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BACKGROUND

CONCLUSIONS

OUTPUT

Value Speed on Foot (km/hr) Friction (meters/minute)

0 – 5% 1.8 0.03333

6 – 10% 1.5 0.04

11 – 20% 0.9 0.06666

21 – 55% 0.3 0.2

55 – 60% 0.1 0.6

>60% No Access No Access

WEIGHTED ACCESSIBILITY FACTORS

When analyzing efficient search and rescue routes, pure distance measurements are of little value. This analysis measured weighted distance, also known as effective distance or cost distance, which we measure in friction units. Effective distance takes into account variables which hinder a ranger’s ability to reach a particular location. These friction factors are listed below.

Table I: Slope

Type Speed on Foot (km/hr) Friction (meters/min)

Forest & Woodlands 0.9 0.0666

Shrubland & Grassland 1.5 0.04

Polar & High Montane Vegetation 1.1 0.545

Non-Vegetated Land (non-NVC) 1.8 0.0333

Nonvascular or Sparse Vascular Vegetation 1.6 0.0375

Agricultural Vegetation 1.3 0.0461

Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland 1.4 0.0428

Table II: Vegetation

Table III: Roads

Type Speed on Foot (km/hr) Friction (meters/minute)

Paved 50 0.0012

Unpaved 25 0.0024

This map illustrates the recommended coverage areas for the Bowman and Two Medicine Search & Rescue Headquarters (stations).

This map illustrates the accessibility costs from the Headquarters to all areas of the park. Increasing cost corresponds with increasing barriers to access/travel.

Cost Allocation Cost Distance

This map illustrates the travel paths from the Search & Rescue Headquarters to each glacier. Roads are divided into Paved and Unpaved to account for differing friction units. Foot path costs have been calculated using the weighted accessibility factors of Slope and Vegetation. Increasing cost corresponds with increasing barriers to access/travel.

Cost Path

Glacier National Park in Montana sees over 2,000,000 visitors every year. Search & Rescue operations must be properly informed to ensure the safety of visitors taking advantage of Park’s recreational activities or scientists/glaciologists performing studies. Two maps will demonstrate which areas of the park each station should attend to and which areas are most/least accessible. The third map will apply specifically to glacial rescues and will identify the most efficient route of travel. These will be calculated utilizing weighted factors of Slope, Vegetation, and Road Type.

Search & Rescue Resource AllocationAnalyzing the spatial characteristics of Search & Rescue Headquarters in Glacier National Park, Montana and determining the most efficient spatial operation framework based on accessibility factors

**Absolute Barriers such as Lakes, High Order Streams, and Slopes >60% were given values of NoData

**Data Source: National Park Service Data Store; Maps compiled by Michael Kelly

This analysis can be utilized by decision-makers in the Search & Rescue Division of Glacier National Park. The following information can be disseminated:

• The Cost Allocation analysis shows that the Bowman headquarters should respond to the majority of the park –including most glaciers.

• The Cost Distance analysis shows that glaciers often represent High Cost areas, leaving scientists and hikers vulnerable in case of injury. Any tourist simply looking to see a glacier should be advised to visit those characterized by low cost.

• The Cost Path Analysis should be considered when determining rescue/travel routes to glaciers. Decision-makers would benefit from strategizing a network of routes based on this analysis to ensure maximum safety for visiting scientists/glaciologists.

METHODS

This analysis utilized the Cost Distance, Cost Allocation, Cost Path, and Backlink tools. The following steps summarize the basic methodology:• Incorporate friction units into Slope, Vegetation, Road Type,

Lakes, and High Order Streams.• Combine Slope & Vegetation layers.• Incorporate the absolute barriers (lakes, high order streams,

slopes >60%).• Incorporate the Roads layer to produce a Total Friction layer• Use Total Friction layer as the input in Cost Distance and Cost

Allocation analysis.• Use Cost Distance layer as input in Cost Path analysis.

This map shows the coverage areas calculated purely by distance. The stark difference between this Euclidean distance calculation and Cost Distance illustrates the importance of the friction variables. (Above)