NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) works to observe, understand, and manage our nation's coastal and marine resources. NOS measures and predicts coastal and ocean phenomena, protects large areas of the oceans, works to ensure safe navigation, and provides tools and information to protect and restore coastal and marine resources. The NOS Data Explorer serves as a portal to obtain NOS spatial data. Data Explorer offers interactive mapping tools that allow users to locate NOS products in any area in the United States and its territories through a metadata catalog. Search results provide users with metadata records and links to websites with additional information. Specific data sets are available to view and download. http://nosdataexplorer.noaa.gov/nosdataexplorer/ This study was based on the sediment quality triad (SQT) approach. A stratified probabilistic sampling design was utilized to characterize the San Francisco Bay system in terms of chemical contamination, sediment toxicity (Microtox, amphipod bioassays; sea urchin gamete bioassay; and P450 biomarker) and benthic infaunal community structure. The purpose was to define the extent and magnitude of toxicity and other biological effects associated with contaminants in the San Francisco estuary system from the delta to the south Bay and out to the Golden Gate. This file contains data measured in the San Francisco Bay Estuary in 2000 and 2001. Samples were collected for water and sediment analyses. http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20080818 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program,a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle. The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  hese maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20070718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle.  The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 1996-Era, 2001-Era, or 2006-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era.  These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080718 The NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) products are part of the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics program, a nationally standardized database of land cover and change information, for the coastal regions of the U.S. C-CAP products inventory coastal intertidal areas, wetlands, and adjacent uplands with the goal of monitoring changes in these habitats, on a one-to-five year repeat cycle. The timeframe for the metadata is reported as 2001-Era, but the actual dates of the landsat imagery used to create the land cover may have been acquired a few years before or after each era. These maps are developed utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, and can be used to track changes in the landscape through time. This trend information gives important feedback to managers on the success or failure of management policies and programs and aid in developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes. This understanding allows for the prediction of impacts due to these changes and the assessment of their cumulative effects, helping coastal resource managers make more informed regional decisions. This is a parent metadata record for this region. More detailed metadata is available at the dataset level. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/landcover 20080627 The toxicity of sediments in Biscayne Bay and many adjoining tributaries was determined as part of a bioeffects assessments program managed by NOAA's National Status and Trends Program. Biscayne Bay was selected by NOAA for this survey because data from the NS&T Mussel Watch Program and data from previous surveys of the bay had shown a potential for toxicity and other adverse biological effects. In addition, no bay-wide information had been generated on the toxicological condition of the bay sediments and several agencies had indicated a need for this type of data and a willingness to assist NOAA in collecting them. The study area was defined as extending from Dumbfoundling Bay at the north end to Little Card Sound at the south end, seaward to the barrier islands or reef, and landward to the shoreline or saltwater control structures. This area was determined to encompass a total of 484 kilometers of the sea floor. During 1995 and 1996, 226 samples were collected from randomly-chosen locations and tested for toxicity and analyzed for chemical concentrations. Data from these tests and analyses are included in the report. Samples for benthic community analyses were collected at one-third of the stations; however, data from those analyses are not included in the report but are available from NOAA's online database http://nbi.noaa.gov/mapBiscaynebay.aspx. The survey was designed to characterize sediment quality throughout the greater Biscayne Bay area. Surficial sediment samples were collected during 1995 and 1996 from 226 randomly-chosen locations throughout nine major regions. Laboratory toxicity tests were performed as indicators of potential ecotoxicological effects in sediments. A battery of tests was performed to generate information from different phases (components) of the sediments. Tests were selected to represent a range in toxicological endpoints from acute to chronic sublethal responses. Toxicological tests were conducted to measure: reduced survival of adult amphipods exposed to solid-phase sediments; impaired fertilization success and abnormal morphological development in gametes and embryos, respectively, of sea urchins exposed to pore waters; reduced metabolic activity of a marine bioluminescent bacteria exposed to organic solvent extracts; induction of a cytochrome P-450 reporter gene system in exposures to solvent extracts; and reduced reproductive success in marine copepods exposed to solid-phase sediments. The full report is available online at http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/cit/nsandt/download/documents/BI1/BI1_report.pdf http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20080502 This study was based on the sediment quality triad (SQT) approach. The purpose was to define the extent and magnitude of contamination and biological effects associated with contaminants in the Massachusetts/Cape Cod Bays, Stellwagen Bank, and Boston Harbor. A stratified probabilistic sampling design was utilized to characterize the systems in terms of chemical contamination and benthic infaunal community structure. In addition, samples were taken in the vicinity of the new Boston sewage outfall in Massachusetts Bay and in Boston Harbor where the sewage outfall used to discharge. Toxicity bioassays were not done. A secondary objective was to coordinate with the NOAA NMFS to collect sediment and fish tissue samples at previously sampled Benthic Surveillance Program sites. This file contains sediment and water data measured in all areas sampled in 2004. http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20080505 The toxicity of sediments in Sabine Lake, Texas, and adjoining Intracoastal Waterway canals was determined as part of bioeffects assessment studies managed by NOAA's National Status and Trends Program. The study area encompassed all of Sabine Lake, portions of the Sabine River, portions of the Neches River, portions of the Neches-Sabine Canal at the confluence of the two rivers, portions of Sabine Pass channel entrance, and an area in the Gulf of Mexico near the entrance channel. A stratified-random sampling design similar to those used in previous surveys conducted nationwide by NOAA was applied in Sabine Lake. The study area was subdivided into 22 irregular-shaped strata. Strata established within channels were further subdivided into three substrata to improve spatial coverage. Only one location each was sampled within each substratum, whereas three locations were sampled in each of the larger undivided strata. Surficial sediment samples were collected during August, 1995 from 66 randomly-chosen locations. Laboratory toxicity tests were performed as indicators of potential ecotoxicological effects in sediments. A battery of tests was performed to generate information from different phases (components) of the sediments. Tests were selected to represent a range in toxicological endpoints from acute to chronic sublethal responses. Toxicological tests were conducted to measure: reduced survival of adult amphipods exposed to solid-phase sediments; impaired fertilization success and abnormal morphological development in gametes and embryos, respectively, of sea urchins exposed to pore waters; reduced metabolic activity of a marine bioluminescent bacteria exposed to organic solvent extracts; and induction of a cytochrome P-450 reporter gene system in exposures to solvent extracts of the sediments. Chemical analyses were performed on portions of each sample to quantify the concentrations of trace metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated organic compounds. Correlation analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between measures of toxicity and concentrations of potentially toxic substances in the samples. The full report is available online at http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/cit/nsandt/download/documents/SAL/SAL_report.pdf http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20080502 LiDAR data collection was performed utilizing a Leica ALS-50 sensor, collecting multiple return x, y, and z data as well as intensity data. LiDAR data was processed to achieve a bare ground surface, and was delivered in LAS format. Classified LAS data was also used as a base for collection of hydro features, delivered in MicroStation v8 format. The dates of collection are: 1. JASPER COUNTY (full county): 20061227 to 20070216 2. COLLETON COUNTY (full county: 20070216 to 20070323 3. CHARLESTON COUNTY (Partial County): 20070222 to 20070223 http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a survey of select areas within Southwest Florida. These data were produced for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The Carter Creek LiDAR Survey project area consists of approximately 26 square miles and is located in Highlands County. The LiDAR point cloud was flown at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 4 for unobscured areas. 3001 Inc. acquired 60 flightlines between February 6, 2006 and February 7, 2006. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000' foot cells that serve as the tiling scheme. The Carter Creek LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This data set is one component of a digital terrain model (DTM) for Hampton Tract, Polk County, Florida encompassing approximately 43 square miles. This dataset is comprised of 48 LiDAR files, based on the DISTRICT 5,000' by 5,000' sheet index system (17951-17958, 18114-18121, 18363-18370, 18526-18533, 18259-18266 and 18594-18601) in the LAS file format. The raw data was collected at an average ground sample distance of 1-meter. Other components of the DTM include: 3-D breaklines along hydrographic features in the Shape file format; lake/pond polygons (in 3D) in the shape file format; obscured area polygons (in 2D) in the Shape file format; and hard/soft breaklines (in 3D) in the Shape file format. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This metadata document describes the collection and processing of topographic elevation point data derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) measurement for coastal Southern California. Collection consists of topographic elevations from the California counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego, and the hydrologic units within those counties that drain to the Pacific Ocean along with offshore islands within the Channel Islands. The resulting data include (1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), (2) Raw magnitude radar reflectance data, and (3) Height Variance data. The data is first surface return (vegetation is in the dataset) X-band IfSAR with three meter point spacing and approximately one meter vertical accuracy in non-vegetated areas. The data is available in three vertical datums, NAVD88, GRS80 and NGVD29. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071206 This data set is one component of a digital terrain model (DTM) for Judy Tract, Polk County, Florida encompassing approximately 12.6 square miles. This dataset is comprised of 14 LiDAR files, based on the DISTRICT 5,000' by 5,000' sheet index system (17632-17636, 17795-17799, and 17959-17962) in the LAS file format. The raw data was collected at an average ground sample distance of 1-meter. Other components of the DTM include a personal Geodatabase containing: obscured vegetation polygons; road overpass polygons; road breaklines; soft feature breaklines; water body polygons; coastal shorelines; 1-foot contours; hydrographic feature breaklines, and island polygons in accordance with the SWFWMD 2006 Topographic Database Design. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a survey of select areas within Southwest Florida. These data were produced for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). This metadata record describes the ortho & LIDAR mapping of Lake Hancock, in Polk County, FL. The mapping consists of LIDAR data collection, contour generation, and production of natural color orthophotography with a 1ft pixel using imagery collected with a Wild RC-30 Aerial Camera. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This data set is one component of a digital terrain model (DTM) for Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida encompassing approximately 10.75 square miles. This dataset is comprised of 12 LiDAR files, based on the DISTRICT 5,000' by 5,000' sheet index system (22365-22367, 22528-22530, 22691-22693 and 22854-22856) in the LAS file format. The raw data was collected at an average ground sample distance of 1-meter. Other components of the DTM include: 3-D breaklines along hydrographic features in the Shape file format; lake/pond polygons (in 3D) in the shape file format; obscured area polygons (in 2D) in the Shape file format; and hard/soft breaklines (in 3D) in the Shape file format. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a survey of select areas within Southwest Florida. These data were produced for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The Manatee and Little Manatee LiDAR Survey project area consists of approximately 176 square miles. This data set falls in a portion of Hillsborough and Manatee counties. The LiDAR point cloud was flown at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 6 feet for unobscured areas. 3001 inc. acquired 97 flightlines between April 3-11, 2005. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000' foot cells that serve as the tiling scheme. The Little Manatee LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This data set is one component of a digital terrain model (DTM) for the Southwest Florida Water Management District's FY2006 Digital Orthophoto (B089) and LiDAR Project (L470/L471), encompassing approximately 1,216 square miles across Citrus and Sumter counties. The 2006 LiDAR dataset is comprised of 3-D mass points delivered in the LAS file format based on the District's 5,000' by 5,000' grid (1,356 cells). The other DTM component is 2-D and 3-D breakline features in the ESRI ArcGIS Personal Geodatabase format. In accordance with the 2006 SWFWMD Topographic Database Design, the following breakline features are contained within the database: closed water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, etc) as 3-D polygons; linear hydrographic features (streams, canals, swales, embankments, etc) as 3-D breaklines; coastal shorelines as 3-D linear features; edge of pavement road features as 3-D breaklines; soft features (ridges, valleys, etc.) as 3-D breaklines; obscured vegetation polygons as 2-D polygons; overpasses and bridges as 3-D breaklines; 1-foot contours for visualization purposes; and island features as 3-D polygons. This data falls in Citrus and Sumter Counties. Intensity values or the measure of reflectance of the laser are also captured. Breakline features were captured to develop a hydrologically correct DTM. Contours (1-foot) were generated from the DTM that meet the National Map Accuracy Standards for 2-foot contours (FEMA specifications). Bare earth LiDAR mass point data display a vertical accuracy of at least 0.3-feet root mean square error (RMSE) in open unobscured areas http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This metadata record describes the ortho & lidar mapping of Pasco County, FL. The mapping consists of lidar data collected using a Leica ALS-40 Lidar Sensor, contour generation, and production of natural color orthophotography with a 30-cm GSD using imagery collected with a Leica ADS-40 Aerial Digital Camera. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a survey of select areas within Southwest Florida. These data were produced for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The Peace River South LiDAR (P692) Survey project area consists of approximately 1,801 square miles and covers Hardee and DeSoto Counties and portions of Highlands and Charlotte Counties. The LiDAR point cloud was flown at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 6 feet for unobscured areas. 3001 inc. acquired 445 flightlines between February 11, 2005 and April 14, 2005. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000' foot cells that serve as the tiling scheme. The Peace River South LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a survey of select areas within Rutland Ranch. This data falls in Manatee County. These data were produced for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The Rutland Ranch LiDAR Survey project area consists of approximately 17 square miles. The LiDAR point cloud was flown at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 4 feet for unobscured areas. 3001 Inc. acquired 40 flightlines on February 1, 2006. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000'foot cells that serve as the tiling scheme. The Rutland Ranch LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This metadata record describes the ortho & lidar mapping of Sarasota County, FL. The mapping consists of lidar data collected using a Leica ALS-40 Lidar Sensor, contour generation, and production of natural color orthophotography with a 30-cm GSD using imagery collected with a Leica ADS-40 Aerial Digital Camera. This topographic survey for Sarasota County covers 572 square miles and was acquired in two lift acquisitions. Lift 1 was on Feb 28 2004 and lift 2 was on Mar 4, 2004. The original lidar had gaps in the coverage and the areas were flown on May 15, 2004. Lidar data acquired with 2 meter nominal post spacing. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 EarthData International collected ALS-50-derived LiDAR over Upper Myakka Florida with one-meter post spacing. The period of collection was between 3 October and 12 October 2006. This data set falls in Manatee County. The collection was performed by EarthData Aviation, using a Leica ALS-50 LiDAR system, including an inertial measuring unit (IMU) and a dual frequency GPS receiver. This project required six lifts of flight lines to be collected. The product generated consisted of LiDAR bare earth elevation models in LAS format. This data set is one component of a digital terrain model (DTM) for the Southwest Florida Water Management District's FY2005 Digital LiDAR Project (H048), encompassing approximately 291 square miles across Manatee County. The 2005 LiDAR dataset is comprised of 3-D mass points delivered in the LAS file format based on the District's 5,000' by 5,000' grid (325 cells). The other DTM component is 2-D and 3-D breakline features in the ESRI ArcGIS Personal Geodatabase format. In accordance with the 2005 SWFWMD Topographic Database Design, the following breakline closed water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, etc) as 3-D polygons; linear hydrographic features (streams, canals, swales, embankments, etc) as 3-D breaklines; coastal shorelines as 3-D linear features; edge of pavement road features as 3-D breaklines; soft features (ridges, valleys, etc.) as 3-D breaklines; obscured vegetation polygons as 2-D polygons; overpasses and bridges as 3-D breaklines; 1-foot contours for visualization purposes; and island features as 3-D polygons. Breakline features were captured to develop a hydrologically correct DTM. Contours (1-foot) were generated from the DTM that meet the National Map Accuracy Standards for 2-foot contours (FEMA specifications). Bare earth LiDAR mass point data display a vertical accuracy of at least 0.3-feet root mean square error (RMSE) in open unobscured areas http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This data set is one component of a digital terrain model (DTM) for Weeki Wachee, Hernando County, Florida encompassing approximately 13.5 square miles. This dataset is comprised of 15 LiDAR files, based on the DISTRICT 5,000' by 5,000' sheet index system, in the LAS file format and was collected on 1 March 2005. Raw data was collected at an average ground sample distance of 1-meter. Other components of the DTM include: 3-D breaklines along hydrographic features in the Shape file format; lake/pond polygons (in 3D) in the shape file format; obscured area polygons (in 2D) in the Shape file format; and hard/soft breaklines (in 3D) in the Shape file format. