Geological map of Bandelier National Monument and surrounding areas, with colored zones, labeled geological formations, contour lines, and rivers like Rito de los Frijoles and Rio Grande.

What we can do for you...

What we can do for you...

Example problem—where to place a new campground near Bandelier National Monument? Criteria to consider include the following:

Topography—choose flat or gently sloping terrain; avoid flood-prone, low-lying areas

Soil type and drainage—choose well-drained soil to avoid mud; avoid sandy or soft soils for stability

Vegetation and shade—choose areas with trees for shade; preserve natural vegetation for aesthetics and erosion control

Water sources—choose proximity to clean water source; maintain proper distance from rivers and lakes for sanitation

Wildlife considerations—avoid known wildlife corridors or endangered species areas; provide bear-proof waste disposal sites and equipment

Accessibility—choose good access to roads and emergency access

Utilities—choose an area near medical facilities, fuel stations, grocery stores

Zoning—ensure area is zoned for campground use

Natural hazards—avoid wildfire-prone areas and unstable slopes

Security—consider visibility and oversight to reduce risk

Environmental impact—plan for waste disposal, erosion control, and minimal wildlife disruption

Excel spreadsheet displaying geological map unit data, including OID, category, type, symbol, name, age, and description of deposits in a table format.

RAW DATA

We start with something that might look like this…confusing tables of numbers, coordinates, descriptions, and other geospatial information.

Screenshot displaying a list of GIS toolboxes and tools, including gis_project.atbx, G.I.S. Compile & Extract Tools, and others like geodatabase validation, creation, and map finalization tools. Tools for creating custom domain, symbology, and topology are also listed.
Screenshot of an Add-In Manager window showing a list of add-ins including Grid Overlay, Export Mapx and Lyrx, Spell Check, Arrange TOC Layers, and Buffer Analysis. Details of the selected Grid Overlay add-in are displayed on the right, including creator, date, version, and location.

We design custom tools in ArcGIS Pro, or use in-house tools, to bring the data into a geographic information system (GIS). Now the data are clear, legible, oriented in space, and ready for overlay and analysis.

GIS software displaying a topographic map with geological data layers, including water features, hazard features, rock and soil types, and DEM for slope analysis. The interface shows map tools, layer tab, data table, and catalog on the sides.

The GIS is ready to go!

A colorful topographic map with contour lines and various elevations.

A slope analysis shows areas to avoid due to steep slopes prone to landslides and rockfalls…

Map showing terrain with rivers and ideal campground sites marked.

After all the analyses, buffers, zones, and considerations, the GIS reveals the answer and generates ideal campground sites. The user can act on the possibilities with confidence, knowing no stone was left unturned in the determination.

Geologic sketch of the Pajarito Plateau, showing formations including Tschicoma, Bandelier Tuff, Puye Formation, and Santa Fe Group. It includes features like the Pajarito fault zone, Jemez Mountains, and White Rock Canyon. The sketch illustrates volcanic and sedimentary processes in the region, with notes on pyroclastic flows and historical eruptions.

Now our wordsmith, working with attractive and relatable graphics, takes the results of all the analyses and distills them into a coherent, clear, and comprehensive document outlining all the information, criteria, and results.

A graphic with three circular sections displaying maps and documents, labeled "Custom Graphic Design," "Technical Writing Expertise," and "Geospatial Innovation." The background is teal.

Our team has collaborated on more than a dozen products for the National Park Service. To date, most of our efforts have culminated in baseline geologic reports that provide valuable information for park stewardship. Each report is park specific and serves as a one-of-a-kind document that synthesizes geologic heritage, geologic hazards, and geologic resource management needs. Each report is based on park-specific GIS data, which are compiled from many source maps. In most cases, these data are the first instance in which a complete geologic picture of a park is revealed. In addition to compiled maps, our team’s in-depth research utilizes peer-reviewed publications, unpublished proprietary documents, field investigations, and discussions with park staff or academic institutions. Collectively, these approaches guide our technical writing and are enhanced by visually appealing graphics that illustrate complex concepts.

Not only are the skills behind these products relevant for natural resource management, they are applicable to diverse sectors such as urban planning, commercial development, environmental conservation, natural resource protection, disaster management or mitgation, public education, and public safety.