Portable GPS/Desktop-GIS for Fire Management Support: The project team completed the development and implementation of a portable GPS/desktop-GIS for fire operations in a jointly sponsored project by Forestry Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The project involved the use of ground and helicopter-borne GPS to provide quantitative information, decision support, and a quicker response time for the District Fire Offices.

Real-Time DGPS and GPS Tracking & Mapping for Natural Resource Applications: This project was a follow-up to the project 'Portable GPS/Desktop-GIS for Fire Management'. The project consisted of using GPS and Desktop-GIS for various natural resouce applications utilizing higher accuracies and the use of data telemetry between the base station and remote location. The range of operation in various terrain conditions was evaluated along with the field accuracy of the survey. The project was funded in part by the Northern Ontario Development Agreement, Northern Forestry Program, and involved Natural Resources Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources. An example of an aerial spraying application using DGPS is shown in figure 1: aerial spray track (polyline) and figure 2: aerial spray track (DGPS points).

GPS Mapping System for Search and Rescue Operations: The project team completed trial tests using the portable GPS/desktop-GIS technology with the Sault Ste. Marie Search and Rescue Unit (SSAR). ELIRIS is engaged in a cooperative arrangement with SSAR to test and demonstrate the application of GPS/desktop-GIS technology for search and rescue operations on land, air, and water.

GPS/Desktop-GIS for Mining Lands/Mineral Resource Inventory: A series of trial applications were completed by members of the Project Team using GPS/desktop-GIS applied to common functions in the mineral resource sector. This included a GPS survey of a patented claim, location of mineral deposits, mine shafts & workings, tailings sites, trenches and pits on a mining property. In addition, several roads were surveyed using GPS followed by the transfer of the data to desktop-GIS for comparison with 1:250,000 and 1:20,000 (digital and hardcopy) geographic basemaps.