ArcGIS 9.1 VERNAL POOL ASSESSMENT EXTENSION

The Upper Susquehanna Coalition has developed an integrated data management system for cataloging all types of wetland data pertaining to our Wetland Program. Using the architecture of the ArcGIS geodatabase as a data model for representing geographic information with standard relational database technology, as well as the power and versatility of Microsoft Access, we have created a functional system for managing all types of wetland-related data.

The base data structure is built around the best surface hydrological data available. Using the National Hydrography Dataset as the foundation, we have added the National Wetlands Inventory data along with the New York State Regulated Wetlands data. From there we have added a coverage of wetlands and waterbodies that were previously un-mapped, digitized from 2001-2006 digital ortho-photography, including created and restored wetlands, vernal pools and farm ponds.

Using ESRI's ArcGIS software we have created a customized data entry and editing package of tools. Microsoft Access provides the database management tools allowing us to create customized data queries and reports.

The graphics below show the basic architecture of the personal geodatabase and how it stores both spatial and tabular data.

THE GEODATABASE STRUCTURE

The screenshots below show the Geodatabase structure of the actual wetland database as shown in ArcCatalog and Microsoft Access. The geodatabase is made up of feature datasets containing feature classes, tables, and relational indexes.

Geodatabase structure in Microsoft Access

	Choose the Wetlands geodatabase, the available feature classes will be listed as seen in the window below.

Set the Target Layer to add the feature to from the dropdown list.

Click the Sketch Tool and click the map window where you want to create your point feature or digitize the polygon boundary from the aerial photography. When you are finished creating a point or polygon, the data entry form opens automatically.

Editing can be done from existing features by using the Edit Tool to select a feature and then click on the appropriate form editor button from the Wetland Toolbar.

VERNAL POOL ASSESSMENT DATA ENTRY FORMS

The first part of the form allows entry of data related to the pool itself. Pictures can be linked directly to the database but are stored in a separate folder. Both of the following forms can be customized for a specific region. These forms were designed for New York State.

The second part of the data entry form is for cataloging the presence of indicator species, obligate and facultative for certification purposes. These can be customized as well.

ArcView 3.1 VERNAL POOL ASSESSMENT FORMS The help file pdf for the ArcView 3.1 Vernal Pool Assessment forms is available here