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Geographic Information Systems

LIDAR imagery

The effective use of GIS software to analyze and display data is a key element in environmental problem-solving. Our team is familiar with GIS statistical and modeling approaches, and applying GIS in the setting of natural resource management. In addition to creating first-rate data “in-house,” we constantly utilize federal, state, and local environmental databases, aerial photography, satellite imagery, global positioning system (GPS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), and other data as we retrieve, analyze, map and manage spatial data. GIS services include:

  • Watershed Analysis
  • Creating high-quality maps
  • Population/migration tracking (inventory and monitoring)
  • Database development and maintenance
  • Analyzing habitat characteristics relative to fish populations and management actions
  • Field data collection and mapping

Sample Projects:
Lower Columbia Watershed Assessment and Recovery Planning: At the request of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, Steward and Associates and the environmental consulting firm URS developed a Geographic Information System (GIS) database and assessment methodology to identify important watershed and subwatershed-scale functional landscape parameters (e.g., land cover, land use, precipitation, topography, soils, etc.) over a five county region in southwest Washington. The data and GIS-based approach were used to evaluate existing and probable future levels of ecological impairment of subwatersheds in Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs) 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29.
City of Snohomish ESA Compliance and Salmon Conservation Strategy- GIS/GPS stream mapping: As a part of the City of Snohomish ESA Strategy, Steward and Associates utilized GIS and GPS technology to map stream locations and conditions throughout the City and the Urban Growth Area, and to analyze impervious surface and land use impacts on streams. This work was used to provide insights into current and future environmental, habitat and land use conditions and recommended actions.