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Project Goal

The Spatial Analysis Branch (SAB) of the National Wetlands Research Center – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has used geospatial technologies and in particular G.I.S., in many innovative and creative ways. In the last three years, NWRCs SAB has produced over 4,000 maps and numerous spatial databases for scientists, resource managers and the public through the 56 plus ongoing or completed science projects with partners and collaborators. Over 20 GIS/geospatial classes are taught per year by staff, including 4 classes for ARC/GIS in 2005. The major GIS projects of SAB for the past three years include monitoring wetland changes (1956-present) for the Gulf of Mexico region, developing GIS based decision support systems and models to assess the benefits/impacts of restoration alternatives on landscape – level functions, and developing Internet Mapping Systems for use by decisonmakers, resource managers, and public for the Gulf of Mexico region. Lastly, GIS had an integral role in assisting USGS’s response to Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

Scientists and geographers from SAB used GIS for assisting in search and rescue efforts, monitoring daily progress of floodwater recession addressing environmental issues such as location of hazardous materials and other debris, and developing long term recovery plans.

Development Team Biography

Dr. Jimmy Johnston, Director, Spatial Analysis Branch (SAB), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC), Lafayette, LA
Steve Hartley, Senior Geographer, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Lafayette, LA
John Barras, Senior Geographer, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Baton Rouge, LA
Bill Jones, Senior Geographer, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Lafayette, LA
Craig Conzelmann, Physical Scientist, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Baton Rouge, LA
Bill Sleavin, Programmer, International American Products (IAP), SAB, USGS, NWRC, Baton Rouge, La
Scott Wilson, Engineer, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Lafayette, LA
Chris Cretini, Forester, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Lafayette, LA
Clint Padgett, Oceanographer, SAB, USGS, NWRC, New Orleans, LA
Helena Schaefer, Geographer, SAB, USGS, NWRC, Lafayette, LA
Sumani Chimmula, Programmer, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Kathryn Smith, Ecologist, SAB, USGS, NWRC, St. Petersburg, FL
Yvonne Allen, Geographer SAB, USGS, NWRC, Gulf Breeze, FL
Pete Bourgeois, Senior Geographer SAB, USGS, NWRC, Gulf Breeze, FL