Better biocontrol through GIS: mapping success on the Colorado front range

For over 12 years researchers at Texas AgriLife Research in Amarillo, Texas have been using biocontrol agents to control invasive weed populations at military installations in Colorado and Wyoming. As the project has evolved over time, GIS emerged as the best resource for mapping the success of the program. The ability to perform spatial analysis makes it easier to determine what changes are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of our efforts. GIS assists in map making to easily communicate to cooperators in a visual way what changes are occurring in weed and insect populations. Georeferenced maps allow us to accurately track the size of the area under biocontrol efforts. GIS technology also facilitates long term monitoring by ensuring that every year the exact same locations are being measured and photos are being taken at the same point which enhances our ability to make comparisons across years or decades.