Highlighted Project
PAL has developed
innovative approaches to cultural resource-based data collection,
management, and display. By combining powerful technologies, including
global positioning systems (GPS) units, geographic information systems
(GIS), relational databases, and computer assisted design software, we have
the ability to produce a wide variety of electronic products designed to
assist clients who are responsible for the management of historic
properties. Using our GIS software, ESRI Arcview, we can create large-scale,
full color maps with multiple data layers that can be turned on or off to
display information in a variety of ways. These maps can be used
electronically or printed out in paper form on PAL’s large format plotter.
GIS maps can also be exported and imported in Autocad and Microstation
formats, permitting both high-level drafting and spatial analysis
capabilities. PAL utilizes the submeter accurate Trimble Geo XT and the
Trimble GeoExplorer 3 with external antennas
for GPS data collection. When combined with traditional surveying and field
mapping techniques the GPS units permits for expedient and accurate resource
mapping even in areas where no benchmarks are readily apparent. To
facilitate feature data collection in the field, the GPS units are loaded with
custom data dictionaries for historic and prehistoric resources, as well as
aboveground resources. PAL also has extensive experience in the design of
cultural resource database programs that are designed to facilitate data
collection and manipulation. These databases can be linked with GIS and Autocad maps to develop an interactive display of the data and enable users
to intuitively query the database for information.