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080512 This metadata document describes the collection and processing of topographic elevation point data derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) measurement for coastal Southern California. Collection consists of topographic elevations from the California counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego, and the hydrologic units within those counties that drain to the Pacific Ocean along with offshore islands within the Channel Islands. The resulting data include (1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), (2) Raw magnitude radar reflectance data, and (3) Height Variance data. The data is first surface return (vegetation is in the dataset) X-band IfSAR with three meter point spacing and approximately one meter vertical accuracy in non-vegetated areas. The data is available in three vertical datums, NAVD88, GRS80 and NGVD29. This metadata record describes the DEM data with a vertical datum of ellipsoid (GRS80). http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071206 This metadata document describes the collection and processing of topographic elevation point data derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) measurement for coastal Southern California. Collection consists of topographic elevations from the California counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego, and the hydrologic units within those counties that drain to the Pacific Ocean along with offshore islands within the Channel Islands. The resulting data include (1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), (2) Raw magnitude radar reflectance data, and (3) Height Variance data. The data is first surface return (vegetation is in the dataset) X-band IfSAR with three meter point spacing and approximately one meter vertical accuracy in non-vegetated areas. The data is available in three vertical datums, NAVD88, GRS80 and NGVD29. This metadata record describes the DEM data in North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071206 This metadata document describes the collection and processing of topographic elevation point data derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) measurement for coastal Southern California. Collection consists of topographic elevations from the California counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego, and the hydrologic units within those counties that drain to the Pacific Ocean along with offshore islands within the Channel Islands. The resulting data include (1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), (2) Raw magnitude radar reflectance data, and (3) Height Variance data. The data is first surface return (vegetation is in the dataset) X-band IfSAR with three meter point spacing and approximately one meter vertical accuracy in non-vegetated areas. The data is available in three vertical datums, NAVD88, GRS80 and NGVD29. This metadata record describes the DEM data in National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29). http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071206 This metadata document describes the collection and processing of topographic elevation point data derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) measurement for coastal Southern California. Collection consists of topographic elevations from the California counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego, and the hydrologic units within those counties that drain to the Pacific Ocean along with offshore islands within the Channel Islands. The resulting data include (1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), (2) Raw magnitude radar reflectance data, and (3) Height Variance data. This metadata record describes the height variance data. The height variance value represents the variance in the individual elevation values from multiple IfSAR flights that were used calculate the elevation for each cell in the DEM data set. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071206 This metadata document describes the collection and processing of topographic elevation point data derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) measurement for coastal Southern California. Collection consists of topographic elevations from the California counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego, and the hydrologic units within those counties that drain to the Pacific Ocean along with offshore islands within the Channel Islands. The resulting data include (1) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), (2) Raw magnitude radar reflectance data, and (3) Height Variance data. This metadata record describes the orthorectified radar reflectance image. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20080225 This dataset contains a unified ESRI Grid with 10 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo De Cico, and Isla De Mona, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder (for shallow areas of Abrir La Sierra Bank only) and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder (for all other areas). It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 These Bathymetric Digital Elevation Models (DEM) were generated from original point soundings collected during hydrographic surveys conducted by the National Ocean Service and its predecessors. Mean High Water shoreline as defined by NOAA nautical charts was used as a constraining boundary and assigned its local elevation relative to the local datum (typically Mean Low Water). DEM grid values outside the shoreline (on land) were assigned null values (-32676). In the event of multiple surveys in a region, the most recent survey soundings were retained. Both 7.5 minute and 1 degree DEMs are available. The 1 degree DEMs were generated from the higher resolution 7.5 minute DEMs which covered the estuary. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) contains a series of elevations ordered from south to north with the order of the columns from west to east. The DEM is formatted as one ASCII header record (A- record), followed by a series of profile records (B- records) each of which include a short B-record header followed by a series of ASCII integer elevations (typically in units of 1 centimeter {0.01 meter]) per each profile. The last physical record of the DEM is an accuracy record (C-record). The 7.5-minute DEM (30- by 30-m data spacing) is cast on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection. It provides coverage in 7.5- by 7.5-minute blocks. Each product provides the same coverage as a standard USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle but the DEM contains over edge data. Coverage is available for many estuaries of the contiguous United States but is not complete. http://estuarinebathymetry.noaa.gov 20060731 These Bathymetric Digital Elevation Models (DEM) were generated from original point soundings collected during hydrographic surveys conducted by the National Ocean Service and its predecessors. Mean High Water shoreline as defined by NOAA nautical charts was used as a constraining boundary and assigned its local elevation relative to the local datum (typically Mean Low Water). DEM grid values outside the shoreline (on land) were assigned null values (-32676). In the event of multiple surveys in a region, the most recent survey soundings were retained. Both 7.5 minute and 1 degree DEMs are available. The 1 degree DEMs were generated from the higher resolution 7.5 minute DEMs which covered the estuary. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) contains a series of elevations ordered from south to north with the order of the columns from west to east. The DEM is formatted as one ASCII header record (A- record), followed by a series of profile records (B- records) each of which include a short B-record header followed by a series of ASCII integer elevations (typically in units of 1 centimeter {0.01 meter]) per each profile. The last physical record of the DEM is an accuracy record (C-record). The 1 degree (60-minute) DEMs (3 arc second x 3 arc second data spacing) is cast on the geographic coordinate system (no projection). It provides coverage in 1 degree square blocks. Each product contains over edge data. Coverage is available for the many estuaries of the conterminous United States, but is not complete. http://estuarinebathymetry.noaa.gov 20060731 This dataset contains a unified ESRI Grid with 10 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around La Parguera, Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo De Cico, and Isla De Mona in Puerto Rico and St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John in the US Virgin Islands, derived from data collected in 2004, 2005 2006, and 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in the US Virgin Islands from 2/18/04 to 3/5/04 and 2/1/05 to 2/12/05, including La Parguera, P.R. from 3/21/06 to 4/2/06. Data was acquired with a pole-mounted Reson 8101 ER multibeam echosounder (240 kHz) in 2004 and 2005, and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 multibeam echosounder (95 kHz) in 2006. In Abrir La Sierra, Bajo de Cico, and Isla de Mona, P.R., the team, also in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired data from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data with acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder, as well as with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder for shallow areas of Abrir La Sierra Bank. Data was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. For USVI and La Parguera, P.R. (2004-2006), an ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x as an XY event. Then the ArcToolbox conversion tool 'Feature to Raster' was used to generate the final ESRI Grid. For Abrir La Sierra Bank, Bajo de Cico, and Isla de Mona (2007), an ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using the XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 Digital elevation model (DEM) data are arrays of regularly spaced elevation values referenced horizontally either to a Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection or to a geographic coordinate system. The grid cells are spaced at regular intervals along south to north profiles that are ordered from west to east. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produces five primary types of elevation data: 7.5-minute DEM, 30-minute DEM, 1-degree DEM. These datasets were derived from USGS 7.5' DEM Quads for the main 8 Hawaiian Islands. Individual DEM quads were converted to a common datum, and vertical unit, and subsequently mosaicked in ArcGIS 9.x. The DEM for Hawaii (Big Island) has a coordinate system of NAD83 UTM5N. The DEM for the remaining 7 islands (Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau) have a coordinate system of NAD83 UTM4N. All rasters have a spatial resolution of 10 meters and are in the ESRI grid format. On this metadata sheet, the bounding coordinates and row and column counts are for a hypothetical 10m grid that would contain the 8 main Hawaiian Islands. For bounding coordinates and the number of rows and columns for each actual, individual DEM, users should consult their respective layer properties. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 These hillshade datasets were derived from USGS 7.5' DEM Quads for the main 8 Hawaiian Islands. Individual DEM quads were first converted to a common datum, and vertical unit, and subsequently mosaicked in ArcGIS 9.x. The hillshade were created from these DEMs using the Hillshade function in ArcGIS 9.2's Spatial Analyst Extension. For all the hillshades, the altitude was set at 45, the Z factor at 1 and the output cell size at 10. The azimuth was set to 45 for the Hawaii (Big Island), Maui and Kauai hillshades. The azimuth was set to 315 for the remaining island hillshades. All rasters are 16 bit signed integers with a spatial resolution of 10 meters. They are in the ERDAS Imagine (.img) format and are referenced to the NAD83 UTM coordinate system. The hillshade for Hawaii (Big Island) is in UTM zone 5N, and the hillshades for the remaining 7 islands are in UTM zone 4N. On this metadata sheet, the bounding coordinates and row and column counts are for a hypothetical 10m grid that would contain the 8 main Hawaiian Islands. For bounding coordinates and the number of rows and columns for each actual, individual hillshade, users should consult their respective layer properties. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 10 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Abrir La Sierra Bank in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 3 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Abrir La Sierra Bank in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid representing the rugosity of a 3 m bathymetric grid for Abrir La Sierra Bank in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. Rugosity is defined as the ratio of surface area to planar area and is used as a measure of benthic terrain complexity or "roughness". Rugosity values near 1 represent flat, smooth terrain, while higher values reflect increasing rugosity or terrain roughness. For rugosity grid interpretation, it is recommended that the grid be reclassified according to standard deviation divisions. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using the XYZ to raster tool. The Benthic Terrain Modeller (BTM) tool, a collection of ArcGIS terrain visualization tools developed by the Oregon State University (OSU) Department of Geosciences and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, was used to calculate the rugosity of that bathymetric grid. More information on the specific algorithms used can be found in the BTM's documentation. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 3 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Abrir La Sierra Bank in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 5 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Abrir La Sierra Bank in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid representing the rugosity of a 5 m bathymetric grid for Abrir La Sierra Bank in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. Rugosity is defined as the ratio of surface area to planar area and is used as a measure of benthic terrain complexity or "roughness". Rugosity values near 1 represent flat, smooth terrain, while higher values reflect increasing rugosity or terrain roughness. For rugosity grid interpretation, it is recommended that the grid be reclassified according to standard deviation divisions. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder and with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using the XYZ to raster tool. The Benthic Terrain Modeller (BTM) tool, a collection of ArcGIS terrain visualization tools developed by the Oregon State University (OSU) Department of Geosciences and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, was used to calculate the rugosity of that bathymetric grid. More information on the specific algorithms used can be found in the BTM's documentation. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 The National Geodetic Survey (NGS), formerly part of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, has been performing Aeronautical surveys since the 1920's. NGS, in accordance with a series of interagency agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides airport geodetic control, runway, navigational aid, obstruction and other aeronautical data that is critical to the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA uses the data to develop instrument approach and departure procedures, determine maximum takeoff weights, update aeronautical publications, and airport planning and engineering studies. Most of this data is source information obtained using field and photogrammetric survey methods. NGS acquires aerial photography of most commercial and many general aviation airports in the United States to support several types of aeronautical surveys, including Airport Obstruction Chart (AOC), Operational Evolution Plan (OEP), and Congressional (CGR) and, until recently, Area Navigation Approach (ANA). The high resolution photographs are used to perform a photogrammetric analysis of the Obstruction Identification Surface (OIS), determine areas obstructing the OIS, delineate aircraft movement areas and associated airport features, and are useful when performing ground surveys. Over 1,000 airports have been flown and photographs for these locations are currently available through the NGS photo library. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/AERO/ASPphoto/aspphoto.html 20040720 The data sets are generated using the OPTECH ALTM 70 kHz LIDAR system mounted onboard AeroMap's twin-engine Cessna 320 aircraft. Classified data sets such as this one may have varying posting due to some LIDAR pulses not reaching the ground caused by data anomalies. Accuracy statements are based on areas of moderate terrain. Diminished accuracies are to be expected in areas of extreme terrain and dense vegetation. The accuracy of each point is expected to meet the vertical accuracy standard, however, derived products may be less accurate in extreme terrain and dense vegetation due to a lesser number of points defining the bare-earth in these areas. The data were QA/QC'ed but some data holidays still exist. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20060509 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these official maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), OCS has developed improved techniques for generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is captured digitally and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60 No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' Import SHP utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for Alaska are contained within a zipped file. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20070911 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of the Aleutian Islands classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for Aleutians East Borough and Aleutians West Coastal Resource Service Area (CRSA). These data identify the marine and coastal environments and wildlife. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200205 This Historical North Atlantic and East-Central North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Tracks file contains the 6-hourly (0000, 0600, 1200, 1800 UTC) center locations and intensities for all subtropical depressions and storms, extratropical storms, tropical lows, waves, disturbances, depressions and storms, and all hurricanes, from 1851 through 2006. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hurricane_tracks 20070308 These data were automated to provide a suitable geographic information system (GIS) data layer depicting the historical shoreline for Alabama. These data are derived from shoreline maps that were produced by the NOAA National Ocean Service including its predecessor agencies. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/shoreline/data.html 20071010 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20050826 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of American Samoa classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for American Samoa. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200402 The Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NOAA Coastal Services Center worked together to map benthic habitats within Apalachicola Bay, Florida. The bay and the lower portions of four distributaries were surveyed on 11-22 October 1999 using three benthic sampling techniques. This data set represents the benthic community information gathered from grab sampling. Grabs were collected at 136 stations throughout the bay. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/apa.htm 20040616 The Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NOAA Coastal Services Center worked together to map benthic habitats within Apalachicola Bay, Florida. The bay and the lower portions of four distributaries were surveyed on 11-22 October 1999 using three benthic sampling techniques. This data set represents the information gathered from a RoxAnn acoustic sensor. The instrument was used to characterize bottom type by extracting data on bottom roughness and bottom hardness from the primary and secondary sounder echoes. The data is classified on-the-fly, using the Sediment Profile Images and grab samples collected for field validation, and subject to a post-processing classification. The RoxAnn data points were exported into a geographic information system (GIS) and post-processed to remove unreliable data points and re-classified. This data set is comprised of the cleaned, attributed point data. The attributes include location, date, time, depth, field derived classification, and the classification derived from post-processing the data. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/apa.htm 20010509 The Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NOAA Coastal Services Center worked together to map benthic habitats within Apalachicola Bay, Florida. The bay and the lower portions of four distributaries were surveyed on 11-22 October 1999 using three benthic sampling techniques. This data set represents the sediment grain size and organic content information gathered from grab sampling. Grabs were collected at 136 stations throughout the bay. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/apa.htm 20040616 The Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NOAA Coastal Services Center worked together to map benthic habitats within Apalachicola Bay, Florida. The bay and the lower portions of four distributaries were surveyed on 11-22 October 1999 using three benthic sampling techniques. This data set represents the information gathered from sediment profile imagery sampling. Images were collected at 436 stations throughout the bay. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/apa.htm 20040617 The toxicity of sediments in Pensacola, Choctawhatchee, St. Andrew and Apalachicola Bays was determined as part of bioeffects assessments performed by NOAA’s National Status and Trends Program. The objectives of the survey were to determine: (1) the spatial patterns in toxicity throughout each bay, (2) the spatial extent of toxicity throughout and among the bays, (3) the severity or degree of toxicity, and (4) the relationships between chemical contamination and toxicity. The survey was conducted over two years: Pensacola Bay and St. Andrew Bay were sampled in 1993; and Choctawhatchee Bay, Apalachicola Bay and Bayou Chico (a sub-basin of Pensacola Bay) were sampled during 1994. Surficial sediment samples were collected from 123 randomly-chosen locations throughout the five areas. Multiple toxicity tests were conducted on all samples, and chemical analyses were performed on 102 of the 123 samples. Toxicological tests were conducted to determine survival, reproductive success, morphological development, metabolic activity, and genotoxicity; all bays showed toxicity in at least some of the samples. Toxicity was most severe in Bayou Chico, an industrialized basin adjoining Pensacola Bay. Other developed bayous adjoining Pensacola Bay and the other bays also showed relatively severe toxicity. The main basins of the bays generally showed lower toxicity than the adjoining bayous. The different toxicity tests, however, indicated differences in severity, incidence, spatial patterns, and spatial extent in toxicity. The most sensitive test, a bioassay of metabolic activity of bioluminescent bacteria, indicated toxicity was pervasive throughout the entire study area. The least sensitive test, an acute bioassay performed with a benthic amphipod, indicated toxicity was restricted to a very small portion of the area. Causes of toxicity were not determined in the survey. However, mixtures of potentially toxic substances, including pesticides, petroleum constituents, trace metals, and ammonia, were associated statistically with the measures of toxicity. The concentrations of many substances were highest in Bayou Chico, where the most severe toxicity was observed. At these toxic sites, some of the substances had considerably elevated concentrations, often exceeding numerical guidelines or known toxicity thresholds. The relationships between toxicity and chemical concentrations differed among the bays and toxicity tests. http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20071019 Reefs play a vital role for countless marine species and are an important destination for recreationists who desire to view the diversity of animal and plant life in this unique marine environment. Here, reefs refer to both artificial and natural reefs. Natural reefs include both coral reefs and other natural hard-bottom reefs. Many states have active artificial reef programs; in Florida, local county agencies also have these programs. Recently, these agencies have been pressured to justify the public investment in artificial reefs, as well as investments in protecting and restoring natural reefs. In the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), there is concern about the impacts of introducing new artificial reefs into a natural reef environment. Proponents of new artificial reefs argue that they will take pressure off of surrounding natural reefs (i.e. reduce usage). CORE has instituted monitoring programs to test this hypothesis. