GIS Development

Available spatial data relevant to coastal issues is being compiled into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database covering the entire coastal region of California. This database should assist coastal managers, planners and engineers in developing optimal strategies to realize environmental and economic benefits within their region and across California. The GIS database will serve as the central depository of geo-referenced sediment management data, providing a basis for analytical tasks conducted during Sediment Master Plandevelopment and implementation of priority projects.

Spatial information is and will be available through our Spatial Data Website. This web-based mapping tool is intended to provide easy access to our spatial library by all stakeholders, regardless of their GIS expertise or application. Users can view the GIS information using the Spatial Data Website's browser, and download information for further analyses. A list of spatial data layers is also maintained through the Coastal References Database tool and requests for specific layers can be made while visiting that support tool.

Project tasks completed to date include identifying and gathering available data from other sources, compiling the spatial data into the database, re-projecting some data layers as and if needed to maintain consistency with our reference coastal data layer, and minor data quality improvements to help various data layers "match up" with each other. The reader is cautioned that since data layers were compiled from other sources, CSMW makes no assurances regarding the accuracy of the data and is not responsible for effects stemming from the use of these data layers.

All data gathered and collected from other components of the Sediment Master Plan study will be integrated into the GIS. For example, each of the Coastal RSM Plans under development have a GIS data layer component, with the Plan sponsors charged with obtaining relevant GIS data layers that can be incorporated into CSMWs existing GIS database.