NPSGIS Petersburg National Battlefield
This project is to organize existing spatial data and compile that data into a comprehensive Troop Movement and Artillery Position geodatabase that will be eventually integrated into a Cultural Resource Base Map and Archeological Resource Management Plan. Petersburg National Battlefield is requesting two SUU 16-week interns.
A Troop Movement and Artillery geodatabase is being requested to help the park with current land management concerns regarding the purchase and integration of new lands into the park's boundary. In 2016, Petersburg National Battlefield was authorized to expand by 7,238 acres. The additional acreage will compound present challenges the Park experiences to survey, inventory, and integrate cultural resources lands within the current boundary. Knowing what battle actions occurred on what lands will influence management decisions as we prioritize lands that are bloody ground, have under told stories of USCT and Native American regiments, and/or demonstrate a pivotal moment in battle. Furthermore, the Park will prioritize new land acquisition based on the historic landscape which would be a component of this geodatabase. In addition to the criteria mentioned above, decisions to acquire new lands will be based on maintaining the historic landscape if present and if not present what is required to reestablish the historic landscape.
This project will include three phases:
(1) Review, assess, and reconcile existing troop movement spatial data;
(2) Design a geodatabase structure and populate the geodatabase with identified GIS data, and; (3) Incorporate the Troop Movement and Artillery geodatabase into the Park’s GIS database holdings and share the geodatabase with preservation partners (ABT, NPCA, LCF), SHPO, and Tribes.
PETE has some existing georeferenced GIS data pertaining to Troop Movements, but the quality of the data is not consistent. Reviewing, assessing, and reconciling existing GIS data would include determining what data is adequate and correcting data which is not. There is a need for GIS metadata to be developed and standardized as well. The Troop Movement database will reside on the park’s internal GIS server with limited access to sensitive data. The geodatabase is also expected to include City and County parcel data. Additionally, a critical element of this geodatabase is recreating the historic landscape as well and identifying wooded and open areas of the battlefields.
Troop movements from the following battlefields should be included in the geodatabase:
1. Initial Assault Battlefield
2. Hatchers Run Battlefield
3. Fort Stedman Battlefield
4. White Oak Rd. Battlefield
5. Weldon Railroad Battlefield
6. Five Forks Battlefield
7. Crater Battlefield
8. Jerusalem Plank Rd. Battlefield9. Reams Station Battlefield
10.Dinwiddie Courthouse Battlefield
11.Peebles Farm Battlefield
12.Burgess Mill Battlefield
Final requested deliverables will be:
1. A Troop Movement and Artillery Position geodatabase containing the layers for the 12 different battles of the Siege of Petersburg. Data layers will also include historic land use within these battlefields.
2. FGDC metadata based on existing knowledge.
3. A webmap - Publishing project data as web GIS layers to the secured NPS GIS Portal with limited access identified by the park.
As a final product, the archeological layer will live on the park’s GIS server and have limited access as it is sensitive data. Archeological resources GIS data will be migrated to a secure cultural resources geodatabase on the park’s internal GIS server and linked to related databases and digital files. Included in this project will be the dissemination of the archeological layer to Virginia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Data sharing is an essential by-product of the creation of the archeological layer. The park’s Archeologist will be responsible for disseminating the geodatabase once it is completed to partners.
Qualifications
- A successful candidate will have a strong foundation in GIS and data management practices and proficiency using Esri desktop software and data manipulation geo-processes and tools. Knowledge of geodatabase design principles and experience with spatial data standards and metadata are preferred. This position requires attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to take initiative and work independently, while also being supported by subject matter experts as needed. Planned work will be conducted in a climate-controlled office or home office, if recommended for telework. Opportunities for field visits may become available.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and enrolled at an institution of higher education or within two years post graduate. Graduate students and recent graduates who are currently pursuing or have obtained a GIS degree/certificate and/or work experience in GIS are preferred. Prior to starting this position, a federal government security background clearance will be required.