GIS & Mapping
Protection and restoration of coastal watersheds requires the synthesis of complex environmental issues. The evaluation of multiple environmental issues can be significantly improved by combining scientific data and watershed characteristics into a Geographic Information System (GIS). NOAA has developed a decision-support tool for the Vieques Island project that combines the use of a standard database structure; data query software and a database-mapping application (Query Manager™/ MARPLOT®; and an ArcView® GIS project. Contaminant concentrations in sediment and tissues of aquatic organisms, natural resource occurrence, and potential habitat restoration projects are overlaid on a watershed’s features and land uses, to be analyzed and displayed on maps at flexible spatial scales. This integrated approach simplifies data synthesis and communication of critical information. NOAA has used this approach in several watersheds, which have been affected by contaminant releases from Superfund sites and other sources.
NOAA's Vieques Island Database and Mapping Project allows users to analyze and display numerous types of data, including but not limited to:
- sediment, soil and groundwater chemistry data from numerous sources
- bathymetry
- aerial photography
- shoreline types
- habitat features
- public and non-public facilities and structures
- USFWS and Navy properties and boundaries
- NOAA ESI data and maps
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