gis-iap-esripug2013 oil spill sensitivity mapping

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The world’s leading sustainability consultancy

Oil Spill Response PlanningCoastal and Marine Environmental Sensitivity Mapping


Simon Ross

8th May 2013

ESRI PUG Conference


Overview

Understanding Environmental Sensitivities

■ What are they?

■ Why do we map them?

Environmental Sensitivity Mapping Process

Lessons Learned and Future Developments


What Are Environmental Sensitivities?

IMO/IPIECA Definition

Resources, habitats, sites or activities are considered

sensitive to oil spills because they are:

1. of environmental, economic, or cultural importance;

2. at risk of coming in contact with spilled oil; and

3. likely to be affected once oiled or affected by the oil even without

direct contact.

(Michel, Christopherson and Whiple, 1994).


Why Map Environmental Sensitivities?

Sensitivity mapping enables:

■ Most sensitive sites/resources to be identified

■ Priorities for spill response and clean up to be defined

Successful sensitivity mapping informs the development of:

■ Oil spill response strategy and contingency plans

■ Waste management strategies

■ Response equipment deployment

■ Response maps and databases


1. Define the Study Area

2. Identify Data Sources

3. Collect Information

4. Assess Sensitivity

5. Apply Results

Source: IMO/IPIECA

ESM – A staged approach


ESM: 1. Define the Study Area

http://gomex.erma.noaa.gov/erma.html (Map Data © Google 2012)

http://gomex.erma.noaa.gov/erma.html


ESM: 2. Identify Data Sources

+ logistical/ operational features

1. Characterize Study Area

• What are the potential sensitivities?

• What team of specialists is required?

2. Existing Data Review

• Existing sensitivity maps

• Public and Commercial databases

• Remote Sensing

• Field Survey

3. Data Collection Strategy

• Prioritize data collection –cost/benefit

• Agree strategy with project stakeholders


ESM: 2. Identify Data Sources – Data Strategy

Category Feature Data Type

Gap

Exi

sts

Exi

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IS D

ata

Lit

erat

ure

Rev

iew

Rem

ote

Sen

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In-C

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Work Phase

Basemap Satellite Imagery/Aerial Photos raster Y Y Y Phase 1 - Public Desktop

Basemap Topographic Maps raster Y Y Y Phase 2 - Desktop

Basemap Nautical Charts raster/vector Y Y Phase 1 - Public Desktop

Basemap Elevation raster Y Y Phase 1 - Public Desktop

Basemap Bathymetry raster/line Y Y Phase 1 - Public Desktop

Socio-economic

Administrative boundaries (i.e. states,

provinces etc. - including

demographic data)

polygon Y Y Y Phase 1 - Public Desktop

Socio-economicSettlements (towns, cities, villages -

including population numbers )point Y Y Y Y Phase 2 - Desktop

Socio-economicLand Transport (roads - primary,

secondary, tertiary; rail)line Y Y Y Phase 2 - Desktop

Socio-economicFerry and Shipping Routes (location

and intensity)line/raster Y Y Phase 2 - Desktop

Socio-economicCoastal Infrastructure (ports, jetties,

quays, water intakes, outfalls etc.)point Y Y Y Y Y Phase 3 - Field Survey

Socio-economicAirports and Helipads (including

runway length and capacitypoint/line Y Y Y Y Y Phase 3 - Field Survey

Onshore EnvironmentProtected Areas (designated or

planned)polygon Y Y Y Phase 1 - Public Desktop

Data Gap Closure


ESM: 3. Collect Information

1. Needs Assessment

• What will geographic data be used for?

• How do stakeholders need to access GIS data?

2. System Design

• Data storage format and location

• Data model

• GIS data standards

• QA/QC protocols

3. Collect Data

• Follow data collection strategy and system design

• Track progress


ESM: 3. Existing ESMs


ESM: 3. Remote Sensing: Regional


ESM: 3. Remote Sensing: Detailed

http://gomex.erma.noaa.gov/erma.html (Map Data © Google 2012)

http://gomex.erma.noaa.gov/erma.html


ESM: 4. Assess Sensitivity

Map resources with respect to sensitivity to spill

■ Sensitivity criteria will vary by location/environment/project

■ Existing international guidelines define maps not methods

■ Standard symbology

■ High/Medium/Low etc. requires definition

Stakeholder engagement is critical to assessing sensitivity


ESM: 4. Assess Sensitivity- Shoreline

Well defined International Guidelines (IMO/IPIECA from NOAA)


ESM: 4. Assess Sensitivity- Resources


ESM: 5. Share and Apply Results

GIS provides an alternative to traditional maps:

Ensure most current data is used

Interactive map viewing at all required scales

Integrated data update and editing

Print custom maps on demand


ESM: 5. Share and Apply Results – Web GIS


ESM: Lessons Learned

Continuous Stakeholder Engagement required for:

■ Data collection activities

■ Sensitivity classification

■ Map and GIS system design

Definition of GIS data standards is critical for:

■ Managing data from multiple sources or providers

■ Maintaining quality control

■ Long-term management and update

Keep GIS systems simple:

■ Define critical functions

■ Make interfaces intuitive

■ Ensure high performance


ESM: Conclusions

Maintaining ESMs on a GIS platform ensures:

■ Users always have the most recent information

■ Data can be transferred to other systems

■ Central tracking of data and quality

■ Easily scalable to manage during incident

System configuration transferrable to other projects:

■ Globally consistent platform for operator

■ Maintain local responsibility for data

■ Reduce organizational training and development costs

■ Reuse data for other projects

gis-iap-esripug2013 oil spill sensitivity mapping

Documents

sensitivity maps map

environmental characteristics

data collection

data sources3

map data google

oil spill response strategy

mapping analysis

geographic data needs