IPS Prescription is an extension for ArcGIS allowing the compilation and consultation de inventory data (volume, basal area, stems per hectare, etc.) directly into ArcMap.

The application is presented as an easily accessible toolbar that establishes the link between your quadrants and an IPS Inventory type database (with a Microsoft Access structure).

Its main function is the consultation of inventories. From these, the user obtains, in real time by geographical or descriptive selections, the results of the compilation directly into ArcMap. The results are instantaneous!

IPS Prescription brings together various functionalities from different software such as TIGE and SGS Stats, from the Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife.

Statistics and precision calculated can be on the following data:

• Number of stems per hectare
• Basal area
• Volume per hectare

The user is able to obtain quickly (by selection) the desired results.

The design of the consultation interface allows the user to browse different types of reports quickly, without having to change the quadrant selection in use.

All results are then recalculated in real time (2 to 3 seconds for 1000 quadrants) for the type of report queried.

Over 20 different compilations are presently available, and the extension is evolving constantly.

The method used for quadrants and associated data management are linked is based on the model of the TIGE application, by combining the information in the common area, season, sampling unit number (NO_UE) and quadrant (NO_PE) fields.

The user can, directly while compiling, make changes in that structure by grouping selected quadrants in a new sampling unit.

IMPORTANT : It is not mandatory that the quadrants be managed by sample units. This process simply provides the option of grouping the quadrants together, on a more descriptive basis. The user is free to group or not the quadrants of his territory into a sample unit.

One of the major strengths of this extension is the possibility of launching compilations en batches. This function is based on fields present inside the quadrant layer table (see left) and the selected values that are included in the field (see right).

The function then proceeds to a batch selection, compiling the results for each step of the process, meaning for each selected value. It is the result of a simple query on the database through programming.

It is possible to print out results into a Crystal Report, or to simply export the data into a DBF table, an Excel spreadsheet or a text file.

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The configuration interface allows the user to relate the different fields used by the extension.

It is then possible to parameterize the names of the fields to establish a relation between the IPS database, the quadrant layer and the tree population table (used while creating the sample units).

The interface also allows the user to specify the access path to multiple IPS databases, making the launch of other functions, like inventory consulting or volumes compilation.

The creation of sampling units allows for quickly populated IPS database tables before the realisation or the data entry of the field inventory.

This function uses the information found in a point layer, usually representative of the survey plan.

The interface also allows the relating with a polygon layer (for example, tree population) integrating the values in the quadrant layer from the overlapping areas.

The extension also includes a compiler allowing updates according to volume tables and specific distribution. These tables are based on reference tables published by the Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife.

The user has the possibility of modifying and configuring these tables, that way obtaining the calculations for his or her specific territory.

IPS Prescription produces all the reports necessary for the submitting of inventory data to the Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife.

This extension constitutes the main components of the IPS System, combining the IPS Inventaire and IPS Saisie modules into one!