Introduction to Digital Mapping for Watershed Engagement and Research

with Ian Parfitt, Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre, and

Tara Lynne Clapp, CBWN

This session offers a basic introduction to the concepts of ‘digital mapping.’ Computer based maps can help us to picture our watersheds and engage community members, and they can also be used to help us learn new things through data exploration and research questions. Using watershed group examples, attendees will learn the basic concepts of computer based mapping, and how we can learn about our watersheds through using and gathering different kinds of data in maps and data tables. This session is designed for watershed group members that are interested in using mapping to help them learn about their watersheds and engage community members with watershed stewardship.

Key concepts defined: geomatics, GIS, GPS, scale, resolution, data registration, data model, vector, point, line and polygon data, raster data, remote sensing, attribute, data table, the Columbia Basin Watershed Network Mapping Program