Spatial Data in the North Country

USGS real-time stream flow stations added to ARGIS

We have added the NY USGS stream gage stations to the ARGIS interactive map under the "Hydrology" tab.  Use the   identify tool  to get details and graphs directly from the USGS website.  In order to make the real-time connection, we set up a script that runs hourly and pulls the data from the USGS National Water Information System.  Here's how the script works:

1) The latest data is downloaded as a comma-separated file (CSV)
2) The old data is deleted from the table in our PostgreSQL database
3) The new data is loaded into the table
4) The lastupdated field is updated to reflect the latest download
5) Points are constructed using the lat/lon contained in the CSV
6) Geoserver renders the points and associated info onto the map

Voila!

ARGIS DEC Trails Layer Updated

The latest DEC trails layer has been uploaded to the ARGIS interactive map.  Some notable additions are the newly official trails to Esther Mt., and in the Macomb-E. Dix-Hough region of the Dix Mt. Wilderness (pictured).   

New Fish Surveys Added to ARGIS

We have updated the Fish Survey layer on the ARGIS interactive map to include all data collected as of Feb 16, 2012.  You can use the identify tool  to get the list of species for a lake, or you can filter by species using our quick filter (right click on the layer in the table of contents-->"Properties & Display Options"-->Quick Filter).  Thanks much to the folks at DEC Fisheries for providing the data updates.

Terrestrial Invasives Layer added to ARGIS

We have added a "Terrestrial Invasive Species" layer to the ARGIS interactive map for your viewing pleasure.  The data comes from the Adirondack Park Invasive Plants Program (APIPP), the folks on the front line of trying to control invasive plants & animals in the park.  You can use the identify tool  to get more information about the infestation-- size, location, and more.  

ARGIS: bugs & other known issues

The Adirondack Regional Geographic Information System (ARGIS) is a work in progress. We originally built it as a proof of concept, and it has served that purpose and then some. We have so far been pleased with it's performance, but we do know of a few issues that we are working to correct:

  • Google Terrain layer does not redraw correctly when zoomed in past 1:12,000
  • Some KMZ layers in the Download Center do not display in Google Earth unless zoomed in.
  • Rearranging layer order in Table of Contents does not always work as expected.
  • Identify tool does not work when grid data (Digital Elevation Model, Hillshade) added to map.
We also do not know how much traffic the site can support (so far so good!) We hope to resolve these issues in our ARGIS 2.0 release, due Spring 2012. Please let us know of any other bugs or irregularities you find.

Comparing Adirondack land class & development maps: 2001-2011

The other day, while sorting through long-forgotten computer directories I found an old APA land classification/development plan map from 2001 and thought it would be interesting to compare it to a more recent 2011 version. I uploaded the 2001 map to our Adirondack Regional Geographic Information System (ARGIS) and made a quick video tutorial showing how to easily compare the two:

  • Turn on the historic "2001 Land Use/Development Plan Map" at the bottom of the layer list.
  • Turn on the recent "2011 Land Use/Development Plan Map (APA)" under the "Administrative Boundaries" heading.
  • Right-click on the 2011 map layer in the Table of Contents, and select "Properties & Display Options".
  • Use the "Opacity" slider to turn the 2011 layer on and off, revealing the 2001 layer underneath it.

DEC Lean-to layer added to ARGIS

A DEC Lean-to layer has been added to ARGIS. The DEC is in the middle of a big push to update their assets layer in the Adirondack Park, so check back often for the latest. If you find omissions or incorrect locations, please let us know . We plan on adding trail parking and campsites in the next couple months.

Print map functionality added to ARGIS

We have added basic print map functionality to ARGIS-- look for the printer icon  on the toolbar.