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/Reefs/welcome.html 20041025 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of American Samoa, Guam and the Common Wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes thirteen zones. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 71.5 square kilometers of which 10.56 were unconsolidated sediment and 60.94 were coral reef and hard bottom. Of the coral reef and hard bottom class, 62.8% is colonized by greater than 10% coral cover. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20040630 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of American Samoa, Guam and the Common Wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes thirteen zones. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 71.5 square kilometers of which 10.56 were unconsolidated sediment and 60.94 were coral reef and hard bottom. Of the coral reef and hard bottom class, 62.8% is colonized by greater than 10% coral cover. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20060106 IKONOS imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. A digital vector shoreline was manually digitized from the one-meter panchromatic imagery to provide accurate, up-to-date shoreline data. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20051219 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is digitized from the largest-scale raster nautical charts and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60, No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' "Import SHP File" utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for the Atlantic coast of the United States are contained within a zipped file. Within the zipped file is a shapefile and a text file detailing the individual coordinates. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20061130 Laser beach mapping uses a pulsed laser ranging system mounted onboard an aircraft to measure ground elevation and coastal topography. The laser emits laser beams at high frequency and is directed downward at the earth's surface through a port opening in the bottom of the aircraft's fuselage. The laser system records the time difference between emission of the laser beam and the reception of the reflected laser signal in the aircraft. The aircraft travels over the beach at approximately 60 meters per second while surveying from the low water line to the landward base of the sand dunes. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20021210 This data set includes data collected from 1996-2000 and covers the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Laser beach mapping uses a pulsed laser ranging system mounted onboard an aircraft to measure ground elevation and coastal topography. The laser emits laser beams at high frequency and is directed downward at the earth's surface through a port opening in the bottom of the aircraft's fuselage. The laser system records the time difference between emission of the laser beam and the reception of the reflected laser signal in the aircraft. The aircraft travels over the beach at approximately 60 meters per second while surveying from the low water line to the landward base of the sand dunes. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 19980331 The Automated Wreck and Obstruction Information System (AWOIS) is an automated file that contains information on wrecks and obstructions, and other significant charted features in coastal waters of the United States subject to NOS Hydrographic Surveys. Items in this file are individually catalogued and are accompanied by historic and descriptive information gathered from field observations and Government and private publications. Approximately 96% of the items have a position in latitude and longitude (NAD83), original datum information, a position accuracy code, a source quality code, a charted symbol code, a chart number, and project information. Each item has also been evaluated for the adequacy of the available information as it relates to future surveys and nautical charting activities and may carry a specific recommendation for the type of survey investigation required to improve the quality of known information. http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/hsd/hsd-3.html 20051206 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 10 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Bajo De Cico in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 3 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Bajo De Cico in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 5 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Bajo De Cico in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 Shallow-water (generally, less than 30 meters) bank areas in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were identified using semi-automated image analysis of Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery. An area of approximately 10,000 sq. km was mapped using the moderate-resolution satellite imagery and shallow-water bank maps were generated for the French Frigate Shoals, Gardner Pinnacles, Lisianski Island, Laysan Island, Maro Reef, Necker Island, Nihoa Island, Pioneer Bank, Raita Bank, St. Rogatien Bank, the Brooks Banks, and the bank west of Nihoa. This project is a cooperative effort between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to produce benthic habitat maps and georeferenced imagery for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This project was conducted in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/nwhi_mapping.html 20060810 This is a line coverage depicting 10 meter bathymetric contours of the survey area HMPR-108-2002-01 within the Olympic Coast national marine sanctuary. http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/research/mapping 20051017 This image represents a LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) bathymetric mosaic (mean 4 meter gridded) collected along the coastline of southwestern Puerto Rico. The Tenix LADS Corporation (TLI) acquired bathymetric LIDAR for NOAA from 4/07/2006 to 5/15/2006. Data was acquired with a LADS (Laser Airborne Depth Sounder) Mk II Airborne System from altitudes between 1,200 and 2,200ft at ground speeds between 140 and 175 knots. The 900 Hertz Nd: YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser (1064 nm) acquired 4x4 meter spot spacing and 200% seabed coverage. In total, 265 square nautical miles of LiDAR were collected between -50 m (topographic) and up to 70 m (depth), requiring a total of 102 flight hours (134 hours, including flight time to and from San Juan airport). Environmental factors such as wind strength and direction, cloud cover, and water clarity influenced the area of data acquisition on a daily basis. The data was processed using the LADS Mk II Ground System and data visualization, quality control and final products were created using CARIS HIPS and SIPS 6.1 and CARIS BASE Editor 2.1 The project was conducted to meet the IHO (International Hydrograph Organization)Order 1 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/lidar_pr/welcome.html 20071214 The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) represents the continuation of the ongoing National Recreation Survey (NRS) series. Begun in 1960 by the congressionally created Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission (ORRRC), the first NRS was a four-season, in-the-home survey of outdoor recreation participation in the United States. Since that time, five additional NRSs , in 1965, 1970, 1972, 1977, and 1982-83, and two NSREs, in 1994-95 and 2000-2001 have been conducted. The CORE program is co-leading the latest NSRE, which represents the second time data on marine recreation has been collected. Nationwide, more than 50,000 households will be included in this survey. Partners include the U.S. Forest Service, the USDA Economic Research Service, the U.S. EPA, and the U.S. Department of Interior?s Bureau of Land Management. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/NSRE/welcome.html 20041014 In fall 2001, researchers from the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the NOAA Coastal Services Center conducted a project to map benthic habitats in the York and Webhannet rivers in southern Maine. The team completed two weeks of fieldwork in September 2001, collecting sediment profile images at 382 stations and sediment grab samples at 93 stations. This data set represents the benthic community information gathered from grab sampling. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/northeast/wells.htm 20040809 This dataset consists of polygonal boundaries for the 2000 Census Block Groups with 2000 Block Group level data. A census block group (BG) is a cluster of blocks that have the same first digit in their identifying number within a census tract. For example, Block Group 2 (BG 2) within a census tract includes all blocks numbered from 2000 to 2999. Block groups generally contain between 600 and 3,000 people, with an optimum population size of 1,500. Block Groups never cross census tract or BNA boundaries, but may cross the boundaries of county subdivisions, places, American Indian and Alaska Native areas, urbanized areas, voting districts, and congressional districts. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/socioeconomics/welcome.html 20040331 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of the Bristol Bay Subarea, classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. The Subarea includes marine and coastal areas of Bristol Bay and part of the southern Alaska Peninsula. (This area extends from directly south of Goodnews Bay to slightly north of Port Seniavan along the Bristol Bay side of the Alaska Peninsula, as well as the Pacific Ocean side of the Alaska Peninsula from Cape Providence to Kupreanof Peninsula.) This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for the Bristol Bay Subarea. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200405 This data set reports information regarding the nominal sampling locations for the National Status and Trends Benthic Surveillance Project sites. One record is presented per site. Each record reports the five letter site acronym, site sequence number, general and specific location information, state abbreviation, state name, degree-minute-second coordinates, decimal degree coordinates, and species information, among other things. The actual site coordinate information is recorded at the time of sampling, if samples were taken at a location other than the nominal site center. The five letter acronym is based on both the general location information and more specific location information (e.g. SFSM is San Francisco-San Mateo Bridge). The file also contains sequence numbers that facilitate geographic manipulation of the data. Sites are numbered sequentially from the northern most site on the U.S. East coast (i.e. Penobscot Bay-Pickering Island) and continue counter-clockwise around the country. http://NSandT.noaa.gov 20040929 The National Status and Trends (NS&T) Benthic Surveillance Project Chemistry data file reports the trace concentrations of a suite of chemical contaminants in marine sediment and benthic fish tissue samples collected from all U.S. coastal regions from 1984 to 1992. The sediment and tissue samples were analyzed for major and trace elements and a suite of organic chemical constituents, including butyltins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides. The Benthic Surveillance Project Tissue Chemistry file is constructed as a vertically formatted table. http://NSandT.noaa.gov 20040929 CAMEO ® (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) is a system of software applications used widely to plan for and respond to chemical emergencies. It is one of the tools developed by EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Response and Restoration (NOAA), to assist front-line chemical emergency planners and responders. They can use CAMEO to access, store, and evaluate information critical for developing emergency plans. In addition, CAMEO supports regulatory compliance by helping users meet the chemical inventory reporting requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA, also known as SARA Title III). CAMEO also can be used with a separate software application called LandView ® to display EPA environmental databases and demographic/economic information to support analysis of environmental justice issues. The CAMEO system integrates a chemical database and a method to manage the data, an air dispersion model, and a mapping capability. All modules work interactively to share and display critical information in a timely fashion. The CAMEO system is available in Macintosh and Windows format. CAMEO ® - The Database and Information Management The original application, called CAMEO, contains a chemical database of over 6,000 hazardous chemicals, 100,000 synonyms, and product trade names. CAMEO provides a powerful search engine that allows users to find chemicals instantly. Each one is linked to chemical-specific information on fire and explosive hazards, health hazards, firefighting techniques, cleanup procedures, and protective clothing. CAMEO also contains basic information on facilities that store chemicals, on the inventory of chemicals at the facility (Tier II) and on emergency planning resources. Additionally, there are templates where users can store EPCRA information. CAMEO connects the planner or emergency responder with critical information to identify unknown substances during an incident. ALOHA ® - Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres ALOHA is an atmospheric dispersion model used for evaluating releases of hazardous chemical vapors. ALOHA allows the user to estimate the downwind dispersion of a chemical cloud based on the toxicological/physical characteristics of the released chemical, atmospheric conditions, and specific circumstances of the release. Graphical outputs include a "cloud footprint" that can be plotted on maps with MARPLOT to display the location of other facilities storing hazardous materials and vulnerable locations, such as hospitals and schools. Specific information about these locations can be extracted from CAMEO information modules to help make decisions about the degree of hazard posed. MARPLOT ® - Mapping Applications for Response, Planning, and Local Operational Tasks MARPLOT is the mapping application. It allows users to "see" their data (e.g., roads, facilities, schools, response assets), display this information on computer maps, and print the information on area maps. The areas contaminated by potential or actual chemical release scenarios also can be overlaid on the maps to determine potential impacts. The maps are created from the U.S. Bureau of Census TIGER/Line files and can be manipulated quickly to show possible hazard areas. http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/cameo/index.htm; 20040102 These data were automated to provide a suitable geographic information system (GIS) data layer depicting the historical shoreline for California. These data are derived from shoreline maps that were produced by the NOAA National Ocean Service including its predecessor agencies. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/shoreline/data.html 20071010 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 The Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) is developing a nationally standardized database on land cover and habitat change in the coastal regions of the United States. C-CAP inventories wetland habitats and adjacent uplands and monitors changes in these habitats on a 1 to 5 year cycle. The monitoring cycle will vary according to the rate and magnitude of change in each geographic region. Satellite imagery (primarily Landsat Thematic Mapper), aerial photography, and field data are interpreted, classified, analyzed, and integrated with other digital data in a geographic information system (GIS). The resulting land cover change databases are disseminated in digital form for use by anyone wishing to conduct geographic analysis in the completed regions. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/lca/ccap.html 20031125 The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is currently updating and revising the management plans for each of its 13 sanctuaries. This process, which is open to the public, enables each site to revisit the reasons for sanctuary designation and assess whether they are meeting their goals, as well as to set new goals consistent with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Issues raised by the public during this process are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether they will be incorporated into the updated plan. Many of these issues focus on topics such as the implementation of marine zoning or sanctuary boundary adjustments, both of which require information on the distribution of resources within and around the sanctuary. Recognizing this, NMSP and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) formalized an agreement to collaborate in the revision process by developing such information through a series of biogeographic assessments conducted in selected sanctuaries. The resulting products are then supplied to sanctuary managers and staff for use in the policy and decision making process. This collaborative effort began along the west coast of the U.S. with the Cordell Bank, Gulf of Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries, and is herein centered on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is currently updating and revising the management plans for each of its 13 sanctuaries. This process, which is open to the public, enables each site to revisit the reasons for sanctuary designation and assess whether they are meeting their goals, as well as to set new goals consistent with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Issues raised by the public during this process are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether they will be incorporated into the updated plan. Many of these issues focus on topics such as the implementation of marine zoning or sanctuary boundary adjustments, both of which require information on the distribution of resources within and around the sanctuary. Recognizing this, NMSP and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) formalized an agreement to collaborate in the revision process by developing such information through a series of biogeographic assessments conducted in selected sanctuaries. The resulting products are then supplied to sanctuary managers and staff for use in the policy and decision making process. This collaborative effort began along the west coast of the U.S. with the Cordell Bank, Gulf of Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries, and is herein centered on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is currently updating and revising the management plans for each of its 13 sanctuaries. This process, which is open to the public, enables each site to revisit the reasons for sanctuary designation and assess whether they are meeting their goals, as well as to set new goals consistent with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Issues raised by the public during this process are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether they will be incorporated into the updated plan. Many of these issues focus on topics such as the implementation of marine zoning or sanctuary boundary adjustments, both of which require information on the distribution of resources within and around the sanctuary. Recognizing this, NMSP and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) formalized an agreement to collaborate in the revision process by developing such information through a series of biogeographic assessments conducted in selected sanctuaries. The resulting products are then supplied to sanctuary managers and staff for use in the policy and decision making process. This collaborative effort began along the west coast of the U.S. with the Cordell Bank, Gulf of Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries, and is herein centered on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=ACE 2006-02-22 15:53:51.173604 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=CBM 2006-02-08 14:31:14.811064 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=DEL 2006-02-23 13:52:12.065435 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=ELK 2006-02-22 16:02:37.651618 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=GND 2006-02-09 13:24:57.61347 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=GRB 2006-02-23 14:27:02.295817 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=GRB 2006-02-09 14:32:44.572428 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=GTM 2006-02-23 14:44:23.034133 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=HUD 2006-02-24 11:00:06.197928 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=JOB 2006-02-23 09:28:17.607183 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=KAC 2006-02-23 09:28:35.726072 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=JAC 2006-02-13 15:16:45.778444 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=NAR 2006-02-23 09:34:37.725328 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=NOC 2006-02-23 09:38:22.328776 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=NOC 2006-02-24 12:01:53.753052 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=OWC 2006-02-23 09:39:18.514777 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=OWC 2006-02-24 13:44:26.805581 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=OWC 2006-02-20 13:04:09.825134 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=PDB 2006-02-24 13:46:15.107787 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=PDB 2006-02-20 13:10:29.53572 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=RKB 2006-02-23 09:44:16.882767 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=RKB 2006-02-20 13:18:18.095499 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=SAP 2006-02-23 09:46:45.355347 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=SOS 2006-02-20 13:27:43.919545 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=TJR 2006-02-23 09:50:15.738311 Water quality monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) at four locations within or adjacent to the reserve. The following parameters are collected at least every 30 minutes: water temperature, specific conductivity, salinity, percent saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, water depth, pH and turbidity. All water quality data loggers will be deployed from a known depth from the bottom at each site. