Model Beta-Testing Approach
and Methods
Jennifer Boyd & Mary Rowland
Our Objectives
• Gain managers’ perspective
• Test usability of GIS Toolboxes
• Determine availability of input layers
• Obtain constructive
feedback
• Create a comprehensive
user manual
Photo: L. Naylor
What We Asked
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Test GIS toolboxes
Try different management alternatives
Provide constructive feedback
Share results
Photo: L. Naylor
How We Communicated
• Primarily used Video Teleconferencing (VTC)
• Web meetings and conference calls
• Phone calls and emails
Photo: B. Endress (Vietnam)
What We Did
Toolboxes
Elk Nutrition
Elk Covariate
Update Vegetation
Elk Habitat Use
What We Did
Outputs – The “Gold Nugget”
What We Learned
• Can’t always control interpretations
• Still don’t have all the
answers
• How managers want to
apply the models
• ArcGIS and technical
support may be a limiting
factor but can be
overcome
• Clear communication and
documentation is
essential
Guinea Pigs
Andy Duff (WDFW)
Arthur Miller (BLM)
Bryant Mecklem (BLM)
Carol Chandler (USFS)
Cindy Lou McDonald
(BLM)
• Jeremy Hobson (USFS)
• Joe Doerr (USFS)
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Jon Belcher (USFS)
Josh Chapman (USFS)
Justin Hadwen (USFS)
Kurt Aluzas (USFS)
Lisa Renan (BLM)
Ray Davis (USFS)
Sonja Weber (USFS)
Todd Thompson (USFS)
Sponsors
• Bill Otani
• Robert Alvarado
• George Buckner
• Bruce Hollen