Projects - Geographic Information Systems Program


 The following list is a sample of the projects CTUIR's Geographic Information Systems Program has completed.

Geographic Analysis Tools and Techniques
Click to see the full-sized image Natural Resource Management - Channel Classification and Floodplain Morphology

 Quantitative measures linking process-based, physical habitat characteristics to salmonid utilization remains a central problem plaguing Pacific Salmon recovery efforts and sub-basin plans (NWPCC 2005) throughout the Columbia River basin. Multiple river classification systems developed to better monitor, manage and characterize river ecosystems (Hudson et al. 1992, Maxwell et al. 1995, Montgomery 1995, Poff 1997). In order to provide a more efficient and objective assessments of riverine conditions we develop a characterization of physical processes and classify salmon utilization among and between these habitats.

We take an approach that complements past efforts, specifically the Environmental Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) techniques, by using extensive digital datasets and physical models to predict coarse scale, potential habitat conditions for several watersheds. Our approach classifies all stream segments in these watersheds using techniques developed from physical and statistical models. We model spatially extensive physical processes using existing 10 meter DEMs and 1:24,000 scale stream data sets that provide continuous values for several important hydrologic and geomorphic parameters. The resulting database of all stream classifications will be used to inform our restoration efforts.

Fisheries Data Support - Cartography and Visual Representation of Data
The Umatilla Subbasin map was developed as a general reference map for Fisheries Program staff. River miles are included for the Umatilla River and its major tributaries. It is utilized by field staff to locate project locations.

The Walla Walla Subbasin trap/array map displays fish trap and antenna (array) locations.

The Walla Walla Subbasin spawning density map displays landmarks including screw traps and juvenile fish release sites. Spring Chinook spawning density data was created using redd observation data from 2004-2009.

Water Resources - Umatilla River Seepage Study
A seepage run is one investigative method to evaluate groundwater and surface-water interaction. It is important to have this understanding to manage both surface water and groundwater for current and future uses—in-stream and out-of-stream uses, water quantity and water quality.

A seepage run is useful to assess current conditions of a stream-groundwater system and, with repetition through the years, it is useful to assess changes in a system, and to evaluate water-management effectiveness as well as watershed restoration efforts. In computer modeling of a hydrologic system, the data from a seepage run is useful as a field check to model assumptions.

The CTUIR Water Resources Program completed seepage studies on the September 19th and 25th, 2007.

You can download a shapefile of the study sites by clicking here.

Data Management
Click to see the full-sized image NEIEN / Water Quality Exchange (WQX)

EPA's Water Quality Exchange (WQX) makes it possible for States, Tribes and others to submit and share water quality monitoring data over the Internet. Using the Visual C# and SQL programming languages, GIS staff built web pages to automatically export data from SQL databases into XML files which are submitted to EPA using the Windsor Node Client Lite 2.

For more information on the WQX program, please see EPA's WQX web site.