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=TJR 2006-02-20 13:31:57.23371 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=WEL 2006-02-28 10:45:04.004387 Nutrient monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from four locations within or adjacent to the reserve on a monthly basis of the following parameters: orthophosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and chlorophyll a. Note: Reserves may collect additional parameters which are available by searching the Yearly Files directory. http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=WKB 2006-02-28 10:45:57.580098 Meteorological monitoring is conducted at 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) from at least one location within or adjacent to the reserve. Data are collected every 5 seconds and averages are produced from this data at quarterly (15 minutes), hourly (60 minutes) and daily (1440 minutes) intervals. The parameters collected within these intervals are: averages, maximums and minimums of air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active solar radiation http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/stationmap.cfm?Site_ID=WQB 2006-02-23 09:54:05.563974 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Central California classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for Central California. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200606 NOAA, National Ocean Service, Office of Coast Survey is responsible to build and maintain a suite of more than 1000 nautical charts that are used by commercial and recreational mariners to safely navigate the United States and the U.S. territory waters. A Nautical Chart is a graphic portrayal of the marine environment. They are used to lay out courses and navigate ships by the shortest and most economically safe route. They can also serve as base maps for resource management and shoreline development planning by state and local government. Charts depict the location of the shoreline, minimum water depths, aids to navigation, hazards to navigation, the nature and form of the coast, water depths, the general character and configuration of the sea bottom, the rise and fall of the tides, protected areas and the characteristics of the Earth's magnetism. NOAA's Office of Coast Survey, in partnership with OceanGrafix, LLC, offers mariners official nautical charts continually updated by NOAA cartographers to the latest Notice to Mariners and to all Critical Safety Information known to the Office of Coast Survey in advance of its publication in a Notice. From NOAA digital files OceanGrafix prints corrected charts, to order, for sale to mariners through the OceanGrafix retail network under the brand name Charts-on-Demand. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/pod/Pod.htm 20071115 This study was based on the sediment quality triad (SQT) approach. A stratified probabilistic sampling design was utilized to characterize the Chesapeake Bay system in terms of chemical contamination, sediment toxicity (Microtox, amphipod bioassay; sea urchin gamete bioassay; and P450 biomarker) and benthic infaunal community structure. The purpose was to define the extent and magnitude of toxicity and other biological effects associated with contaminants in the mainstem Chesapeake estuary and major western subestuaries. This file contains data measured in the Chesapeake Bay estuary system sampled in 1998, 1999, and 2001. Samples were collected for sediment analyses. http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20070226 This data set represents the benthic community information gathered from grab sampling in 2004 (12 stations). In Fall/Winter 2002, researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the NOAA Coastal Services Center conducted a project to map benthic habitats by Catlett and Goodwin Islands on the York River, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Sediment grab samples were collected at 56 stations and sediment profile images were collected at 200 stations. Sampling areas were also surveyed using side scan sonar and multibeam bathymetry sensors. Scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences returned to sample a subset of the 2002 sediment grab data in 2003 and then again in 2004. A subset of SPI stations (79) were revisited in 2004. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/northeast/york.htm 20050613 This data set represents the sediment grain size gathered from grab sampling in 2004 (12 stations). In Fall/Winter 2002, researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the NOAA Coastal Services Center conducted a project to map benthic habitats by Catlett and Goodwin Islands on the York River, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Sediment grab samples were collected at 56 stations and sediment profile images were collected at 200 stations. Sampling areas were also surveyed using side scan sonar and multibeam bathymetry sensors. Scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences returned to sample a subset of the 2002 sediment grab data in 2003 and then again in 2004. A subset of SPI stations (79) were revisited in 2004. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/northeast/york.htm 20050613 This data set represents the sediment profile imaging data from 2004 (79 stations). In Fall/Winter 2002, researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the NOAA Coastal Services Center conducted a project to map benthic habitats by Catlett and Goodwin Islands on the York River, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Sediment grab samples were collected at 56 stations and sediment profile images were collected at 200 stations. Sampling areas were also surveyed using side scan sonar and interferometric swath bathymetry sensors. Scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences returned to sample a subset of the 2002 sediment grab data in 2003 and then again in 2004. A subset of SPI stations (79) were revisited in 2004. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/northeast/york.htm 20050719 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 This dataset consists of polygonal boundaries for U.S. Counties with 2000 Block Group level data at the county level . Counties are the primary legal divisions of most States. In Louisiana the county equivalents are known as parishes. In Alaska beginning with 1980 census the county equivalents include, organized boroughs, and "census areas" delineated for statistical purposes by the State and U.S. Census Bureau. In Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia, on or more cities are outside of any county organization, and are treated as county equivalents for statistical purposes. The District of Columbia has no primary divisions, and the entire area is considered to be the equivalent of a county for statistical purposes. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/socioeconomics/welcome.html 20040421 The Coast Survey Development Laboratory (CSDL) has developed techniques and software to create a digital, geo-referenced coastal map raster data layer. The data layer will be derived directly from the NOS nautical chart and contain the hydrography, topography and shoreline base information. Each coastal map data layer will be offered as a single GEOTIFF file for ease of transfer and use by the coastal stewardship community. Additionally, users can disseminate the coastal map files along with their data to their constituents. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/ctp/cm_vs.htm 20010801 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Columbia River classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for Columbia River. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200408 This product is an informational aid designed to assist communities in their efforts to reduce hazard vulnerability. Before communities can develop effective hazard mitigation strategies, they must first identify their hazard risks and assess their vulnerability to the impacts of those hazards. This CD-ROM includes a newly developed methodology for conducting a community-wide vulnerability assessment. The general methodology is included as a tutorial that steps the user through a process of analyzing physical, social, economic, and environmental vulnerability at the community level. The foundation for the methodology was established by the Heinz Center Panel on Risk, Vulnerability, and the True Cost of Hazards (1999). This data and information that is contained on the CD-ROM is also available online. This data and information can be accessed at this location: http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/nchaz/startup.htm http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/nchaz/startup.htm 20071010 This map shows composite diversity averaged between 4 data sets: RecFIN recreational hook and line, SCCWRP trawls, NMFS benthic trawls, and kelp diver surveys. Diversity (H') was calculated independently for each of the four large datasets on a total of 364 species using the Shannon index of diversity (Shannon and Weaver, 1949). Using ArcGIS, 5 x 5 minute grids were created and mean diversity was calculated for each grid cell containing data. To provide an overall map of diversity, results from the four datasets were combined. To standardize, gridded results from each dataset were divided into quintiles with 5 denoting the greatest diversity and 1 the least diversity. The standardized diversity was averaged where more than one diversity estimate was available for a cell. Standardization re-scales the results from all datasets to the same scale. This process can remove some differences that result from variable collection methods; however, it can also minimize actual differences between habitats. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula. ESI data identify the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200209 The data set is comprised of dual-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) observations collected continuously from several hundred ground-based stations. These stations are officially called Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS 20060625 The National CORS Map provides a map interface which allows the user to find and display CORS stations and access data associated with the points. NGS (National Geodetic Survey) coordinates a network of continuously operating reference stations (CORS) that provide Global Positioning System (GPS) carrier phase and code range measurements in support of 3-dimensional positioning activities throughout the United States and its territories. CORS Data - Enable centimeter-level positioning for points of interest - Enable decimeter-level positioning for moving points - Monitor crustal motion - Monitor moisture content for the lower atmosphere - Monitor electronic charge in the upper atmosphere http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ngsims/CORS 20070325 The United States Coast Pilot is a series of 9 nautical books that cover a wide variety of information important to navigators of U.S. coastal and intercoastal waters, and the waters of the Great Lakes. Most of this information cannot be shown graphically on the standard nautical charts and is not readily available elsewhere. The subjects of the Coast Pilot include, but are not limited to, channel descriptions, anchorages, bridge and cable clearances, currents, tide and water levels, prominent features, pilotage, towage, weather, ice conditions, wharf descriptions, dangers, routes, traffic separation schemes, small-craft facilities and federal regulations applicable to navigations http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/nsd/coastpilot.htm 20051212 Knowledge of the timing and strength of tidal currents is extremely important for safe navigation in coastal waters. Tidal currents are almost always the strongest current experienced by vessels operating offshore and for considerable distances inside bays and river estuaries. Standardized procedures exist for analyzing tidal current data to separate the tidal and nontidal parameters. The tidal parameters are used to produce the National Ocean Service Tidal Current Tables. There are currently 41 tidal current reference stations where daily predictions are made based on information obtained in short-term current studies. Additional predictions are made for 2200 locations referenced to these tidal current reference stations. Predictions have varying degrees of accuracy dependant on the age of the data, the length of the measurements and the degree of non tidal influence a given location experiences. A clear understanding of current patterns in ports and estuaries which have economical and commercial importance is vital to ensure safe navigation and help in preventing accidents. In ports where currents are dominated by non-tidal factors, real-time current measurements are preferred. http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports.html 20060415 The NOAA Coastal Services Center's Legislative Atlas is a regional geographic information system (GIS) that provides spatial data for state and federal coastal and ocean management laws and the jurisdictional boundaries of management agencies. There are a growing number of regional collaborations among federal, state, and local agencies to address coastal management issues that cut across existing political and jurisdictional boundaries. To support regional management efforts, the Coastal Services Center has developed geographic representations of key state and federal legislation and the jurisdictional boundaries of state and federal management agencies. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/legislativeatlas 20071010 This dataset consists of polygonal boundaries for U.S. Census Blocks within the Coastal Zone with 2000 Census data at the block level. A Census Block is a subdivision of a census tract. Census blocks are small areas bounded on all sides by visible features such as streets, roads, streams, and railroad tracks, and by invisible boundaries such as city, town, township, and county limits, property lines, and short, imaginary extensions of streets and roads. A block is the smallest geographic unit for which the Census Bureau tabulates 100-percent data. The Census Bureau established blocks covering the entire nation for the first time in 1990. Over 8 million blocks are identified for Census 2000. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/socioeconomics/welcome.html 20040423 This website enables interactive selection of a section of shoreline and provides downloading capabilities. ESRI's software was used to clean and edgematch datasets within a surveyed project area. These data provide a Geographic Information System data layer depicting an accurate high-resolution shoreline. These shoreline data depicts an interpreted shoreline, for example, the Mean High Water line or lake level at time of survey. The NGS's attribution scheme 'Coastal Cartographic Object Attribute Source Table (C-COAST) was developed to conform the attribution of various sources of shoreline data into one attribution catalog. C-COAST is not a recognized standard but was influenced by the International Hydrographic Organization's S-57 Object-Attribute standard so that the data would be more accurately translated into S-57. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/newsys_ims/shoreline/index.cfm 20010516 The project provides information that can be used in preliminary land use-based risk assessments for pesticides potentially used in the St. Johns River watershed, and for a broad suite of contaminant types in the lower Columbia River watershed of Oregon and Washington states, U.S.A. http://www.chbr.noaa.gov/easi 20060707 In 1985, NOAA launched the Estuarine Living Marine Resources (ELMR) Program to develop a consistent data base on the distribution, relative abundance, and life history characteristics of ecologically and economically important fishes and invertebrates in the Nation's estuaries. The Nationwide ELMR data base includes information for 153 species found in 122 estuaries and coastal embayments. Species are selected according to a set of criteria, which consider their commercial, recreational, and ecological value, as well as their utility as an indicator of environmental stress. The data base is divided into five study regions - West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and North Atlantic. For each species, five life stages are considered - adults, juveniles, larvae, spawning, and eggs - with some exceptions. Each estuary is subdivided into one to five salinity zones. Relative abundance is ranked by month for each life stage of each species, in each salinity zone of each estuary. The program utilized a consistent sampling strategy that enables comparisons to be made among species, specific life stages and times of year within, and to a lesser degree, among estuarine systems. In addition, a series of reports have been published which summarize the methods and results of the ELMR Program. These include a National report (2000), regional data summary reports for the North Atlantic (1994), Mid-Atlantic (1994), Southeast (1991), Gulf of Mexico (1992), and West Coast (1990), and regional life history summary reports for the West Coast (1991) and Gulf of Mexico (1997). Free copies of these reports are available upon request from the Biogeography Program (301-713-3028). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/estuaries/elmr.html 20051205 NOAA's Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENCs) have been developed to support the marine transportation infrastructure and coastal management. The NOAA ENCs are in S-57, a data standard developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to be used for the exchange of digital hydrographic data. NOAA ENCs can be used in Geographic Information Systems, (GIS) allowing for broader public access. Many GIS's, however cannot read an ENC's native S-57 format to address this problem. NOAA's ENC Direct to GIS web portal provides comprehensive access to display, query, and download all available large scale NOAA ENC data in a variety of GIS/CAD formats for non-navigational purposes using Internet mapping service technology. Nautical chart features contained within an NOAA ENC provide a detailed representation of the U.S. coastal and marine environment. This data includes coastal topography, bathymetry, landmarks, geographic place names and marine boundaries. Features in an NOAA ENC are limited in that they only represent the geographic region that is depicted in that particular NOAA ENC. By aggregating nautical features from all NOAA ENCs in the creation of GIS data, a contiguous depiction of the U.S coastal and marine environment is achieved. http://ocs-spatial.ncd.noaa.gov/encdirect/viewer.htm 20051206 The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) has been involved in the development of a NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart (NOAA ENC) suite to support the marine transportation infrastructure and coastal management for a number of years. The NOAA ENC will support all types of marine navigation by providing the official database for electronic charting systems (ECS), including the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). NOAA ENCs support real-time navigation as well as collision and grounding avoidance needs of the mariner, and accommodate a real-time tide and current display capability that is essential for large vessel navigation. NOAA ENCs will also provide fully integrated vector base maps for use in geographic information systems (GIS) that are used for coastal management or other purposes. The NOAA ENCs are in the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) S-57 international exchange format and comply with the ENC Product Specification. http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/index.htm 20071030 Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps are an integral component in oil-spill contingency planning and assessment. They serve as a source of information in the event of an oil spill incident. ESI maps are a product of the Hazardous Materials Response Division of the Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R). ESI maps contain three types of information: shoreline habitats (classified according to their sensitivity to oiling), human-use resources, and sensitive biological resources. Most often, this information is plotted on 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles, although in Alaska, USGS topographic maps at scales of 1:63,360 and 1:250,000 are used, and in other atlases, NOAA charts have been used as the base map. Collections of these maps, grouped by state or a logical geographic area, are published as ESI atlases. Digital data have been published for most of the U.S. shoreline, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 20060228 Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps are an integral component in oil-spill contingency planning and assessment. They serve as a source of information in the event of an oil spill incident. ESI maps are a product of the Hazardous Materials Response Division of the Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R). ESI maps contain three types of information: shoreline habitats (classified according to their sensitivity to oiling), human-use resources, and sensitive biological resources. Most often, this information is plotted on 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles, although in Alaska, USGS topographic maps at scales of 1:63,360 and 1:250,000 are used, and in other atlases, NOAA charts have been used as the base map. Collections of these maps, grouped by state or a logical geographic area, are published as ESI atlases. Digital data have been published for most of the U.S. shoreline, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 20060216 The vector shoreline data were originally derived from NOAA Nautical Charts using a process and software developed by the Coast Survey Development Laboratory, Cartographic & Geospatial Technology Program (CGTP). The product's target scale of 1:20,000 allows for applications at a higher spatial resolution that was not possible with the prior 1:80,000 digital shoreline. These derived vector shoreline data are provided in the shapefile format used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environments. