Using GIS as a Tool to Incorporate Cultural Resources into Large Landscape Conservation

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) often serve as the primary the tool for large landscape planning

and conservation. Frequently, cultural resource GIS data does not exist or is less accurate than

other data incorporated into landscape modeling applications, and as a result is often left out of

consideration. Typically landscape conservation focuses on natural resources, protection of habitats,

and making smarter stewardship decisions.

Considering cultural resources within this context remains critical however. Individual sites may hold

significance to a specific community, such as local cemetery. Traditional landscapes may possess

significance for an entire region, such as a National Heritage Area which may contain many

contributing elements. Additionally, natural resources themselves may retain significance for cultural

reasons, such as traditional cultural properties.

Using GIS to include these elements in any landscape study provides a more objective and inclusive

method of incorporating less tangible components into models, helping inform landscape conservation.

This allows for more knowledgeable planning, ultimately leading to better conservation of both cultural

and natural portions of landscapes, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two.

The National Park Service, Cultural Resource GIS Facility (CRGIS), leads the way in implementing

cultural resource spatial data standards allowing federal, state and local entities to share this critical

data, enabling better planning. Data produced in projects such as disaster response, mitigation,

climate change studies and landscape documentation all contribute to creating more accurate and

comprehensive collections of cultural resource information designed to contribute to efforts such as

large landscape conservation.