2026 Rangeland Resilience Workshop: Remote Sensing and GIS

Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS Technologies

About this Event

INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENSING & GIS TECHNOLOGIES

There is a pressing need to develop methodologies and data collection systems at the local, regional, and national levels to monitor and assess rangelands that would supplement current field data collection techniques. Field methodologies have been refined and improved over the years, including using the latest mobile data collection devices and software, however, with the amount of land under management and limited resources available, remote sensing is being increasingly integrated into Natural Resource programs. Remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies increasingly offer opportunities to generate synoptic, high-resolution characterizations of ecosites in heterogeneous and remote rangelands. 

The goal of this workshop is to introduce rangeland managers and ranchers to basic concepts and useful remote sensing and GIS applications that can help detect vegetative cover patterns occurring on the landscape. 

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES:

• Learn about remote sensing and GIS based technologies directly from the experts and developers.
• Provide participants with the opportunity to connect with developers and experts in the field of remote sensing and GIS applications.
• Provide space for real-time and hands-on demonstrations.
• Plan and discuss how remote sensing and GIS based technologies can be used to improve current management practices.

Agenda


🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:05 PM
Welcome & Agenda Review
Host: Sarah King

🕑: 01:05 PM - 01:10 PM
Introductions

🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:30 PM
Introduction to Remote Sensing & GIS Technologies
Host: Elisabeth vander Leeuw, MS

🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Language, Basic Tools, & DroughtView
Host: Kyle Hartfield, MS

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) Tool
Host: Mitch McClaran, PhD

🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Break

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:20 PM
Advanced Tools & Applications in Range Management
Host: Scott Jones, PhD

🕑: 03:20 PM - 03:40 PM
Use of Drones on Rangelands
Host: Jeff Gillan, PhD

🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:00 PM
How Remote Sensing & GIS Are Used by Pima County
Host: Liz Delcamp

🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Pima County LiDAR
Host: Elisabeth vander Leeuw, MS

🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Q & A

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