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/ctp/cm_vs.htm; 20050301 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 The overarching goal of this collaboration was to provide the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) staff with information on biogeographic patterns within the Sanctuary. This specific project focused on the development of a plan to spatially and quantitatively characterize the fish communities in relatively shallow waters throughout the Sanctuary (<110 ft). This collaboration also included the initial implementation of that plan. The FGBNMS represents the northernmost tropical western Atlantic coral reef on the continental shelf and support the most highly developed offshore hard bank community in the region. The complexity of habitats supports a diverse assemblage of organisms including approximately 250 species of fish, 23 species of coral, and 80 species of algae in addition to large sponge communities. Understanding and monitoring these resources is critical to both sanctuary inventory and management activities. Monitoring of the biological communities has taken place at FGBNMS since the 1970s. This work has focused primarily on monitoring the benthos with video transects and photostations documenting transitions between coral, algae and sponge communities over time. Until relatively recently, little has been done to monitor or characterize the reef fish community. In 1994 the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) began surveys of the Sanctuary and utilized a combination of REEF personnel, volunteers, and Sanctuary staff to visually census reef fish populations via roving diver surveys. These surveys have been invaluable in terms of species list development and understanding the ranges of these species. Subsequently, a stationary point-count survey technique was utilized to begin to quantify community metrics such as species abundance and trophic structure at selected locations. These data provide an important starting point for characterizing the fish community; however, they are limited in scope of inference to small portions of the Sanctuary coral cap environment and are therefore difficult to utilize in developing population estimates at the scale of the Sanctuary. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/fgb_nms.html 20060714 The overarching goal of this collaboration was to provide the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) staff with information on biogeographic patterns within the Sanctuary. This specific project focused on the development of a plan to spatially and quantitatively characterize the fish communities in relatively shallow waters throughout the Sanctuary (<110 ft). This collaboration also included the initial implementation of that plan. The FGBNMS represents the northernmost tropical western Atlantic coral reef on the continental shelf and support the most highly developed offshore hard bank community in the region. The complexity of habitats supports a diverse assemblage of organisms including approximately 250 species of fish, 23 species of coral, and 80 species of algae in addition to large sponge communities. Understanding and monitoring these resources is critical to both sanctuary inventory and management activities. Monitoring of the biological communities has taken place at FGBNMS since the 1970s. This work has focused primarily on monitoring the benthos with video transects and photostations documenting transitions between coral, algae and sponge communities over time. Until relatively recently, little has been done to monitor or characterize the reef fish community. In 1994 the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) began surveys of the Sanctuary and utilized a combination of REEF personnel, volunteers, and Sanctuary staff to visually census reef fish populations via roving diver surveys. These surveys have been invaluable in terms of species list development and understanding the ranges of these species. Subsequently, a stationary point-count survey technique was utilized to begin to quantify community metrics such as species abundance and trophic structure at selected locations. These data provide an important starting point for characterizing the fish community; however, they are limited in scope of inference to small portions of the Sanctuary coral cap environment and are therefore difficult to utilize in developing population estimates at the scale of the Sanctuary. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/fgb_nms.html 20060714 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 The benthic habitats of the Florida Keys were mapped from a series of 450 aerial photographs. Ecologists outlined the boundaries of specific habitat types by interpreting color patterns on the photographs. Benthic habitats were classified into four major categories-corals, seagrasses, hardbottom, and bare substrate-and 24 subcategories, such as sparse seagrass and patch reef. Habitat boundaries were georeferenced and digitized to create computer maps. These digital data were then incorporated into a geographic information system for direct electronic mapping. http://flkeysbenthicmaps.noaa.gov/welcome.html 20030325 The bathymetry isobaths thematic layer is derived from digital elevation models using the best available soundings information. These Bathymetric Digital Elevation Models (DEM) were generated from original point soundings collected during hydrographic surveys conducted by the National Ocean Service and its predecessors. Mean High Water shoreline as defined by NOAA nautical charts was used as a constraining boundary and assigned its local elevation relative to the local datum (typically Mean Low Water). DEM grid values outside the shoreline (on land) were assigned null values (-32676). In the event of multiple surveys in a region, the most recent survey soundings were retained. Both 7.5 minute and 1 degree DEMs are available. The 1 degree DEMs were generated from the higher resolution 7.5 minute DEMs which covered the estuary. http://flkeysbenthicmaps.noaa.gov/welcome.html 19980801 This project is a cooperative effort between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, NOVA Southeastern University, the University of Miami, and the NOAA National Ocean Service’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and Special Projects Office. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multispectral color IKONOS commercial satellite imagery was purchased to support the National Ocean Service, Coral Reef Conservation Program’s coral mapping activities in southern Florida. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/fl_mapping.html 20061210 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of American Samoa, Guam and the Common Wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes thirteen zones. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 104 square kilometers of which 32.9 were unconsolidated sediment and 71.6 were coral reef and hard bottom. Of the coral reef and hard bottom class, 35.6% is colonized by greater than 10% coral cover. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20060415 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is digitized from the largest-scale raster nautical charts and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60, No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' "Import SHP File" utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for the Gulf coast of the United States are contained within a zipped file. Within the zipped file is a shapefile and a text file detailing the individual coordinates. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20070924 These data were automated to provide a suitable geographic information system (GIS) data layer depicting the historical shoreline for Hawaii. These data are derived from shoreline maps that were produced by the NOAA National Ocean Service including its predecessor agencies. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/shoreline/data.html 20071010 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to develop coral reef mapping methods and compare benthic habitat maps generated by photointerpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, hyperspectral and IKONOS satellite imagery. Twenty-seven distinct benthic habitat types within eleven zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 790 km^2. In all, 204 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 171 km^2 of submerged vegetation, and 415 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd/index.htm 20051206 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This data set contains vector arcs and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Hawaii classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for Hawaii. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200111 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 The Historical Map and Chart Collection of the Office of Coast Survey contains over 20000 historical maps and charts from the early 1650s through the late 1900s. These images are available for viewing or download through the image catalog at http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/csdl/ctp/abstract.htm The Collection includes some of the nation's earliest nautical charts, hydrographic surveys, topographic surveys, geodetic surveys, city plans and Civil War battle maps. The Collection is a rich primary historical archive and a testament to the artistry of copper plate engraving technology of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Notable offerings include maps of Vancouver's explorations, the "Wilkes Atlas" of the U.S. Whistler's Anacapa Island chart, an extensive Civil War collection, a large scale topographic series of Washington, D.C., city plans, the reengraving of the famous 1792 L'Enfant and Ellicott plan for Washington D.C., and many artistic perspective sketches that were once an integral part of hydrographic surveys and published charts. http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/csdl/ctp/abstract.htm 20010307 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is digitized from the largest-scale raster nautical charts and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60, No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' "Import SHP File" utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for Howland and Baker are contained within a zipped file. Within the zipped file is a shapefile and a text file detailing the individual coordinates. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20080403 A survey of the toxicity of sediments was performed by NOAA's National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program throughout the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. The objectives of the survey were to determine the spatial patterns of toxicity, the spatial scales (magnitude) of toxicity, the severity (frequency) of toxicity, and the relationships among measures of toxicity and chemical substances in the sediments. This survey was conducted as a part of a nationwide program supported by NOAA's Coastal Ocean Program and the NS&T Program, in which the biological effects of toxicants are determined in selected estuaries and bays. The survey was conducted in two phases: 117 samples were collected throughout the entire estuary during 1991 (Phase 1) and an additional 57 samples were collected in Newark Bay and vicinity during 1993 (Phase 2). Relatively sensitive toxicity tests were performed under controlled laboratory conditions with portions of each sample. During Phase 1, three independent tests were performed: (1) a 10-day, acute survival test of solid-phase sediments with the amphipod Ampelisca abdita; (2) a 48-hour liquid phase test of elutriates with the embryos of the bivalve Mulinia lateralis in which both percent survival and normal embryological development were recorded; and (3) a 15-minute microbial bioluminescence test (Microtoxtm) of organic solvent extracts. Only the amphipod tests were performed on the samples collected during Phase 2. Chemical analyses of selected samples were performed and the concentrations of trace elements, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated pesticides and other hydrocarbons were reported. Also, during Phase 2 the concentrations of numerous chlorinated dioxins and furans were determined. http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20071022 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats for the Hudson River, classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for the Hudson River. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the WETLANDS (Wetland Polygons) data layer, part of the larger Hudson River ESI database, for additional ESI information. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200604 The Historical Hurricane Tracks tool was developed by the NOAA Coastal Services Center. The interactive mapping application allows you to easily search and display more than 150 years of Atlantic Basin and more than 50 years of East/Central Pacific tropical cyclone data. New hurricane track data is added annually at the end of the hurricane season. http://hurricane.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/ 20071010 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has the statutory mandate to collect hydrographic data to support the compilation of nautical charts and for safe navigation and to provide basic data for engineering, scientific and other commercial and industrial activities. Hydrographic survey data consists primarily of water depths but also includes features (rocks, wrecks, etc.), navigation aids, shoreline and some bottom type information. Such data can also be used for storm surge modeling and fish habitat studies and support a variety of maritime functions such as port and harbor maintenance, coastal engineering, and coastal zone management. http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/hsd/hsd-2.html 20050314 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is digitized from the largest-scale raster nautical charts and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60, No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' "Import SHP File" utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for Jarvis Island are contained within a zipped file. Within the zipped file is a shapefile and a text file detailing the individual coordinates. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20080403 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is digitized from the largest-scale raster nautical charts and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60, No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' "Import SHP File" utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for Johnston Atoll are contained within a zipped file. Within the zipped file is a shapefile and a text file detailing the individual coordinates. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20080312 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to develop coral reef mapping methods and compare benthic habitat maps generated by photointerpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, hyperspectral and IKONOS satellite imagery. Twenty-seven distinct benthic habitat types within eleven zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 790 km^2. In all, 204 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 171 km^2 of submerged vegetation, and 415 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd/index.htm 20051206 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 These data were automated to provide a suitable geographic information system (GIS) data layer depicting the historical shoreline for Louisiana. These data are derived from shoreline maps that were produced by the NOAA National Ocean Service including its predecessor agencies. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/shoreline/data.html 20071010 The LiDAR Data Retrieval Tool (LDART) is an on-line Web-based application that the NOAA Coastal Services Center developed to allow its customers (and partners and employees) to select topographic LiDAR data from its collection. LDART allows users to customize their output data set. The user may interactively choose geographic boundaries, projections, horizontal and vertical datums, and output file formats. It is hoped that LDART can be used by coastal managers, coastal geologists, and the general public to generate custom elevation data sets for use in decision making, research, and for general information. Combination topography and bathymetry data collected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since 2004 for a narrow swath at the shoreline is also available. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071205 A survey of sediment toxicity was carried out by NOAA’s National Status and Trends Program in the coastal bays that surround Long Island Sound in New York and Connecticut. The survey objectives were to determine the spatial distribution and severity of toxicity, and to analyze the relationships between toxicity and chemical contamination in the sediments. Sediment samples from three stations in each of 20 coastal bays and one Long Island Sound site were tested for toxicity with three independent protocols: (1) a 10-day amphipod survival test of the whole, solid-phase sediments with Ampelisca abdita, (2) a 48-hour exposure of clam larvae, Mulinia lateralis, to sediment elutriates, with normal development and survival as the endpoints, and (3) a microbial bioluminescence test (MicrotoxR) using solvent extracts of the sediments. Separate samples from these same stations were analyzed chemically for a broad suite of potentially toxic contaminants, including heavy metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. Additional sediment samples were obtained from up to six additional stations in a few of the coastal bays; these samples were examined only for heavy metals contamination and the data are included in an appendix to this report. The survey results indicate that sediment toxicity is widespread in the coastal bays of Long Island Sound. Significant toxicity was indicated for the sediments from at least one of the stations in each of the 20 coastal bays sampled in this survey. Manhassett Bay, Oyster Bay, and Little Neck Bay, New York were the three most toxic bays, respectively, as indicated by the incidence of significant toxicity from the three tests on samples from three stations. Only 11 of the 60 stations showed no significant toxicity in any of the three tests. Branford Harbor and the Connecticut River were indicated as the least toxic bays by this approach. About one-fifth of the total area (79.1 km2) sampled within the 20 embayments was indicated as significantly toxic by all three tests (survival of amphipods and larval bivalves, and MicrotoxTM). http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20071019 This data set contains vector lines representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Louisiana classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for Louisiana. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200410 Apart from two 100 m test plots, mangrove restoration activities were conducted between 1999 and 2001. Each year, thousands of red mangrove propagules were planted in three large rectangular plots on the western side of Sugar Bay. In addition to those large plots, a fringe planting of propagules was conducted along much of the eastern shore of Sugar Bay. A small zone of black mangroves was also planted in 2001 although <1% survived long term. Detailed methods of restoration activities are available in Riley and Kent 1999 and SEA 2004. Restoration mangroves were not visible in the 2000 imagery due to the small size of individual seedlings. These plots were therefore delineated with the aid of GPS waypoints acquired by walking or kayaking around the perimeter of each plot. GPS positions were used as a guide to digitize the boundaries of the restoration areas and the results are presented. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/sari_cd/index.htm 20041216 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20051205 This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, diving birds, seabirds, passerine birds, and gulls and terns in Maryland. Vector polygons in this data set represent bird nesting, feeding, migratory staging, and wintering sites. Species-specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in relational data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer. This data set comprises a portion of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for Maryland. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the NESTS (Nest Points) data layer, part of the larger Maryland ESI database, for additional bird information. