Benthic Habitat Data
Benthic habitat data provide information on the types of aquatic habitats present in an area and their extent, spatial distribution, and character. This information is essential for establishing conservation areas, developing management strategies, assessing estuary health, managing shellfish harvesting, and identifying resources at risk from various natural and anthropogenic stressors such as dredging and nonpoint runoff.
High-Resolution Elevation Data
Elevation is a primary data consideration for management activities in the coastal zone, including conservation. Elevation data at high resolutions and accuracies, whether for land or seafloor surfaces, can be particularly useful for delineating land uses or habitats, especially transition zones, and understanding where water will move in the event of inundation. This information can then be examined in relation to other factors and potential stressors across the landscape and seascape, illuminating critical areas that may need to be protected or conserved.
Land Cover Data
Land cover maps depict where and how much of a region is covered by forests, wetlands, development, and other natural and man-made features. Comparing maps from different years is a good way to document changes and alert communities to emerging trends, information that is useful when predicting impacts caused by changes and assessing their cumulative effects.
