GIS / Remote Sensing

In order to manage the complex issues affecting the nation's MPAs, managers often turn to technology for help in understanding and analyzing the resources and environments of their MPAs. MPA managers and scientists are increasingly using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing to map and analyze the resources under their jurisdiction.

A geographic information system is a computer system capable of capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data that describe the geography of a particular place. More simply put, GIS combines layers of information about a place to give you a better understanding of that place. What layers of information you combine depends on your purpose. GIS is an important tool in planning and decision-making processes.
Remote sensing is the science of gathering information at a distance, and it provides a descriptive, analytical way to identify geographic features. Remotely sensed data can include aerial photographs, satellite imagery, acoustic data, and radar imagery. The use of remotely sensed data is increasing thanks to recent advancements in GIS and image processing capabilities. Information that previously was available only to large organizations is now suitable for most desktop computers and is used by all branches of government and the private and nonprofit sector.

In an effort to document existing GIS decision-support tools to aid MPA managers, the MPA Center and the NOAA Coastal Services Center compiled an "Inventory of GIS-Based Decision-Support Tools for MPAs." The report focuses on GIS tools with the highest utility for MPA processes. Each tool summary includes a description of what the tool does, the data and software needed to run it, and contact information. In addition, several tools are highlighted in greater detail, providing examples of how they have been used in MPA zoning and monitoring activities. The inventory is intended as a living document and will be updated to include new tools on a regular basis.

For more information on the NOAA Coastal Services Center’s GIS Integration and Development Program, go to http://www.csc.noaa.gov/id/. For information about the NOAA Coastal Services Center’s Coastal Remote Sensing Program, visit http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/.