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200707 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to develop coral reef mapping methods and compare benthic habitat maps generated by photointerpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, hyperspectral and IKONOS satellite imagery. Twenty-seven distinct benthic habitat types within eleven zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 790 km^2. In all, 204 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 171 km^2 of submerged vegetation, and 415 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd/index.htm 20051206 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these official maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), OCS has developed improved techniques for generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is captured digitally and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile file using CARIS' Import SHP utility. These polyline shapefiles are contained within a zipped file. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/mbound.htm 20080403 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these official maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), OCS has developed improved techniques for generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is captured digitally and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile file using CARIS' Import SHP utility. These polyline shapefiles are contained within a zipped file. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/mbound.htm 20080312 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the 3 Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), OCS is developing improved techniques for generating more accurate, digital maritime boundaries. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, OCS will provide NOAA cartographers and the public with the latest vector representations of these boundaries. In our effort to create digital boundaries, OCS is digitizing shoreline from the largest scale, raster nautical charts. This low water line is used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Once the boundaries are created, they are exported to a shapefile file using CARIS' Import SHP utility. These polyline shapefiles are contained within a zipped file. This site allows the user to access zipped shapefiles of the Three Nautical Mile Line (previously the territorial sea), Territorial Sea (12 naut. mi.), and Contiguous Zone (24 naut. mi.) as represented on NOAA's nautical charts. To access the current EEZ data, please go to http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/mbound.htm 20070918 Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a method of locating objects on the ground using aerial-borne equipment. It is similar to RADAR or SONAR in that the two-way travel time of an energy beam reflected off an object is precisely measured, but this technology uses laser light instead of radio or sound waves. This technology has proven very useful in remote sensing of the earth. It can be used for determining elevations of both the earth's surface and items (natural and man-made) on the surface. Analysis of LIDAR data is used in detailed modeling of the earth's surface for drainage and floodplain studies, determining how a new structure will affect views from various locations, shoreline erosion studies, and other reasons. The Bare Earth Mass Points are point elevations that represent the "bare earth." Features that are above the ground - such as buildings, bridges, tree tops, etc. - have been eliminated. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20070815 NOAA's Medium Resolution Digital Vector Shoreline is a high-quality, Geographic Information System-ready, general-use digital vector data set created by the Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) Division of NOAA's Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment. The Medium Resolution Digital Vector Shoreline is now managed by the NOS Special Projects Office. Compiled from hundreds of NOAA coast charts, this product comprises over 75,000 nautical miles of coastline (nearly 2.5 million vectices), representing the entire coterminous United States of America. Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico, and all other interests and territories of the United States are not included in the collection. http://coastalgeospatial.noaa.gov/shoreline.html 20070529 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to incorporate previously developed mapping methods to produce coral reef habitat maps for the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands. GPS field observations were used to establish the thematic accuracy of this thematic product. 638 benthic habitat characterizations were completed in UTM Zone 4 for this work. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to incorporate previously developed mapping methods to produce coral reef habitat maps for the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands. GPS field observations were used to establish the thematic accuracy of this thematic product. 39 benthic habitat characterizations were completed in UTM Zone 5 for this work. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to incorporate previously developed mapping methods to produce benthic habitat maps generated by photo interpreting georeferenced IKONOS satellite imagery. These point data were generated to conduct ground validation during map preparation. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to incorporate previously developed mapping methods to produce benthic habitat maps generated by photo interpreting georeferenced IKONOS satellite imagery. These point data were generated to conduct ground validation during map preparation. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This image represents a 1 meter resolution backscatter mosaic of the Abrir La Sierra Bank off the coast of western Puerto Rico, collected using a Kongsberg EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in the U.S. Caribbean from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 multibeam echosounder (95 kHz) and with a moon pool-mounted Reson 8124 multibeam echosounder (200 kHz). It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The backscatter component of the bathymetry data were geometrically and radiometrically corrected using Geocoder 3.0 software. Acoustic backscatter mosaics are ostensibly an important piece of information when characterizing surficial seafloor features and delineating benthic habitats. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This image represents a 1 meter resolution backscatter mosaic of the Abrir La Sierra Bank off the coast of western Puerto Rico, collected using a SeaBat Reson 8124 (200 kHz) multibeam echosounder. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in the U.S. Caribbean from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 multibeam echosounder (95 kHz) and with a moon pool-mounted Reson 8124 multibeam echosounder (200 kHz). It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The backscatter component of the bathymetry data were geometrically and radiometrically corrected using Geocoder 3.0 software. Acoustic backscatter mosaics are ostensibly an important piece of information when characterizing surficial seafloor features and delineating benthic habitats. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 Executive Order 13158 mandates that the U.S. Departments of Commerce and the Interior "publish and maintain a list of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that meet the definition of MPA for the purposes of this order." To provide this information, an inventory of existing U.S. Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) is being developed. The inventory will support the development of the "list of MPA's" called for in the Executive Order 13158. Digital boundary files for the MMAs have been compiled from various agencies and formatted for use in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce a thematic series of maps for the Marine Managed Areas Inventory Atlas. This atlas is designed to enhance the understanding of the spatial relationships among the sites in the MMA Inventory. The Inventory will be used to inform federal agencies and all interested parties of the location of sites. It will help scientists and managers examine the design effectiveness of the current system of managed areas and determine which habitats are in need of improved or additional protection measures. http://www.mpa.gov 20050216 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to develop coral reef mapping methods and compare benthic habitat maps generated by photointerpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, hyperspectral and IKONOS satellite imagery. Twenty-seven distinct benthic habitat types within eleven zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 790 km^2. In all, 204 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 171 km^2 of submerged vegetation, and 415 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd/index.htm 20051206 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 10 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Isla De Mona in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid representing the rugosity of a 10 m bathymetric grid for selected portions of seafloor around Isla De Mona in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. Rugosity is defined as the ratio of surface area to planar area and is used as a measure of benthic terrain complexity or "roughness". Rugosity values near 1 represent flat, smooth terrain, while higher values reflect increasing rugosity or terrain roughness. For rugosity grid interpretation, it is recommended that the grid be reclassified according to standard deviation divisions. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using the XYZ to raster tool. The Benthic Terrain Modeller (BTM) tool, a collection of ArcGIS terrain visualization tools developed by the Oregon State University (OSU) Department of Geosciences and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, was used to calculate the rugosity of that bathymetric grid. More information on the specific algorithms used can be found in the BTM's documentation. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 3 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Isla De Mona in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains an ESRI Grid with 5 meter cell size representing the bathymetry of selected portions of seafloor around Isla De Mona in Puerto Rico, derived from data collected in 2007. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This georeferenced RGB image represents 3 meter resolution bathymetry of Isla De Mona, Puerto Rico. This image is also vertically exaggerated by a factor of 1, and sun illuminated where the azimuth = 350 degrees and angle = 40 degrees. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 multibeam echosounder (95 kHz). Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE image surface based on swath angle. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This georeferenced RGB image represents 5 meter resolution bathymetry of Isla De Mona, Puerto Rico. This image is also vertically exaggerated by a factor of 1, and sun illuminated where the azimuth = 80 degrees and angle = 40 degrees. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 multibeam echosounder (95 kHz). Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE image surface based on swath angle. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This georeferenced RGB image represents 5 meter resolution bathymetry of Isla De Mona, Puerto Rico. This image is also vertically exaggerated by a factor of 1, and sun illuminated where the azimuth = 350 degrees and angle = 40 degrees. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 multibeam echosounder (95 kHz). Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE image surface based on swath angle. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains a comma-delimited ASCII XYZ text file with easting, northing, and depth in meters values for the bathymetry of Isla De Mona, Puerto Rico. XYZ values are derived from a 3 m resolution gridding process. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 This dataset contains a comma-delimited ASCII XYZ text file with easting, northing, and depth in meters values for the bathymetry of Isla De Mona, Puerto Rico. XYZ values are derived from a 5 m resolution gridding process. NOAA's NOS/NCCOS/CCMA Biogeography Team, in collaboration with NOAA vessel Nancy Foster and territory, federal, and private sector partners, acquired multibeam bathymetry data in Puerto Rico from 4/14/07 to 4/24/07. Data was acquired with a hull-mounted Kongsberg Simrad EM 1002 (95 kHz) multibeam echosounder. It was processed by a NOAA contractor using CARIS HIPS software. Data has all correctors applied (attitude, sound velocity) and has been reduced to mean lower low water (MLLW) using final approved tides and zoning from NOAA COOPS. Data is in UTM zone 19 north, datum NAD83. The processed CARIS data was used to generate a CARIS BASE surface based on swath angle. An ASCII XYZ file was exported from the BASE surface and opened in ESRI ArcMap 9.x using an XYZ to raster tool. The project was conducted to meet IHO Order 1 and 2 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/usvi_nps/overview.html 20071029 Pre- and post-hurricane Katrina LiDAR datasets of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties, MS, were merged into a seamless coverage by URS. The pre-Katrina LiDAR data was collected by EarthData International at a 5-meter posting density during the period of February 25 to March 30, 2005. Woolpert and USACE collected the post-Katrina LiDAR data. Woolpert acquired 1-meter posting density data of Coastal Mississippi between the dates of September 19 and October 9, 2005. USACE collected 1-meter posting density LiDAR of the Mississippi barrier islands over the same time period. Each dataset was clipped at the approximate location of the debris line. Data south of the debris line was removed from the Mississippi LiDAR dataset. Data north of the debris line was removed from the post-Katrina LiDAR dataset. The post-Katrina LIDAR dataset was then imported into the seamless Mississippi LiDAR dataset creating a merged seamless coverage. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20070815 The MWANALYTE data file reports the trace concentrations of a suite of chemical contaminants in marine sediment and bivalve tissue samples collected from all U.S. coastal regions since 1986. The sediment and tissue samples were analyzed for major and trace elements and suite of organic chemical constituents, including butlytins, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides. The MWANALYTE file is constructed as a vertical formatted table. http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20040920 The NBID is a quantitative database on abundances of individual benthic species by sample and study region, along with other synoptically measured environmental variables. http://www.nbi.noaa.gov 20031009 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of American Samoa, Guam and the Common Wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes thirteen zones. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 45.2 square kilometers of which 4.4 were unconsolidated sediment and 40.9 were coral reef and hard bottom. Of the coral reef and hard bottom class, 59.9% is colonized by greater than 10% coral cover. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20060415 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of New Hampshire classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for New Hampshire. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200403 This data contains a set of geodetic control stations maintained by the National Geodetic Survey. Each geodetic control station in this dataset has either a precise Latitude/Longitude used for horizontal control or a precise Orthometric Height used for vertical control, or both. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) serves as the Nation's depository for geodetic data. The NGS distributes geodetic data worldwide to a variety of users. These geodetic data include the final results of geodetic surveys, software programs to format, compute, verify, and adjust original survey observations or to convert values from one geodetic datum to another, and publications that describe how to obtain and use Geodetic Data products and services. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/datasheet.prl 20060715 The NGS Survey Control Map provides a map of the US which allows you to find and display geodetic survey control points stored in the database of the National Geodetic Survey and access the geodetic control data sheets associated with the points. Data sheets are in ASCII format and show precise latitude and longitude, orthometric heights, and gravity data for individual survey control points. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ims/NgsMap2 20060715 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to develop coral reef mapping methods and compare benthic habitat maps generated by photointerpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, hyperspectral and IKONOS satellite imagery. Twenty-seven distinct benthic habitat types within eleven zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 790 km^2. In all, 204 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 171 km^2 of submerged vegetation, and 415 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd/index.htm 20051206 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions LLC, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. The enhanced spectral resolution of multispectral imagery and control of bandwidths of multispectral data yield an advantage over color aerial photography particularly when coral health and time series analysis of coral reef community structure are of interest. The IKONOS and Quickbird imagery was processed to minimize atmospheric and water column effects. Photointerpreters can accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor using a software interface such as the Habitat Digitizer. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 An estuary, as well as the people who live within its boundaries, is affected daily by changes in weather, oceanographic, and river conditions. The physical changes within many estuaries are monitored in real-time by NOAA and other federal, state, and educational observing networks. Future short-term changes in weather and river conditions are forecasted by NOAA numerical prediction models. In addition, NOAA is developing the capability to forecast oceanographic conditions in estuaries and the coastal ocean. To provide forecast model developers and the coastal community easy and centralized access to online, real-time physical meteorological, oceanographic, river, and air/water quality information, the Coast Survey Development Laboratory (CSDL) has developed a spatially-referenced Web portal. In addition to providing observation data, the Web portal also provides NOAA forecasts for major estuaries, seaports, and adjacent coastal regions as well as the Great Lakes. The portal, nowCOAST, was constructed using ESRI's off-the-shelf GIS software, ArcIMS. NowCoast contains links to a variety of outside sources. The ownership of the web sites to which the portal is linked will be clearly visible and retained by them, while the integrity of the nowCoast Web portal connection will be maintained by CSDL. Presently, the portal provides links to oceanographic and/or weather observations: NOS Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) and National Water Level Observation Network stations, National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) fixed buoys and C-MAN stations, National Weather Service's Interactive Weather Information Network, the Federal Aviation Administration's Automated Surface Observing System sites, the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring for Public Access Community Tracking (EMPACT) stations, as well as non-federal government run stations, NWS NEXRAD reflectivities; river observations: United States Geological Survey (USGS) river gages, INFLOWS stations; river forecast guidance: National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers (RFC); and weather and oceanographic forecasts: individual products of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Marine Prediction Center, National Weather Service (NWS) coastal Weather Forecast Offices, National Ocean Service (NOS) estuarine forecast models, and National Weather Service (NWS) Extra-Tropical Storm-Surge Model. http://nowcoast.noaa.gov 20060415 The Papaha-naumokua-kea Marine National Monument (NWHI-MNM) was designated by Presidential Proclamation 8031, June 15th 2006. The legal boundaries for the NWHI-MNM are defined within the Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 122 / Monday, June 26, 2006 / Presidential Documents pages 36454 - 36475. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for the NWHI-MNM are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20070905 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Northwest Arctic, Alaska classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for Northwest Arctic, Alaska. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200208 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats for the North Slope of Alaska classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for North Slope, Alaska. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200506 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to develop coral reef mapping methods and compare benthic habitat maps generated by photointerpreting georeferenced color aerial photography, hyperspectral and IKONOS satellite imagery. Twenty-seven distinct benthic habitat types within eleven zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 790 km^2. In all, 204 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 171 km^2 of submerged vegetation, and 415 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd/index.htm 20051205 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS and Quick Bird satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was tested and implemented in this work. It integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes fourteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/hawaii_cd_07/welcome.html 20080210 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, this maritime limit has been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, the EEZ is applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes, OCS is developing improved techniques for generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, OCS will provide NOAA cartographers and the public with the latest vector representations of these boundaries. Digital limits of the EEZ for the United States are contained within a zipped file listed by region. Within each zipped file, there are two sets of files 1) a dbase IV or tab-delimited text file containing points representing the outer boundary and 2) a shapefile representing the points as a single polyline. Both the current edition and these files may be superseded by the publication of a new chart edition. These files may or may not be current. