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Aerial Photographs & Maps
Maps and Aerial Photographs are essential tools for the planning
and execution of any reclamation project. Before site reconnaissance,
maps impart knowledge of roads and infrastructure. Air photos give
a basis for estimating the spatial extent of the mine area and the
impacts of the mine. Additionally, air photos help the reclamationist
to ascertain areas of similar vegetation or land use characteristics.
Topographic maps allow for the determination of aspect, elevation,
and slope in the area to be reclaimed. Soil or vegetation maps can
also prove useful for location of fertile cover soils or selection
of edaphically and climatically adapted reclamation species. Increasingly,
geographic information systems are used to compile, analyze, present
and organize spatial information. Programs such as ArcInfo
and ArcView provide unprecedented opportunities to visualize,
store, and understand information across a complex and varied area.
Other spatial and geographic information is available on the internet.
References to several of these links are shown below:
- The Western
Region Geologic Information Webpage is maintained by the U.S.
Geologic Survey. Contains links to geologic information, such
as energy resources, mineral resources, and downloadable geologic
maps and reports. This site also contains links to geologic information
nationwide.
- Microsoft's
Terraserver Website provides online views and downloadable
images of extensive areas of the United States and limited areas
of the rest of the world. Available images include U.S. Geologic
Survey topographic maps, orthographically corrected aerial photographs,
and Digital Spin-2 photo imagery.
- The
Geography Network Explorer provides access to different geographic
information worldwide. The database is searchable by location
and type of geographic data to return. Searches can be broad,
or limited to subsets of business or environmental data for a
specific location. For example, a search could be conducted on
real estate or health services data, soil or climate data, for
Anaconda, Montana, USA.
- You can learn to find your way with a map and compass by viewing
this USGS
publication. This short webpage details how to read a topographic
map and take a bearing using a map and compass.
- The
Montana Natural Resource Information System Website provides
information from the Natural Heritage Program, the Water Information
System, and the Geographic Information System. The Natural Heritage
Program inventories Montana's biological resources. The Water
Information System envelops water locations, quality, and rights.
The Geographic Information System provides downloadable maps,
including USGS topographical maps and other spatial information
files in shp files, TIFF files, or MrSID format.
Also, for more information see Miller
(1989), Muehrcke
(1978), and Tyner
(1973).
Problem | Compliance
| Health & Safety | Sampling
| Analytical | Data
Quality
Site Assessment | Prediction
| Construction | GIS
| Monitoring & Assessment
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