GIS and Heritage Conservation

By Haoxuan Ge

November 20 marks GIS Day, an exciting day for us in the geography field. Geographic Information Systems, known as GIS, combine computer software and hardware with the physical world. This allows us to collect, analyze, visualize and share geospatial data to support the protection, enhancement and acquisition of heritage properties. At the Ontario Heritage Trust, GIS plays a vital role in our mission to preserve Ontario’s cultural and natural heritage.?

In line with this year’s theme, "Mapping Minds, Shaping the World: 25 Years of GIS Excellence," our work at the Trust demonstrates how GIS enables us to document heritage sites with unmatched precision and efficiency. Through tools such as mobile data collection, web mapping, and future integration of drone technology, we are moving toward non-invasive monitoring that will protect and preserve our valuable heritage properties. GIS streamlines our workflow, making heritage information available on interactive maps for staff across all departments.?

For example, at Fool’s Paradise — a cultural and natural heritage site — we can use drones to safely monitor the bluff recession rate, providing valuable measurements of erosion patterns. This data will help inform targeted conservation efforts, such as prioritizing areas for slope stabilization, vegetation plantings, educational signage and closing unsafe access points. From assessing conservation priorities and identifying invasive species to mapping trails and creating digital twins of 3D heritage models, GIS contributes to more accessible and effective conservation strategies and enhances our ability to interpret and share Ontario’s remarkable heritage properties.?

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Looking ahead, we will continue to use GIS at the Trust to support various projects, from monitoring ecological changes and informing land use planning to enhancing sustainable infrastructure developments. Every map, dataset and analysis contribute to our mission of protecting and celebrating Ontario’s unique heritage for future generations.?