Crater Lake National Park is currently developing a Cultural Resources GIS (CR-GIS) database based on National Park Service (NPS) standards. This effort requires collaboration between multiple divisions at the park and coordination with regional and national offices with the NPS. Challenges include linking existing digital data, such as building footprints, to external databases such as FMSS; digitizing archaeological data that exists only on paper; and of course getting all participants to speak the same language.

Practical benefits apply to many park programs beyond cultural resources, such as accessibility for visitors with disabilities, building and facilities management, structural fire, and trail upgrades. Additionally, there is some interesting background behind the development of the NPS standards, including an intense but successful field-test of the draft standards following Hurricane Katrina.

***NOTE*** This could also fit into the Natural Resources Track. I am flexible either way. ***