University of California, Davis

The UC Davis Arboretum will develop, test, implement, and evaluate a multi-faceted geographic information system (GIS) training program for museum professionals in collaboration with more than 160 gardens and zoos participating in the Alliance for Public Gardens GIS. Training in the use of GIS will allow a broad mix of staff to more efficiently plan, track, manage, and report on their projects and responsibilities. This system will facilitate curation, conservation, facilities management, education, and research by allowing easy access, manipulation, and flexible display of information about living collections, exhibits, and site features. Project activities will include an online guide to GIS for beginners, training workshops, training videos and podcasts, a training Web site, and a social networking site for participants. A community volunteer training program will also be piloted that can be replicated in botanical gardens and zoos across the nation.