Use of GIS for natural and cultural resource management: A computerized rule-based activity planning system on San Nicolas Island, Point Mugu Naval Air Weapons Station

Abstract

Managing natural and cultural resources on a department of Defense (DoD) facility presents a difficult challenge. Many DoD facilities contain sensitive resources that are protected by a myriad of state and federal laws. Resource protection is complicated further since, while an important endeavor, it often is subjugated to the fulfillment of the military mission. The ability for resource managers to compare, analyze, and integrate complex resource data determines the speed and efficiency in which planning decisions are made. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help resource managers make informed accurate resource management decisions in an expedient manner. This project expanded a GIS database for San Nicolas Island (SNI), part of the Point Mugu Naval Air Weapons Station CA, and created prototype computer application to assist in resource management. This application, the Point Mugu Computerized Activity Planning System (PM-CAPS), assists managers in selecting locations on SNI for military activities to occur while minimizing the negative impacts on sensitive cultural and natural resources.