Data Loggers!

We have already done some pump test monitoring for long term pump tests using data loggers this spring and are looking forward to helping out our clients this summer. With that in mind we updated our website! Click here to check out our new data logger services tab and download our data logger cutsheet if you are interested in our aquifer analysis and monitoring services. SDM Data Logger Page

Matt set to present at the upcoming Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference

Matt has once again  partnered with Jeff Collins of Mass Audubon and Vin Antil of The Trustees of Reservations to teach a low cost GIS workshop at the upcoming MLTC Conference on March 24th.  This will be the second class under the same name that Spatial Data Management has presented at the annual conservation conference and Matt is really looking forward to it. The course description is as follows:

GIS has proven to be a useful tool for land conservation
and land management. However, limited funding and staff
resources can often limit the ability of small land trusts
to make use of this technology. In this presentation we
will look at several options for free and discounted
mapping software. In particular, we will look at three
free mapping packages: ArcExplorer, Quantum GIS and
MapWindow.  We will compare the capabilities and ease
of use among these products. We will look at how well
each performs basic GIS tasks such as importing data
collected with GPS, creating and editing geographic
datasets, and map production. We will also look at
downloading and making use of free data from
MassGIS, and discuss nonprofit software deals available
through ESRI and MassGIS. It is hoped that through this
presentation and following questions, participants will
get a better sense of what the options are and which
may be best for them.  

If you are interested in land conservation in the New England area consider joining us for this great day.

Public Water Supply Pump Test Monitoring

With this weather we have been having the field season is already well under way. SDM spent a few days in the field supporting FG Sullivan Drilling Company during the capacity testing of a new public water supply in Massachusetts. We installed data loggers in monitoring wells throughout the site to collect real-time water level data during the 48 hour pump test required by permitting authorities. Upon test completion and full water table recovery we will use all this data to evaluate the public water supply’s capacity as well as the aquifer properties in which the wells are located to help with state permitting. Here is a glimpse at the field work:

Potable water asset management with GIS

We are excited to start working on an important GIS project for the Boylston Water District in Boylston Massachusetts. SDM has been hired to set up and initialize a GIS mapping and data management system as well as prepare and perform on-site training related to the new GIS environment. The main goal of this state-of-the-art GIS system is to maintain the water system's assets in an in-house database with the ability to edit and update the data as needed, and to be able to access the data remotely for water system personnel in the field performing important maintenance and asset tracking. In addition, the system will have the ability to upload developer’s AutoCad site plans quickly and accurately and to link photographs within the mapping environment.

Once completed, this system will contain all water sources, storage facilities, water mains, hydrants, gates, curb stops, and all other assets associated with the delivery of potable water to the residents of Boylston. SDM is excited to get started on this very important project for the District. We believe SDM was a great choice for a relatively small municipal entity such as the Boylston Water District because of our expertise, attention to clients’ needs, and competitive rates.

Mississippi Flooding Images

By now we have all head of the devastating flooding resulting from the swollen Mississippi River. GIS tools can help analyze the situation and assess damages associated with the flooding. I recently stumbled upon this 2 meter resolution image of the flooding and figured I would share it. The river is expected to crest at 57.5 feet on May 19, about 1.5 feet above the 1927 record, according to the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Check out Sat Image Corp image of the flooding for yourself: http://www.satimagingcorp.com/galleryimages/worldview-2-cairo-flooding-2.jpg

Matthew Mayo set to present at the upcoming Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference

Matt has partnered with Jeff Collins of Mass Audubon and Vin Antil of The Trustees of Reservations to teach a low cost GIS workshop at the upcoming MLTC conference on March 26th. This will mark the first time Spatial Data Management has presented at this annual conference and Matt is really looking forward to it. The course description is as follows:

GIS has proven to be a useful tool for land conservation
and land management. However, limited funding and staff
resources can often limit the ability of small land trusts
to make use of this technology. In this presentation we
will look at several options for free and discounted
mapping software. In particular, we will look at three
free mapping packages: ArcExplorer, Quantum GIS and
MapWindow. We will compare the capabilities and ease
of use among these products. We will look at how well
each performs basic GIS tasks such as importing data
collected with GPS, creating and editing geographic
datasets, and map production. We will also look at
downloading and making use of free data from
MassGIS, and discuss nonprofit software deals available
through ESRI and MassGIS. It is hoped that through this
presentation and following questions, participants will
get a better sense of what the options are and which
may be best for them.

If you are interested in land conservation in the New England area consider joining us for this great day.

Matthew Mayo named Lecturer for Advanced GIS in Geography Department at Framingham State Univiersity

SDM is proud to announce that Matt will be teaching GIS at Framingham State University for the upcoming semester. Matt will apply his over 11 years experience in the environmental consulting industry to this new curriculum and instruct students on how to properly develop a GIS to help analyze and evaluate a site in terms of its hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, history, and surrounding environmental resources. Feedback has been great from the Department faculty who are excited to have the ability to offer this course to the FSU students.