COASTAL MAPPING, ANALYSIS, RESEARCH and TECHNOLOGY (CMART)

Mapping the sea floor using remote sensing tools developed and deployed by the Sea Floor Mapping Group (SFMG) is the first step in developing an interpretation of the complex environment that we are trying to understand.  We have developed a methodology for delivering data to researchers desktops for interpretation and assessment using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and analysis tools.  Desktop GIS tools provide access to a knowledge base which allows scientists, policy makers, and managers, as well as the general public, to make decisions related to the appropriate use of our marine realms.   These desktop GIS tools also bring data to the World Wide Web (WWW) data delivery system and to CD-ROM based publications for archive and distribution.

CD-ROM publications focus on regional mapping projects such as the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary program.  Each survey is carried out by bringing equipment and researchers to the scene to collect and interpret data on-site,   building "real-time" geologic databases of the information as it is assembled and published on CD-ROM.   A CD-ROM jukebox is used in conjunction with the ArcView Internet Map Server (IMS) to provide users access to multi-theme resources to build their own derivative maps from the information in a geographic context at a user specified scale.   Final products are distributed by the National Mapping Divisions (NMD) EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, SD after inclusion in the Global Land Information System (GLIS).

For more information, please contact:
Bill Danforth, bdanforth@usgs.gov, or Chris Polloni, cpolloni@usgs.gov
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/staffpages/cpolloni

U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Field Center
384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
Telephone: (508) 457-2280