Indeed, just as with European-Americans and native Americans, foresters have their own way of looking at forestland, and this is not the same as the way ecologists view it. These differences will manifest themselves in the way the two groups pursue a mapping project. For instance, if asked to map a parcel of land, the traditional forester is likely to focus on the different types of trees on the land and how they form into stands. The ecologist is more likely to look at biological function, perhaps delineating watershed boundaries. It thus hits problems of cultural differences squarely.
Institutions have their own effect on projects, including staffing, budgets, and time-lines.
All of these issues obviously directly affect the technical decisions made in pursuing a project. The body of research investigating the social conduct of GIS discusses issues such as these and more. This thesis draws upon the principles established by this body of research, and hopes to contribute to it as well. Investigating the context of the old growth mapping projects That the two projects are similar is important. Similarities between the two projects include intent, dates, and methodology.