PROJECT ABSTRACT
Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
(Cooperative Agreement # H1200-09-0005)
Park: Grand Canyon National Park
Project Title: Integration of GIS data into NPS Standardized Geodatabase.
Funding Amount: $11,982.56
CPCESU Partner Institution: Northern Arizona University
Principal Investigator:Mark Manone, Training Coordinator Geospatial Research and
Information Laboratory, NAU Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 523-9159
NPS Key Official: Jennifer Dierker, Archeologist Grand Canyon National Park, 1824 S.
Thompson Street Suite 200, Flagstaff AZ 86001, (928) 638-74-79, FAX (928) 638-7492,
Start Date: August 3, 2010
End Date: June 30, 2012
Abstract:
Geographic Information System (GIS) data for Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) takes
many forms. Field crews collect spatial data, lab personnel download data into the GIS, and at
times, digitize features across the landscape. Personal geodatabases are used to maintain,
display, and review research and information requests, project tracking related to administrative
activities such as fire use, and monitoring data. Recently, GRCA has converted spatial data
from NAD27 to NAD83HARN, yet many archaeological site records retain the outdated
coordinates. Metadata standards have evolved and it is recognized that GRCA data may not all
be up to current standards. Recently, the NPS has developed spatial data standards and is
currently posting new guidelines.
This project seeks a partner to 1) Thoroughly inventory and review existing GRCA Cultural
Resources GIS data, 2) Work with GRCA Archeology staff to identify, create, and add Parkspecific database fields to supplement the existing NPS standard Cultural Resources (CR)
geodatabase, 3) Standardize and import existing GRCA data into the CR geodatabase, and
populate complete geodatabase metadata, and 4) Develop standards and protocols for future
spatial data collection, spatial data submissions from GRCA cooperators, and synching of the
CR geodatabase with other existing GRCA Cultural Resources databases. The project will be
implemented and completed in fiscal year 2011.
Keywords: Archaeology, GIS, personal geodatabase, metadata, Grand Canyon
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