mapping Memorial Trees

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Mapping Memorial Trees

• By
• Dave LaCross
• Ferris State University

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Principals of GIS
Geographic Information System Links spatial data
(maps) with attribute data (tables) for the
purpose of, storage, retrieval, analysis, and
display.
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Attribute Data

• This is a portion of the attribute data for the
  trees on campus at Ferris State University

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Base Map Data

• The AutoCAD files that were used in the base map
  of campus were supplied by Gary Bilow from
  Woolpert.
• The Shapefiles of the buildings, roads, and
  sidewalks were created from the AutoCAD file.
• Then the shape files were brought into ArcMap and
  a base map of campus was created in GIS.
• The next step was to import the tree information
  into the map.

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Collection of Tree Locations

• GPS was used for the collection of the actual
  tree locations around campus.
• Since you cannot use GPS directly under a tree or
  close to buildings, the coordinates of the tree
  locations had to be collected using a 10 offset.

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Not at Ferris State University!
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Errors in the Initial Map

• Problem 1
• Some of the trees are located inside buildings
  and some on the main roads.
• Solution the reason for these mistakes was the
  10 offset that was used during the collection
  process. This offset correction was often
  mistakenly added instead of subtracted.
• Problem 2
• Many trees listed in the physical plant donation
  table were not found.

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Missing memorial trees

• Clare Kwant from Ferris State University Physical
  Plant was given a copy of the list of trees that
  are missing or could not be located.
• He sent his crews out to remark/plant the trees
  that were in the donation list and were missing.
• Once the trees were marked a second campaign of
  GPS data collecting was performed and the map was
  completed.

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Final Map

• The new tree locations were added to the map and
  to the table.
• Then the map had to be checked for errors and
  corrected.
• Labeling was also a challenge where many words
  should be placed in a small space
• Following a phase of editing and cartographic
  enhancement we obtained the following map.

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Data distribution

• The collected spatial data (Shape files) and
  produced maps (PDF) were loaded to a website at
• http//btcsure1.ferris.edu/fsu/
• People involved in the project received an e-mail
  notification.

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Mapping Memorial Trees

• Any Questions?