Title: Emerging Computing Trends, Web GIS Tools and Forecasting Methods for Geospatial Environmental Decision Support in Service of Complex Land Management Challenges

Co-advisors: Dr. Stacy Supak, Teaching Assistant Professor, Center for Geospatial Analytics; Dr. Stacy Nelson, Faculty Fellow, Center for Geospatial Analytics and Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources

Abstract: As anthropogenic ecological pressures become more pressing, land managers face increasingly complex decision support needs. In this dissertation, I contribute to an emerging body of research surrounding advances in distributed and cloud computing, web GIS tools, and protected land visitation forecasting in support of these needs. First, I analyze the emerging computing trends, configurations and methods influencing real-time geospatial analytics through the framework of historical web mapping eras. Second, I describe the development and deployment of a web-based decision support tool that incorporates geospatial project management strategies within the U.S. National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. Third, I compare monthly visitor forecasting methods using geotagged social media data, which supports management efforts to balance protected area visitor experiences and ecological conservation goals.