Location: Range Management Research
Project Number: 3050-21600-001-129-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2026
End Date: Apr 30, 2029
Objective:
The Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) is an USDA ARS operation that produces a suite of datasets for monitoring America’s rangelands. Leveraging more than 40 years of satellite data, RAP is the foundation for efficient and effective rangeland management and research. RAP data are used by ranchers, landowners, managers, practitioners, federal and state agencies, scientists, and policy makers. Since the release of RAP in 2018, RAP datasets have been hosted and archived at the University of Montana, providing greater access to the wider community. As the products and reach of RAP has expanded, so has the volume of data, nearing 70TB with continued growth expected. The objective of phase one is to provide research and scientific support for current and future RAP derived datasets.
As RAP becomes more and more embedded into the daily operations of America’s rangelands, additional capacity and expertise is needed to serve the needs of America’s ranchers. PIs Allred and Morford provide the necessary innovation with their ecological, geospatial, and computational expertise. Their long history of RAP development and coproduction with USDA ARS and other federal agencies bring unique strengths to RAP operations. Working alongside the USDA ARS RAP team, they will help guide and expand RAP, providing cutting edge technology to America’s ranchers, landowners, and scientists. The objective of phase two is to provide continuous vision, innovation, and support for RAP.
Approach:
For phase one, University of Montana will use machine learning models to improve the Rangeland Analysis Platform with respect to accuracy and spatial resolution and will provide research support to help to ranchers and farmers access the Rangeland Analysis Platform.