Introduction to the Rangeland Analysis Platform & DIY Ranch Mapping Learning Series Overview

Overview of this Mapping Learning Series

January 6th, 13th and 20th-  2pm-4pm

This learning series will be an overview and tutorial of the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) Production Explorer, along with an introduction to DIY ranch mapping in Google Earth Pro. These geospatial mapping tools can help support grazing management decisions and give landowners a practical way to map ranch infrastructure and landscape features.

No prior experience is needed—this series is designed for beginners! All tools and services covered are open source, completely free, and best accessed on a computer (tablets are not recommended).

About the Rangeland Analysis Platform & Google Earth Pro

The Range Land Analysis Platform & Production Explorer is an online mapping tool that utilizes satellite imagery to map and monitor vegetation across the United States since 1989. These vegetation maps can then be used to aid in land management decisions as they can monitor historic and current range conditions and calculate pasture specific stocking variables.

Google Earth Pro is a desktop application that offers powerful mapping tools for both professional and casual users. Users can utilize tools for measuring distance, area, and elevation, draw points, lines, and polygons, import and export map data, and explore satellite imagery from both the past and present. Whether you’re customizing maps, checking out land features, or trying to get the most out of a pasture, it’s a handy tool for all kinds of mapping needs.

Detailed Schedule

The virtual learning series will include three 2-hour blocks in total throughout January 2026. See the schedule below for more details.

For all virtual learning sessions, a computer and internet connection are mandatory, and an extra screen connected to your computer (such as a monitor) is recommended but not required. Having dual screens can allow you to participate in the virtual session while also navigating the RAP & Google Earth Pro sites.

Series 1: Learn how to navigate and effectively use RAP to support grazing management decisions. We’ll walk through how to explore RAP’s interactive vegetation data, interpret trends over time, and apply forage production insights directly to your ranching operation.

Additionally, you’ll get a high-level introduction to how Google Earth Pro compliments RAP in custom ranch mapping. Google Earth Pro allows you to draw custom features, such as pastures, that can then be used within RAP to monitor vegetation conditions, helping you to continuously and accurately interpret location-specific vegetation and forage conditions.

Series 2: Learn how to use Google Earth Pro to map ranch infrastructure and landscape features. This will include an overview of how to create and save points, lines, and polygons in Google Earth Pro to map features such as pastures, pipelines, and points of interest. This series will teach you how to save and export custom features to use on a mobile device and in the RAP production explorer for easy & expedited analysis, and access to navigable maps while out in the field.

Series 3: Question and Answer Help session for any follow up questions.

Note- Each series will come with a step-by-step PDF document that describes the topics and tools that were covered and additional resources.

The course will be led by Maida Knapton, Mapping & GIS Specialist at the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance. Maida brings expertise in mapping education, technical support for producers, data analysis, and drone imaging, making her a valuable guide throughout this series.