Remote Mapping in Alaska's Wilderness: Accessing Resources in the Last Frontier

Abstract

The rich, natural resources of Alaska have long been the focus of many pioneers seeking fortune in the Last Frontier. As captured in historical images of dedicated Klondike Gold Rush miners seeking their fortunes via the Chilkoot Trail, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructing the famous Alaska Highway, often the biggest challenge is getting there. Many of Alaska's resources are in remote locations where access can be limited. Given the distances that need to be covered, the difficult terrain to be crossed, and the number and type of unexpected users, remotely located resources are typically accessed via aircraft on remote landing strips. Isolated airfields are usually the least expensive and most cost-effective infrastructure to construct, making long-distance roads scarce in Alaska due to high construction and maintenance costs for long transportation corridors.