Geographic Information System (GIS) Forum
The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) is proud to introduce this dedicated GIS Forum, developed in collaboration with our Survey Unit. As lands management continues to evolve, so too must the tools and spaces we use to share knowledge and build capacity. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a critical role in the effective management, planning, and stewardship of First Nations lands, resources, and infrastructure. This forum is a space to support that work.
Our Survey Unit recognizes the increasing importance of geospatial data and mapping technologies in lands governance. Whether it’s parcel mapping, environmental monitoring, asset management, or supporting community-driven planning processes, GIS tools help bring clarity to the land and the stories it holds.
Getting Started with GIS
New to GIS? Ask questions, explore tools, and find beginner resources to get you started.
What is GIS?
Best free/low-cost GIS software
GIS training for beginners
QGIS vs. ArcGIS: What’s the difference?
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Software and Tools
Discuss specific software platforms, tools, and extensions used in GIS work. For example:
- QGIS support and plugins
- ArcGIS Pro tips and tricks
- Mobile GIS apps (Collector, Field Maps)
- Web mapping (StoryMaps, ArcGIS Online)
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Data Sources and Management
Share knowledge about where to find reliable GIS data, how to organize it, and best practices for storage and metadata. Discussion topic examples:
- Sources for cadastral data or topographic maps
Indigenous-owned or open-source datasets
Managing large shapefiles
Storing and backing up community data
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Mapping First Nation Lands
Focused discussion on mapping parcels, reserves, land use, traditional territory, and land-based projects.
- Reserve boundary updates
Custom parcel mapping
Land Use Planning maps
Traditional knowledge mapping
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Drones, Imagery, and Remote Sensing
Explore the use of aerial photography, satellite imagery, and UAVs in land management. Discussion topics:
- Drone regulations and licensing
Using Sentinel or Landsat imagery
High-resolution base maps
Vegetation and waterbody mapping
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GIS in Land Stewardship and Environment
How GIS supports environmental monitoring, stewardship, and climate resilience projects. Discussion topics:
- Wetland and habitat mapping
Environmental impact tracking
GIS for emergency planning or wildfires
Climate change and GIS overlays
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Success Stories and Project Spotlights
Showcase area how communities are using GIS to enhance their lands work. Inspire and be inspired.
- Community-led GIS projects
Youth engagement in mapping
GIS and language preservation
Before-and-after mapping results
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Technical Support and Troubleshooting
Run into a technical problem? Post here to get help from your peers and the NALMA Survey Unit. Examples:
- "My map won't print"
Georeferencing issues
Projection problems
How to fix broken layers
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Feedback and Forum Suggestions
Help improve the GIS Forum! Let us know here what works, what doesn’t, and what you’d like to see added. Share your ideas, questions, or category suggestions.
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