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Using fGIS to Display NAIP Images and Measure Areas on the Image

Last Updated: January 28, 2008 Related resource areas: Geospatial Technology

Using fGIS to Display National Agricultural Image Program (NAIP) Images and Measure Areas on the Image

Imagery is available to download from the Internet at no cost for several sites. A search of the Internet using search terms of National Agricultural Imagery plus a state name will list Web locations for NAIP imagery. Information relating to purchasing imagery for any area of the United States is available on the Internet at: http://165.221.201.14/NAIP.html.fGIS is a free GIS computer program available for download on the Internet at: http://www.forestpal.com/fgis.html

1. Starting fGIS requires loading an existing project or creating a new project. Type the name for a new project (sample) in the “File name” box. Click “OK.”

2. Add an image to the view by clicking the “Add Layer” button. Then navigate to the folder on your computer where the image is stored, choose an image, and click “OK.”

3. The full extent of the image will be displayed.

4. Use the “Zoom” tool to display smaller areas of the image. (Hovering the computer mouse over fGIS tool icons will display the tool function.)

5. Use the “Measure” tool to calculate the size of areas on the image. Use the measure tool by left-clicking on successive locations on the image. Double-click on the last point of the desired area to determine the area in acres and hectares.