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20070919 NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is responsible for generating the Three Nautical Mile Line, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Traditionally, these maritime limits have been generated by hand from the low water line depicted on paper, U.S. nautical charts. Upon final approval by the U.S. Baseline Committee, these legally-binding maritime limits are applied to the next edition of nautical charts produced by the Marine Chart Division of OCS. Due to new cartographic production processes and the availability of digital products such as Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is generating more accurate, digital maritime limits. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as CARIS' LOTS and ESRI's ArcGIS, the latest vector representations of these limits will be available to NOAA cartographers and the public. To create digital limits, the charted low water line is digitized from the largest-scale raster nautical charts and used as input to CARIS' LOTS: Limits and Boundaries software for the designation of a baseline. Other parts of the EEZ include maritime boundary agreements and/or unilateral claims as noted in Federal Register Notice, Volume 60, No. 163, Wednesday August 23, 1995. Once the limits are created, they are exported to a shapefile using CARIS' "Import SHP File" utility. Digital limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for the West Coast of the United States are contained within a zipped file. Within the zipped file is a shapefile and a text file detailing the individual coordinates. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm 20071116 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of Palau by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was used in this work. The scheme integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes thirteen zones. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/palau/welcome.html 20070611 The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) is tasked with the coral mapping element of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF) under the authority of Executive Order 13089. NOS is responsible for coral reef mapping in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands, and the U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States of the Pacific. Space Imaging, Inc (SI) and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC (ALH) has produced GIS-compatible benthic habitat digital maps of the Republic of Palau using the classification scheme defined by NOAA. The map products produced through this project include baseline data of U.S. coral reefs, location of coral reef boundaries and overall coral reef cover, and the geomorphologic structure in and around coral reef systems. Maps include the 9 major and 23 detailed biological cover types, 4 major and 14 detailed geomorphological structure types, and 15 mutually exclusive zones specified in NOAA's hierarchical classification manual for coastal waters of the Republic of Palau. Benthic habitats are delineated from the coastline to water depths of 30 meters in GIS using manual interpretation techniques. NOAA utilizes IKONOS Multispectral (MSI) Satellite Imagery from Space Imaging, Inc., consisting of both newly acquired and archived imagery. The imagery consists of 1m panchromatic and 4m MSI with a horizontal accuracy of at least 5m CE95 at 1:4,800 National Map Accuracy Standard (NMAS). Once the imagery is processed, NOAA will use ALH's hand-digitize GIS approach to produce the benthic habitat maps at a minimum mapping unit of one acre, as well as NOAA's preferred random stratified accuracy assessment method. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/palau/welcome.html 20070702 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to map the coral reef habitats of Palau by visual interpretation and manual delineation of IKONOS satellite imagery. A two tiered habitat classification system was used in this work. The scheme integrates geomorphologic reef structure and biological cover into a single scheme and subsets each into detail. It also includes thirteen zones. This shapefile was created from the shoreline digitized during this process. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/palau/welcome.html 20070627 The database provides information on prescribed amounts, levels detected in aquatic environments, chemical structure, molecular weight, octanol-water partition coefficients, water solubility, environmental persistence, general toxicity information and specific toxicity levels to five groups of organisms (algae, mollusks, finfish, crustaceans, and select terrestrial animals). http://www.chbr.noaa.gov/peiar 20060707 One of the primary missions of the National Ocean Service (NOS) and its predecessor agencies has been to accurately survey the coast of the United States. Beginning in the late 1930's, metric aerial photographs have become the primary source material for coastal survey maps and digital cartographic feature files. Photographic surveys replaced plane table field surveys because they could be completed faster and less expensively. The vertical aerial photographs which are shot and maintained by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), are used for a variety of geo-positioning application including shoreline delineation, mapping water depths, topographic mapping, mapping seabed characteristics, and locating features or obstructions to ensure the safety of marine and air navigation. NGS's area of photogrammetric responsibilities includes all coastal regions, including the Great Lakes and their connecting navigable waterways. This represents approximately 95,000 miles of shoreline. NGS maintains a library of all vertical aerial photographic surveys of the coast dating back to 1945. There are currently over 500,000 photographs in the library with 15,000 additional photographs being acquired each year. All photographs are available to the public for purchase. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/PC_PROD/Catalog/aerial_photos.htm 20030422 This data set comprises the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for Prince William Sound, Alaska. ESI data characterize estuarine environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. This data set contains the Environmental Sensitivity Index shoreline data. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200011 This data set describes the potential threat of sediment delivery and land-based sources of pollution to benthic habitats. This dataset is derived from NOAA's study, the Benthic Habitats of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Benthic Habitats data is the result of a cooperative effort between NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, and the National Geophysical Data Center, to produce benthic habitat maps and georeferenced imagery for Puerto Rico. This project was conducted in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/benthic/index.htm 20060810 Puerto Rico relative erosion rate by land cover type (2000) http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/summit_sea.html 20060810 This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Branch (BB) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BB work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BB has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BB is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BB is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/reef_fish.html 200703 This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Branch (BB) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BB work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BB has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BB is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BB is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/reef_fish.html 20060714 Puerto Rico soil erodibility (Kffactor) - low values indicate low vulnerability to erosion, higher values mean higher susceptibility to runoff. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/summit_sea.html 20060810 Habitat maps of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were created by visual interpretation of aerial photographs using the Habitat Digitizer Extension. Aerial photographs are valuable tools for natural resource managers and researchers since they provide an excellent record of the location and extent of habitats. However, spatial distortions in aerial photographs due to such factors as camera angle, lens characteristics, and relief displacement must be accounted for during analysis to prevent incorrect measurements of area, distance, and other spatial parameters. These distortions of scale within an image can be removed through orthorectification. During orthorectification, digital scans of aerial photos are subjected to algorithms that eliminate each source of spatial distortion. The result is a georeferenced digital mosaic of several photographs with uniform scale throughout the mosaic. Features near land are generally georeferenced with greater accuracy while the accuracy of features away from land is generally not as good. Where no land is in the original photographic frame only kinematic GPS locations and image tie points were used to georeference the images. After the orthorectified mosaics were created, photointerpreters were able to accurately and reliably delineate boundaries of features in the imagery as they appear on the computer monitor. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/benthic/index.htm 20050823 Aerial photographs were acquired for the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Benthic Mapping Project in 1999 by NOAA Aircraft Operation Centers aircraft and National Geodetic Survey cameras and personnel. Approximately 600, color, 9 by 9 inch photos were taken of the coastal waters of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at 1:48000 scale. Specific sun angle and maximum percent cloud cover restrictions were adhered to when possible during photography missions to ensure collection of high quality imagery for the purpose of benthic mapping. Prints and diapositives were created from the original negatives. Diapositives were then scanned at a resolution of 500 dpi using a metric scanner, yielding 2.4 by 2.4 meter pixels for the 1:48000 scale photography. All scans were saved in TIF format for the purposes of orthorectification and photointerpretation. Original TIF's were also converted to *.jpg format to reduce file size and facilitate web-based image distribution. Images are currently available in jpeg format for download at 72, 150, and 500 dpi resolution. Historical images are available for some locations. http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/biogeo_public/aerial/search.aspx 20051205 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the United States Geological Survey, the National Park Service, and the National Geophysical Data Center, to produce benthic habitat maps and georeferenced imagery for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This project was conducted in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. Twenty-one distinct benthic habitat types within eight zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 1600 km^2. In all, 49 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 721 km^2 of submerged vegetation, 73 km^2 of mangroves, and 756 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/benthic/index.htm 20051219 Bathymetry for Puget Sound was derived from eighty-eight surveys containing 930,967 soundings. There were thirty-nine older, overlapping, less accurate surveys that were either partially or entirely omitted. The average separation between soundings was 53 meters. The surveys used dated from 1934 to 1982 with the majority falling between 1934 and 1943. The total range of soundings for the surveys used was 3.0 to -295.1 meters at mean low water. Mean high water values between 1.5 and 3.4 meters were assigned to the shoreline. Forty points were found that were not consistent with the surrounding data. These were removed prior to tinning. DEM grid values outside the shoreline (on land) were assigned null values (-32676). Puget Sound has sixty-seven 7.5 minute DEMs and three one degree DEMs. The 1 degree DEMs were generated from the higher resolution 7.5 minute DEMs which covered the estuary. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) contains a series of elevations ordered from south to north with the order of the columns from west to east. The DEM is formatted as one ASCII header record (A- record), followed by a series of profile records (B- records) each of which include a short B-record header followed by a series of ASCII integer elevations (typically in units of 1 centimeter) per each profile. The last physical record of the DEM is an accuracy record (C-record). The 7.5-minute DEM (30- by 30-m data spacing) is cast on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection. It provides coverage in 7.5- by 7.5-minute blocks. Each product provides the same coverage as a standard USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle but the DEM contains over edge data. Coverage is available for many estuaries of the contiguous United States but is not complete. http://estuarinebathymetry.noaa.gov 20060731 This data set comprises the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) and Reach Sensitivity Index (RSI) data for Puerto Rico. ESI data characterize estuarine environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. Most rivers and streams can be readily subdivided into clear-cut segments, or reaches (RSI), that have very distinct and uniform characteristics within that reach of the stream. The definition of reach type is usually based on whatever the intended use of the reach classification might be. In this project, stream reaches are defined as those segments where similar spill-response modes and potential ecological and/or socioeconomic impacts from the spill are to be anticipated. However defined, the boundary of the reach is usually marked by an abrupt change in the morphology of the stream, a change commonly, but not always, brought about by an alteration in the stream's gradient. This data set contains the ESI shoreline data and the RSI river and stream data. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200106 This image represents a LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) intensity mosaic (mean 5 meter gridded) from the shoreline of southwestern Puerto Rico to about 50 meters in depth. Reflectivity was calculated for each sounding as the ratio of returned energy to transmitted energy, normalized for losses in a single wavelength (green/blue 532nm). The numerical values for the relative reflectivity are scaled logarithmically to an 8-bit integer range 0 - 255 The Tenix LADS Corporation (TLI) acquired bathymetric LIDAR for NOAA from 4/07/2006 to 5/15/2006. Data was acquired with a LADS (Laser Airborne Depth Sounder) Mk II Airborne System from altitudes between 1,200 and 2,200ft at ground speeds between 140 and 175 knots. The 900 Hertz Nd: YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser (1064 nm) acquired 4x4 meter spot spacing and 200% seabed coverage. In total, 265 square nautical miles of LiDAR were collected between -50 m (topographic) and up to 70 m (depth), requiring a total of 102 flight hours (134 hours, including flight time to and from San Juan airport). Environmental factors such as wind strength and direction, cloud cover, and water clarity influenced the area of data acquisition on a daily basis. The data was processed using the LADS Mk II Ground System and data visualization, quality control and final products were created using CARIS HIPS and SIPS 6.1 and CARIS BASE Editor 2.1 The project was conducted to meet the IHO (International Hydrograph Organization) Order 1 accuracy standards, dependant on the project area and depth. All users should individually evaluate the suitability of this data according to their own needs and standards. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/lidar_pr/welcome.html 20071214 The Personal Income By Major Source and Earnings by Industry data (1969-2000) has been derived from County Level data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income is the sum of wage and salary disbursements, rental income with capital consumption adjustment, personal dividend income, personal interest income, and transfer payments, less personal contribution for social insurance. All data files are referenced to NOAA's Coastal Assessment Framework (CAF). The data are available for four distinct spatial aggregations: county, state, NOAA's Coastal Watershed, and USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/socioeconomics/welcome.html 20060415 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200203 NOAA, National Ocean Service, Office of Coast Survey, Marine Chart Division is responsible to build and maintain a suite of more than 1000 nautical charts that are used by commercial and recreational mariners to navigate the United States and U. S. territory waters safely. A Nautical Chart is a graphic portrayal of the marine environment. They are used to lay out courses and navigate ships by the shortest and most economically safe route. They can also serve as base maps for resource management and shoreline development planning by state and local government. Charts depict the location of the shoreline, minimum water depths, aids to navigation, hazards to navigation, the nature and form of the coast, water depths, the general character and configuration of the sea bottom, the rise and fall of the tides, protected areas, and the characteristics of the Earth's magnetism. The suite of charts is compiled and maintained with data provided by federal, state, and private partners such as the National Ocean Service elements, United States Coast Guard, United States Army Corps of Engineers, United States Power Squadron Auxiliary, Port Authorities. The charts are currently available as Lithographically printed paper charts, Electronic Raster Nautical Charts (RNCs), up-to-date paper charts (printed with print on demand technology), and are now offered as Digital Vector Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC). The NOAA RNCs are electronic images of the NOAA paper charts. The NOAA RNCs were productized with a successful Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with private sector partner BSB Electronic Charts, a subsidiary of Maptech, Inc. Andover, Massachusetts. As of November 1, 2005 the NOAA RNC's are available for free download via the NOAA website. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/Index.htm 20071023 Habitat maps were created as part of a larger ecological assessment conducted by NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), Biogeography Program, for Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve (National Park Service). Aerial photographs were obtained for 2000 from the National Geodetic Survey, and were orthorectified by the Biogeography Program. A classification scheme was set up with 20 benthic habitat types, 19 land cover types, and 13 mangrove habitat types. These habitats were mapped directly into a GIS system through visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/sari_cd/index.htm 20051216 Aerial photographs taken by NOAA's National Geodetic Survey during 2000 were mosaicked and orthorectified by the Biogeography Program. The resulting image was used to digitize benthic, land cover and mangrove habitat maps of the Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve (National Park Service), on St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The mosaic is centered on the National Park Service Site, located on the north central coast of St. Croix, and extends beyond the park boundaries approximately 3.3 km to the east and west, and between 0.5 - 1.2 km to the north and south. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/sari_cd/index.htm 20051216 Habitat maps were created as part of a larger ecological assessment conducted by NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), Biogeography Program, for Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve (National Park Service). Aerial photographs were obtained for 2000 from the National Geodetic Survey, and were orthorectified by the Biogeography Program. A classification scheme was set up with 20 benthic habitat types, 19 land cover types, and 13 mangrove habitat types. For this map of seagrass and mangrove habitats during 1992 only the 3 seagrass, and 14 mangrove classification categories were used. These were mapped directly into a GIS system through visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/sari_cd/index.htm 20060415 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 LiDAR data collection was performed utilizing a Leica ALS-50 sensor, collecting multiple return x, y, and z data as well as intensity data. LiDAR data was processed to achieve a bare ground surface, and was delivered in LAS format. Classified LAS data was also used as a base for collection of hydro features, delivered in MicroStation v8 format. This data was collected in: 1. Jasper County, SC from 20061227 to 20070216 2. Colleton County, SC from 20070216 to 20070323 http://www.csc.noaa.gov/ldart 20071114 This multi-agency effort was initiated by two offices in NOAA, The National Ocean Service's Special Projects Office and the Damage Assessment Center, for the purpose of estimating the market and nonmarket values of recreation uses of Southern California Beaches, beach visitation, the effect of beach attributes, substitution issues, and profiles of beach users on values. The project will result in a system to use this information to estimate values for any beach in the region. