Ecosystem Characterization

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This focus area involves students in mapping, analysis, and visualization of data and information required for CMSP. Research efforts include:


  • Legacy data compilation
  • Geospatial data model development
  • Geospatial analysis and descriptive and prescriptive modeling
  • New remote sensing data acquisitions that involve field verification studies and development of classification algorithms


Focus Area-specific Goals:
  • Training students working in this focus area in the development of geospatial databases, geospatial analysis, mapping techniques, and remote sensing through work on specific problems in our partner NERRS and the FGBMS.
  • Providing research problems that require students working in the geospatial sciences to work with students and researchers in policy, economics, and ecosystem sciences to accomplish objectives.
  • Developing content for a certification course, webinars, or tutorials that will provide all NOAA-ECSC students with an understanding of proper data management and introduce students to tools and technologies for geospatial data management, mapping and analysis to apply in their projects.
  • Encouraging and assisting ECSC students to present geospatial research findings and products at NOAA or professional meetings and to submit their written findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

A portion of the Galveston Island Geohazards Map which includes geospatial modeling of sea-level rise and shoreline change for projecting where future critical environments will develop during the next 60 years. This work is being conducted at TAMU-CC/HRI (J. Gibeaut) and will be expanded to NOAA-ECSC study sites.


Classification maps for AISA hyperspectral imagery, derived using algorithms for (A) phytoplankton chlorophyll and (B) above-ground marsh plant biomass at Sapelo Island NERR produced with 2006 data; (C) a pre-oil exposure vegetation condition baseline map of salt marsh vegetation at Grand Bay NERR prepared from an ECSC-AISA flyover in early May, 2010; and (D) distribution and estimated canopy height stands for invasive Black Mangrove within the Mission-Aransas NERR.


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