Where we go and what we do : mapping the extension footprint of Animal Science

Abstract

We trialled a process to map the footprint of Animal Science (AS) extension activities. This included aggregating existing extension records from eight separate datasets, mapping these records to agricultural property locations, and developing a set of tools and data sets with which AS staff can interrogate and present the spatialised data.
We were able to map more than 4996 interactions with agricultural producers on agricultural properties covering 30% of the state. While not a complete record of AS extension activities, this is the most substantial attempt to map extension activities in AS from February 2002 to date, and for many of the contributing projects, the first time they were able to see their work mapped.
We also generated four tiers of tools and datasets with which AS staff can investigate and summarise their extension data. These include a full spatial file geodatabase which support advanced analysis in ArcGIS software; map packages ready for use in ArcReader software and suitable for users with very limited spatial skills; Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables for analysis by staff with moderate data analysis skills; and prepared PDF maps suitable for simple presentation of footprint areas.
We also developed a plan for future mapping of the AS extension footprint. The plan is not for a simple continuation of the work done here. It defines a clear goal for future work, and identifies five critical requirements for a viable long term effort that produces timely accessible spatial information for all levels of staff. These requirements should improve on the efficiency of the current work without adding to the workload of the extension staff.