Fluctuations in Distribution of a Salish-Sea Eelgrass Meadow Over Time and Space
Presentation Abstract
This presentation will provide methods used to map distributions of eelgrass over time at large and fine scale using ESRI ArcGIS 3D software combined with temporal visualization techniques and Story Maps to facilitate making data accessible to a larger audience.
The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve uses geospatial technologies in collection, analysis and visualization of its environmental monitoring data. A two-tiered spatial scale eelgrass (Zostera japonica and Zostera marina) monitoring program tracks large scale variability of the intertidal habitats in both time and space on a bay wide scale, as well as fine scale temporal and spatial variation of vegetative characteristics (density, percent cover, and height) annually along three 4-km transects. Aerial photo interpretation, combined with on the ground field data, are used to map distribution bay-wide in 2004 and in 2015, and difference maps between years show where the greatest changes have taken place. The fine scale transect data are visualized using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) animation to look for patterns and relationships, as well as, to identify anomalous events, and use as a visual data screening tool. Collectively, these geospatial visualization tools provide a compelling and captivating means of communicating environmental monitoring data to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.
Session Title
Mapping and Data
Conference Track
Salish Sea Snapshots
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Snapshot
Genre/Form
presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Eelgrass--Monitoring--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Ecological mapping--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Geospatial data--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Subjects – Names (LCNAF)
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Agency : U.S.)
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Fluctuations in Distribution of a Salish-Sea Eelgrass Meadow Over Time and Space
2016SSEC
This presentation will provide methods used to map distributions of eelgrass over time at large and fine scale using ESRI ArcGIS 3D software combined with temporal visualization techniques and Story Maps to facilitate making data accessible to a larger audience.
The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve uses geospatial technologies in collection, analysis and visualization of its environmental monitoring data. A two-tiered spatial scale eelgrass (Zostera japonica and Zostera marina) monitoring program tracks large scale variability of the intertidal habitats in both time and space on a bay wide scale, as well as fine scale temporal and spatial variation of vegetative characteristics (density, percent cover, and height) annually along three 4-km transects. Aerial photo interpretation, combined with on the ground field data, are used to map distribution bay-wide in 2004 and in 2015, and difference maps between years show where the greatest changes have taken place. The fine scale transect data are visualized using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) animation to look for patterns and relationships, as well as, to identify anomalous events, and use as a visual data screening tool. Collectively, these geospatial visualization tools provide a compelling and captivating means of communicating environmental monitoring data to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.