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/SCBeach/welcome.html 20041014 In fall 2001, researchers from the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the NOAA Coastal Services Center conducted a project to map benthic habitats in the York and Webhannet rivers in southern Maine. The team completed two weeks of fieldwork in September 2001, collecting sediment profile images at 382 stations and sediment grab samples at 93 stations. This data set represents the sediment grain size and organic content information gathered from grab sampling. http://www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/northeast/wells.htm 20040809 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats of Southeast Alaska classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI for Southeast Alaska. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200206 The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is currently updating and revising the management plans for each of its 13 sanctuaries. This process, which is open to the public, enables each site to revisit the reasons for sanctuary designation and assess whether they are meeting their goals, as well as to set new goals consistent with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Issues raised by the public during this process are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether they will be incorporated into the updated plan. Many of these issues focus on topics such as the implementation of marine zoning or sanctuary boundary adjustments, both of which require information on the distribution of resources within and around the sanctuary. Recognizing this, NMSP and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) formalized an agreement to collaborate in the revision process by developing such information through a series of biogeographic assessments conducted in selected sanctuaries. The resulting products are then supplied to sanctuary managers and staff for use in the policy and decision making process. This collaborative effort began along the west coast of the U.S. with the Cordell Bank, Gulf of Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries, and is herein centered on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 The Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN) is an integrated, long-term program that takes an ecosystem approach to identify and understand changes to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There are more than forty institutions and organizations in the greater Monterey Bay area that are currently examining various aspects of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Marine research conducted in the sanctuary includes long-term monitoring programs that are essential to furthering our understanding, and to determining the health, of the marine ecosystem. SIMoN enables researchers to monitor the sanctuary effectively by integrating the existing monitoring programs and identifying gaps in information. By avoiding duplication of these programs, resources can be more effectively directed towards surveying and characterizing habitats, assessing the impact of natural processes or human activities on specific resources, and long-term monitoring. Finally, SIMoN serves to make the monitoring data available to managers, decision makers, the research community, and the general public. Current projects, maps and graphs, and educational information are organized by subject on the website. In addition, three interactive maps are available which allow users to visualize, analyze and extract spatial data. The SIMoN Standard Viewer provides a wide variety of GIS data layers of various themes and focus. This viewer is useful for comparing spatial data from a wide variety of scientific disciplines. The SIMoN Water Quality Viewer provides GIS data layers relevant to water quality issues in and around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Finally the R/V McArthur II Research Cruise Viewer provides GIS data layers and links to video clips and images obtained from the April, 2004 McArthur II survey conducted in the Monterey Bay, Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries. http://www.mbnms-simon.org 20060421 The foundation of this study was based on a sediment quality triad (SQT) approach with a probabilistic sampling design, which characterized the estuary in terms of chemical contamination in sediment, sediment toxicity (MicroTox, amphipod assays; sea urchin assay; and P450 HRGS) and benthic infauna community structure. Where possible, published guidelines were used to compare observed values with sediment quality guidelines for chemical contaminants for example Threshold Effects Level (TEL) and Probable Effects Level (PEL) values of MacDonald (1994, MacDonald et al. 1996). Concurrent and subsequent investigations were conducted to further elucidation of cause-effect relationships and are reported as ancillary studies in this report or sited elsewhere. These additional investigations included 1) assessment of chemical contaminant burdens in fish tissue; Comet assay; acetyl cholinesterase activity in fish and shrimp; endocrine disruption in fish; characterization of contaminants in the nepheloid layer and sediment traps; survey for emerging contaminants of concern (alkyl phenols, polybrominated diphenylethers, perfluoro compounds and pesticides) in sediment and water; assessment of oyster biomarkers to describe the nature and severity of the copper problem. Finally, a thematic website and data portal was developed to manage and disseminate nation-wide data on contamination, toxicity, benthic faunal distribution, and fish histopathology (St. Lucie Estuary data were used as a prototype). This is an ongoing effort to provide ready access to data. The web site address is: http://NSandT.noaa.gov http://nsandt.noaa.gov 20060816 Water level records are a combination of the fluctuations of the ocean and the vertical land motion at the location of the station. Monthly mean sea level (MSL) variations were analyzed for 117 stations of the National Ocean Service's (NOS) National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) having between 25 and 146 years of data. The sea level variations determined are the linear trend, the average seasonal cycle, and the interannual variability at each station. Monthly data up to the end of 1999 were used in the calculation and all stations had data spanning a period of 25 years or more. Since the derived trends include the local vertical land motion, they are spatially variable. Calculated MSL trends range from 9.85 mm/yr for Grand Isle, LA to -16.68 mm/yr for Skagway AK, and are consistent with previous trends published by NOS. Available data from this project include time series plots for each station of the monthly MSL with the seasonal cycle removed, a 5-month average, and the linear trend with its 95% confidence interval which was obtained after accounting for the average seasonal cycle; the seasonal cycle; the Interannual variation of mean sea level for all data to 1999; and the Interannual variation from 1980 to the present (updated monthly). The location and timing of any major earthquakes near stations in tectonically-active areas are noted since an associated vertical offset or a change in MSL trend is possible. http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends.shtml 20060415 CORE has the lead role in all socioeconomic aspects of the process to establish marine reserves in National Marine Sanctuaries. CORE's role in the marine reserve process includes providing background socioeconomic information to establish a socioeconomic framework for the study area, collecting data needed to analyze impacts from reserve alternatives, assisting working groups in designing reserve alternatives, and providing objective analyses of reserve alternatives being considered. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/reserves/welcome.html 20041026 The Historical Incidents database contains reports and images from oil and chemical spills that occurred between 1968 and 2002. The database includes reports on incidents to which NOAA responded, as well as some significant incidents in which NOAA was not involved. The database includes mainly U.S. incidents, but also significant incidents that occurred elsewhere. Generally, it includes incidents that occurred either in navigable waters (including large freshwater bodies such as the U.S. Great Lakes) or in coastal waters, but does not include inland incidents. http://old.incidentnews.gov/incidents/history.htm 20051013 The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is currently updating and revising the management plans for each of its 13 sanctuaries. This process, which is open to the public, enables each site to revisit the reasons for sanctuary designation and assess whether they are meeting their goals, as well as to set new goals consistent with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Issues raised by the public during this process are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether they will be incorporated into the updated plan. Many of these issues focus on topics such as the implementation of marine zoning or sanctuary boundary adjustments, both of which require information on the distribution of resources within and around the sanctuary. Recognizing this, NMSP and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) formalized an agreement to collaborate in the revision process by developing such information through a series of biogeographic assessments conducted in selected sanctuaries. The resulting products are then supplied to sanctuary managers and staff for use in the policy and decision making process. This collaborative effort began along the west coast of the U.S. with the Cordell Bank, Gulf of Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries, and is herein centered on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 The NOAA/ NASA AVHRR Oceans Pathfinder sea surface temperature data are derived from the 5-channel Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometers (AVHRR) on board the NOAA -7, -9, -11, -14, -16 and -17 polar orbiting satellites. Daily, 8-day and monthly averaged data for both the ascending pass (daytime) and descending pass (nighttime) are available on equal-angle grids of 8192 pixels/360 degrees (nominally referred to as the 4km resolution, 4096 pixels/360 degrees (nominally referred to as the 9km resolution), 2048 pixels/360 degrees (nominally referred to as the 18km resolution), and 720 pixels/360 degrees (nominally referred to as the 54km resolution or 0.5 degree resolution). The monthly averaged daytime data was converted to an ESRI GRID format and the 12 monthly grid files were combined into one annual grid with a attribute field for each month. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060124 This dataset consists of polygonal boundaries for U.S. States with 2000 Block Group level data at the state level . http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/socioeconomics/welcome.html 20040413 This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrate (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Branch (BB) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BB work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BB has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BB is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BB is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/reef_fish.html 20060714 This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Team (BT) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BT work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BT has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BT is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BT is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/reef_fish.html 20060714 Data were collected by the SHOALS-1000T (Scanning Hydrographic Operational Airborne Lidar Survey) system which consists of an airborne laser transmitter/receiver with a 1kHz. bathymetric laser and a 10 kHz topographic laser. Over 24,000 digital still frame photographs were taken simultaneously to LIDAR acquisition. Latitude and longitude were captured and logged with each photograph. Latitude and longitude were extracted from the photo log file and converted to a point file. http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/research/mapping 20060531 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the United States Geological Survey, the National Park Service, and the National Geophysical Data Center, to produce benthic habitat maps and georeferenced imagery for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This project was conducted in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. Twenty-one distinct benthic habitat types within eight zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 1600 km^2. In all, 49 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 721 km^2 of submerged vegetation, 73 km^2 of mangroves, and 756 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/benthic/index.htm 20051219 This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the United States Geological Survey, the National Park Service, and the National Geophysical Data Center, to produce benthic habitat maps and georeferenced imagery for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This project was conducted in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. Twenty-one distinct benthic habitat types within eight zones were mapped directly into a GIS system using visual interpretation of orthorectified aerial photographs. Benthic features were mapped that covered an area of 1600 km^2. In all, 49 km^2 of unconsolidated sediment, 721 km^2 of submerged vegetation, 73 km^2 of mangroves, and 756 km^2 of coral reef and colonized hardbottom were mapped. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/benthic/index.htm 20051219 In this joint demonstration project for the Tampa Bay region, NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have merged NOAA bathymetric and USGS topographic data sets into a hybrid digital elevation model (DEM) with all data initially referenced to the ellipsoid, but transformable to any of 28 orthometric, 3-D, or tidal datums. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/bathytopo/ 20041018 The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages a system of sanctuaries and other managed areas around the country. The legal boundaries of These sanctuaries are defined within the Code of Federal Regulations, at 15 C.F.R. Part 922 and the subparts for each national marine sanctuary. The GIS compatible digital boundary files for each national marine sanctuary are representations of those legal boundaries and are based on the best available data. These files are available for public use at locations defined in this metadata record. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/imast_gis.html 20060317 The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is currently updating and revising the management plans for each of its 13 sanctuaries. This process, which is open to the public, enables each site to revisit the reasons for sanctuary designation and assess whether they are meeting their goals, as well as to set new goals consistent with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Issues raised by the public during this process are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether they will be incorporated into the updated plan. Many of these issues focus on topics such as the implementation of marine zoning or sanctuary boundary adjustments, both of which require information on the distribution of resources within and around the sanctuary. Recognizing this, NMSP and NOAAs National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) formalized an agreement to collaborate in the revision process by developing such information through a series of biogeographic assessments conducted in selected sanctuaries. The resulting products are then supplied to sanctuary managers and staff for use in the policy and decision making process. This collaborative effort began along the west coast of the U.S. with the Cordell Bank, Gulf of Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries, and is herein centered on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/chanisl_nms.html 20060120 IKONOS imagery was purchased to support the Pacific Islands Geographic Information System (GIS) project and the National Ocean Service's (NOS) coral mapping activities. One-meter panchromatic and four-meter multi-spectral data were purchased for each study area. A digital vector shoreline was manually digitized from the one-meter panchromatic imagery to provide accurate, up-to-date shoreline data. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/us_pac_terr/index.htm 20051219 The Time Series Demographic Statistics information (TSDS) (1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000) has been derived from Census Block Group Data common to all four-decadal censuses. TSDS information covers the following general areas, population, age, structures, racial and ethnic composition, income distributions, employment, educational attainment, and residential mobility. All data files are referenced to NOAA's Coastal Assessment Framework. The data are available for five distinct spatial aggregations: Census Block Group, County, State, NOAA's Coastal Watershed, and USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Cataloging Unit. http://marineeconomics.noaa.gov/socioeconomics/welcome.html 20040312 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 In 2006 and 2007 the NOAA Coastal Services Center purchased services to process existing digital multi-spectral imagery (ADS-40) and create digital benthic habitat data from this imagery for selected Texas coastal bend bays. The Center worked cooperatively with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas A&M University Center for Coastal Studies to develop benthic habitat data, primarily Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) for several coastal bays. This data will support the state's recently adopted Seagrass Monitoring Program which calls for regional mapping of SAV for status and trends assessment. The Center, Texas A&M, and TPWD have coordinated on the requirements of this project. http://csc.noaa.gov/benthic/data/gulf/bend.htm 20070823 NOS coastal survey maps (often called t-sheet or tp-sheet maps) are special use planimetric or topographic maps that precisely define the shoreline and alongshore natural and man-made features, such as rocks, bulkheads, jetties, piers, and ramps. These maps typically range in scale from 1:5,000 to 1:40,000. The first shoreline survey was completed in 1834. Since the early 1800's, over 12,000 coastal survey maps have been constructed. These maps permanently reside within the offices of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). http://geodesy.noaa.gov 20041027 The vector shoreline data were originally derived from NOAA Nautical Charts using a process and software developed by the Coast Survey Development Laboratory, Cartographic & Geospatial Technology Program (CGTP). The products' target scale of 1:20,000 allows for applications at a higher spatial resolution that was not possible with the prior 1:80,000 digital shoreline. The derived vector shoreline data are provided in the shapefile format used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environments. http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/ctp/cm_vs.htm 20050301 This data set contains vector lines and polygons representing the shoreline and coastal habitats for Virginia, classified according to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) classification system. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for Virginia. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the WETLANDS (Wetland Polygons) data layer, part of the larger Virginia ESI database, for additional coastal habitat information. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi 200512 The West Coast of North America Data Atlas was the fourth in a set of hardcopy atlases, published by NOAA's strategic assessment program during the late 1980's, covering the major coastal areas of the nation. This series is part of a national program characterizing potential conflicts among users of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and adjacent coastal areas. The goal of the strategic assessment program is to communicate this information to decision makers and public and private institutions involved in resource-use issues. Two preliminary volumes covering the study area region from the Bering Sea south to the Gulf of California were published. The Marine Mammal volume presents information on the spatial and temporal distributions of 33 species. The Invertebrate and Fish volume contains 66 species. A map, description, vertical profile, and scale drawing are provided for each species. The map shows important areas by life stage, abundance, time period, and commercial and recreational use. The description is a written summary of scientific knowledge on topics such as life history attributes and catch statistics. For the digital atlas, all 99 species were included in the digitized geographic files. These individual files were merged into one large shapefile containing life stage, season, and abundance data. This shapefile is designed for use with an ArcView 3.x tool that allows the species to be queried and analyzed by theme. Separate shapefiles for each species as well as descriptive information are also available. http://westcoastatlas.noaa.gov 20030320 Protection and restoration of coastal watersheds requires the synthesis of complex environmental issues. Contaminated site remediation, dredging and disposal of contaminated sediments, and restoring injured habitats are a few of the challenges facing coastal managers. The evaluation of multiple environmental issues can be significantly improved by combining scientific data and watershed characteristics into a Geographic Information System (GIS). NOAA's Coastal Protection and Restoration Division (CPRD) has developed decision-support tools for specific watersheds around the country that combine the use of a standard database structure, database-mapping application, and GIS. CPRD Watershed Database & Mapping Projects facilitate sediment and tissue chemistry and bioeffects data, natural resources, and potential habitat restoration projects to be overlaid on a watershed's features and land uses, and displayed on maps at flexible spatial scales. This approach simplifies data analysis and presentation, provides valuable tools for complex decision-making, and improves our understanding of dynamic aquatic ecosystems. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/cpr/watershed/watershedtools.html 20030324