A Landscape View of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area

GIS technology gives the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the public the ability to see land management activities in different ways. These landscape views can be a basis for meaningful public discussion and education. The maps show several views of major issues, which are important to the effective management of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area.

The main view, Sunrise over the Steens Mountain, Oregon, uses computer technology to enhance the geomorphology of this southeastern Oregon landscape by simulating a low angle over the landscape. This view helps communicate the nature and context of land management actions in this area to the public, many of whom have never seen or been to the area, yet have a stake in the outcome of public policy.

The four additional visualizations on this poster illustrate important issues in the management of this area. Computer technology enables GIS technical personnel to generate dramatic views of the area as if one were flying over the area in an airplane.