Using forest inventory data and geographic information systems to support forest management decision-making

Natural resources decision-making increasingly relies on analyses of spatial data in map-based formats. Although a variety of supporting map layers are becoming available, user-friendly tools to assist decision-makers in the analysis of the maps generally are not available. The Spatial Resources Support System (SpaRSS) is a geographic information system (GIS)-based system designed to support decision-making via the analysis of spatial natural resources data in map-based formats. The focus of support is in three areas: (1) assembly of relevant biophysical and human dimension digital data layers and maps; (2) analyses based on the integration of spatial data; and (3) comparison of results arising from different approaches to integrating spatial data and from different decision alternatives. A real-world example involving the allocation of funding for forest wildfire mitigation purposes illustrates how SpaRSS may be used to support forest management decision-making.