Embedded Files
Cartographic map products are open and free to use for students and faculty in research and projects
**All maps are free to use, but please provide appropriate acknowledgement or credit including both the map author, Chris Shaffer, GIS Manager/Instructor, Environmental Science and Sustainability Department, Allegheny College, 2025, and the data sources used which are stated on the maps themselves.
BOUSSON EXPERIMENTAL FOREST (BEF)
Map depicting hiking trails blazed with different colors across the research reserve. Labeled trail segment distances are in meters (m). Note that this map is currently INCOMPLETE. The remaining sections of trails, primarily West of Wayland Road on Kiser Hill are expected to be completed during mid to late summer 2025.
Map depicting orthoimagery captured in Spring 2022 (leaf-off), while no snow was on the ground and rivers were at or below normal levels, by NV5 Geospatial, a contractor for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Pixel resolution if 0.5 feet and reflectance for four (4) wavelengths were collected; visible red (band 1), green (band 2), and blue (band 3) and infrared (band 4). To achieve a false color infrared composite image, utilize the following wavelength/color gun combination: Red (infrared - band 4), Green (red visible - band 1), Blue (green visible - band 2).
This landcover dataset is based on 0.6x0.6 meter resolution aerial imagery captured in the summer of 2022. A GeoAI deep learning model was used to convert the multispectral data into thematic classes. According to documentation, the model has an overall accuracy of 86.5%. It is intended for use in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but is acceptable for use here due to similar landcover compositions. *Note: Output of model manually edited to include wetland boundaries and areas cleared for electrical power lines.
Map depicting landcover as portrayed by the National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD). This dataset is based on Earth surface reflectance of solar radiation as detected and captured by sensors onboard Landsat satellites. Each 30x30m pixel is coded into general thematic classes of agriculture, forest, urban, and water and then more detailed subclasses such as broadleaf, conifer, and mixed forest. Dating back to the early 1990s, this dataset facilitates the evaluation of current landcover composition as well as changes over time.
Map depicting a bare earth digital elevation model, meaning vegetation, buildings, and other surface objects have been removed to illustrate the true topographic surface. It has also been hydro-flattened so that lakes and reservoirs are levels and streams flow downhill. Data is based on LiDAR points collected in fall 2019 and spring 2020 while no snow was on the ground and rivers were at or below normal levels. The pixels have a resolution of 1 meter.
Map originally produced for Admissions and is currently being updated and will eventually move to the cloud so that it may be accessed via Web browsers and mobile devices.
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