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Marcia McNiff

Publications and source records attributed to Marcia McNiff.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS enterprise tools for efficient and effective management of science data

The Science Data Management Branch (SDM) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides data management expertise and leadership and develops guidance and tools to support the USGS in providing the nation with reliable scientific information on the basis of which to describe the Earth. The SDM suite of tools supports the USGS Data Management Lifecycle by facilitating quality assurance, description, curation, and publishing of the Bureau's scientific data. The SDM suite of tools includes the USGS Data Management Website, USGS Science Data Catalog, Digital Object Identifier Tool, ScienceBase, ScienceBase Data Release Tool, Metadata Wizard, and Online Metadata Editor.

Fact Sheet

Community for Data Integration 2016 annual report

The Community for Data Integration (CDI) represents a dynamic community of practice focused on advancing science data and information management and integration capabilities across the U.S. Geological Survey and the CDI community. This annual report describes the various presentations, activities, and outcomes of the CDI monthly forums, working groups, virtual training series, and other CDI-sponsored events in fiscal year 2016. The report also describes the objectives and accomplishments of the 13 CDI-funded projects in fiscal year 2016.

Open-File Report

Development of a decision support system for monitoring, reporting and forecasting ecological conditions of the Appalachian Trail

This paper introduces a collaborative multi-agency effort to develop an Appalachian Trail (A.T.) MEGA-Transect Decision Support System (DSS) for monitoring, reporting and forecasting ecological conditions of the A.T. and the surrounding lands. The project is to improve decisionmaking on management of the A.T. by providing a coherent framework for data integration, status reporting and trend analysis. The A.T. MEGA-Transect DSS is to integrate NASA multi-platform sensor data and modeling through the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS) and in situ measurements from A.T. MEGA-Transect partners to address identified natural resource priorities and improve resource management decisions.

Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachuset

Geospatial Technology Strategic Plan 1997-2000

Executive Summary -- Geospatial technology applications have been identified in many U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division (BRD) proposals for grants awarded through internal and partnership programs. Because geospatial data and tools have become more sophisticated, accessible, and easy to use, BRD scientists frequently are using these tools and capabilities to enhance a broad spectrum of research activities. Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior, has acknowledged--and lauded--the important role of geospatial technology in natural resources management. In his keynote address to more than 5,500 people representing 87 countries at the Environmental Systems Research Institute Annual Conference (May 21, 1996), Secretary Babbitt stated, '. . .GIS [geographic information systems], if properly used, can provide a lot more than sets of data. Used effectively, it can help stakeholders to bring consensus out of conflict. And it can, by providing information, empower the participants to find new solutions to their problems.' This Geospatial Technology Strategic Plan addresses the use and application of geographic information systems, remote sensing, satellite positioning systems, image processing, and telemetry; describes methods of meeting national plans relating to geospatial data development, management, and serving; and provides guidance for sharing expertise and information. Goals are identified along with guidelines that focus on data sharing, training, and technology transfer. To measure success, critical performance indicators are included. The ability of the BRD to use and apply geospatial technology across all disciplines will greatly depend upon its success in transferring the technology to field biologists and researchers. The Geospatial Technology Strategic Planning Development Team coordinated and produced this document in the spirit of this premise. Individual Center and Program managers have the responsibility to implement the Strategic Plan by working within the policy and guidelines stated herein.

Information and Technology Report

A geographic information systems technique for monitoring contaminants in Galveston Bay, Texas

A geographic information system (GIS) was used to compile a series of databases containing details concerning metal contamination and pollution sources to study their impacts on the Galveston Bay (TX) ecosystem. Using these databases, a series of maps with various overlays was created with ARC/INFO software. These maps allowed patterns of spatial distribution of numerous variables to be easily visualized so that the impacts of urbanization and industrialization on the natural resources could be examined. Resource managers can use these capabilities in their comprehensive plans for managing individual activities within an overall regulatory framework. The visual displays and cartographic output of the system can be used to locate and identify ecologically sensitive areas and to study trends in these areas over time. These vector GIS techniques have the potential to be more integrated with aerial photography and other remotely sensed data for a more extensive overview of the environment and patterns of interaction

Texas