Spatial Data in the North Country

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.

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.  

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.

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:

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.

John Barge at the Adirondack Park Agency has created a layer that overlays historic bird's eye maps for several communities in the Adirondack Park onto the modern virtual landscape of Google Earth.  Here's a tutorial: 

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

The newly updated DEC trails layer for the Adirondacks is now available for viewing and download in a number of formats (shapefile, kml, kmz, wms) via the ARGIS data portal. This layer has been updated by APRGIS in conjunction with DEC unit managers and represents the best digital trails data available yet for public lands within the Adirondack Blueline. As part of the editing process, we created a spatial "network" by ensuring that all trail segments ("links") were snapped together at trail intersections ("nodes"), and that trails were snapped to the NY Streets layer at trailheads or parking areas. When joined, the DEC Trails and NY Streets layers create a unified transportation network for the park that can be used to locate trailheads, monitor recreational use or even produce seamless driving and hiking directions that guide you from your doorstep to a back country lean-to or mountain vista.