This is one of those applications of remote sensing and GIS that I have mixed feelings about. As a guy sitting at a computer, it’s pretty cool, being able to get so much information about a location with just a few mouse clicks.

As a guy with the responsibility of managing 33-odd acres on a shoestring*, as well as complying with several conservation grant programs, there could be a little bit of Big Brother going on. While compliance with the terms of the grant aren’t difficult for me (I enjoy working with our local county office), there’s always the fear of a bureaucrat with too much time on his hands throwing paperwork at me from the comfort of his desk.

All that said, though, in a time of dwindling conservation budgets, this would be a real time saver for agencies…relying on ArcMap and aerial photos. Keeps them from spending time in the field, though, which for many of them is their favorite part.

(via eurekalert)

*old farmer’s joke: “If I had a million dollars, I’d farm until it was all gone”