Coral Reefs: GIS Example

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographically referenced data by using digitized maps. I was a little confused on what kinds of companies would use this type of system, so I searched for an example. I found a coral reef company that used a GIS in order to determine a selection for MPA’s (Marine Protected Areas). The GIS was based on a variety of factors that enhance resilience to coral bleaching.

You can view a series of GIS maps that they used by clicking on the link http://www.reefresilience.org/pdf/coral_gis.pdf. Each screen shows an added factor that helped them determine the MPA. The factors include biodiversity value, physical factors, strong coral recruitment, and connectivity. All the data was combined and overlaid in order to enable managers to identify sites with the greatest potential to survive a bleaching event.