NAU Capstone Design Sequence
Corporate Capstone Project Description

Internet Map Server Application Development

Project Overview:

Description of Project

Currently, Geographic Information System (GIS) and tabular data related to the Grand Canyon region are scattered at different locations and in various states of completion.  An integrated ecological spatial database is required for the archiving, organizing, distribution and analysis of spatial and tabular data collected within the Grand Canyon Region.   The consolidation of disparate datasets from numerous sources provides a unique challenge.  To address this challenge, the Grand Canyon National Park has organized into a single, comprehensive database using ESRI’s Spatial Database Engine (SDE) and Microsoft SQL Server Database Management System.  The flexible database structure offered by SDE and SQL Server allows the use of a variety of  web-based query and analysis tools including Internet Map Server.  The Internet Map Server provides access to the GIS layers and tabular datasets using standard Internet browsing tools. The Capstone student(s) would focus upon application development using Internet Map Server software tools.

This project will address the needs of the overflight program, the Colorado River management team, and the backcountry management team.  The overflight program requires 3D visualization of airspace and air routes over the Grand Canyon to aid pilot navigation and provide analysis of noise patterns.  The overflight program also requires the ability to query and display records held within the enterprise database for analysis in specialized soundscape software.  The Colorado River management team requires the development of a visitor impact database and interface.  This database and interface would allow the managers to query and analyze visitor impacts on archeological sites, campgrounds, and endangered species.  The backcountry management team needs the development of a database and interface that integrates vegetation, campsite, and wildlife data into a cohesive set of tables that show visitor impacts on backcountry resources.  These data will be used in the development of management plan alternatives.  The team will be required to work with users from each program area to develop software requirements, write and get approved a requirement analysis, and then develop the database and/or web-based interface to address these information access needs of each program area.

Why do this project? 

The students involved in this project will develop the interface tools needed for accessing and utilizing data from both tabular and spatial enterprise-level geodatabases.  Base cartography, imagery, and other datasets (e.g., geology, soils, vegetation, archeological sites) address basic requirements for park planning, as well as, resource studies and modeling (both natural and cultural), and ArcIMS/SDE services will greatly enhance the availability, visualization, and ease of use of these geospatial data.  This project is a key component of the Grand Canyon National Park’s (GRCA) long-term information management strategy to provide GIS tools and support for park resource management. Currently, valuable datasets regarding the status and condition of Grand Canyon resources are stored at the USGS, Northern Arizona University, Utah State University, Grand Canyon North and South Rim’s village sites, and in Flagstaff, AZ.  The compilation, organization, and distribution of a single set of spatial and tabular data regarding the Grand Canyon region will allow Park Managers to leverage the abundance of scientific data collection (by park personnel and outside researchers) that occurs in the Grand Canyon region to make better informed management decisions.  Students will be exposed to a variety of resource managers and learn to develop customized applications that meet their query, analysis and visualization needs.  A team of students could potentially be composed of a mix of application developers and database developers.  The efforts of student(s) involved in this process will have a direct benefit to protecting the Grand Canyon for the enjoyment of future generations.