ABSTRACT
The conservation of biological resources is a process that requires an understanding of the nature of biological systems and the impact of human endeavors on those systems. The dynamic nature of these systems and the variable demands made upon them from multiple sources require that information be accessed, analyzed, and presented in ways that facilitate understanding and conservation of these resources. Resource information contained in traditional paper-map format is rapidly being converted to a digital map format. Processing of spatial data using computer technology gives rise to many sources of error. These errors can result from encoding maps, processing and analyzing data, and presenting results. The use of geographic information systems in resource conservation programs can advance the understanding of biotic and abiotic systems and can aid in measuring the impact of land management and land-use policies on those systems.
