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Abstract. This paper presents an overview of geographic information systems technology applicable for reclamation specialists. Historically, mining applications were one of the first uses of spatial data; however, the applications were limited by hand calculation and hand graphical techniques. The demands for technically competent spatial methods by surface mining and reclamation applications were greater than the ability of spatial methods to produce results. With the development of micro-computer technology, enabling rapid calculation of spatial algorithms, geographic information systems (GIS) are presently in an enhanced position to conduct mining and reclamation investigations. This process has been labelled, "Mapematics." GIS mapematics can provide technical assistance in multi-factor applications and can generate useful spatial information that was impossible to generate in the past.There are a variety of platforms suitable for conducting GIS projects that use MACINTOSH, DOS and UNIX operating systems and are affordable to small firms and operators. However, data input into GIS software has continued to be a limiting barrier, requiring digitizers, tape drives, and often labor intensive or cost prohibitive data input. In many instances, once the data has been placed within the computer, heuristic models and empirical models to conduct the investigation have not yet been fully developed, requiring more fundamental and applied research in model building. Consequently, the development of heuristic and empirical models is a rapidly expanding topic in GIS studies. Models can be generated to estimate the character of material deposits, predict post-mining wildlife suitability, prime farmland productivity, direct efficient placement of overburden materials, and post-mining visual quality, and assist in a wide variety of other applications. The results can be presented in a two-dimensional format, printed output, and in film format for public consumption. This paper documents the types of output that can be generated through GIS and describes present interfaces these technologies contain with surface mining and reclamation algorithms and ecological models.

Reclamation specialists are concerned about efficient and effective methods to revegetate landscapes disturbed by surface mining. Traditional reforestation approaches where trees are "lined-out" in plantation fashion, may not always be effective on dry, sandy, upland soils. Therefore, we conducted a study where we created a small forest patch, densely packed with woody plants and observed the expansion of this patch for 10 years (1983 to 1993). In addition, we compared the mortality of plants within the patch with "lined-out" plants. During our investigation, the patch doubled in area and the patch increased its perimeter to area ratio. Mortality for the "lined-out" vegetation was significantly greater (p<0.01). However, the development of the forest floor and the introduction to new plants species into the patch was slow. We estimate that the forest patch planting approach would generate woody vegetation cover across the landscape at a rate that was faster than the "lined-out" approach. We suggest that the patch design mitigated the adverse microclimate conditions associated with upland sandy soils, replicating a dry-mesic forest environment.Additional Key Words: plant ecology, landscape ecology, landscape architecture, planting design, landscape horticulture, urban forestry

A primary role of libraries is to organize, manage, and store collections of information and data resources. Librarians and information professionals, serving as facilitators in information seeking, access, and use, are primary gateways to such resources within libraries and information centers. Based on a solid philosophy of and commitment to cooperative information sharing and resource exchange, these professionals have the expertise to locate and access resources from diverse sources.