YUKON DELTA NWR

Mapping the Yukon Delta NWR (click the link to visit the Refuge's site) is a daunting task. Its 21 million acres dominated by wetlands. Its wetlands represent every type of wetland system found in North America, from marine and estuarine to riverine and palustrine. Every quadrangle 100 percent wetland. It is also remote and difficult to conduct field surveys. All site survey would needs to be conducted by use of a helicopter. During the fall of 2002 the FWS wetland coordinator in Anchorage contacted GSS to discuss the possibility of mapping Yukon Delta's wetlands. Key considerations were cost, logistics, and mapping protocols. GSS worked closely with the coordinator to develop a cost effective mapping and field validataion strategy. During the summer of 2003 GSS conducted the first field review in the Yukon Delta and began mapping. Within one year GSS reviewed its mapping workflow and considered implementing a "heads up" photo interpretation and data development process. This process resulted in a 50 percent FWS mapping cost reduction and has accelerated the mapping process accordingly.

Yukon Delta Wetland Images
Yukon Delta slide show depicting field investigation. Click Here.

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