Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Atlas, Gulf of Mexico, Upper Coast of Texas PDFs 1996, Louisiana 2003, Mississippi 2009, Alabama 2007, Florida 1995-2003 maps and geographic information systems data (NODC Accession 0064870)

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Atlas, Gulf of Mexico, Upper Coast of Texas PDFs 1996, Louisiana 2003, Mississippi 2009, Alabama 2007, Florida 1995-2003 maps and geographic information systems data (NODC Accession 0064870)
Abstract:
The most widely used approach to sensitive environment mapping in the U.S. is NOAA's Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). This approach systematically compiles information in standard formats for coastal shoreline sensitivity, biological resources, and human-use resources. ESI maps are useful for identifying sensitive resources before a spill occurs so that protection priorities can be established and cleanup strategies designed in advance. Using ESIs in spill response and planning reduces the environmental consequences of the spill and cleanup efforts. This data product includes data presented as GIS project files, MOSS files, extensive metadata and documentation, and .PDF maps for non-GIS users. ESI MAPS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR NAVIGATION. These files comprise modifications and additions to earlier releases of ESI atlases developed for the Gulf of Mexico region which are also archived at the NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) under separate NODC accession numbers - Gulf of Mexico (Alabama 2007, Louisiana 2003, Mississippi 1997) under NODC accession number 0036821, and Florida 1995-997 under NODC accession number 0014187. The PDF maps included on this release for the upper Texas coast are also available as an earlier product filed under NODC accession number 0046089. Each included state has detailed metadata and additional documentation included with the data and data layers. This release for the Gulf of Mexico ESI atlas was produced in May 2010. Specifically, it includes 1. New ESI data for Mississippi published in hard copy format in December, 2009, 2. Modifications to data layers in the Louisiana GIS data, 3. Adds the Florida ESI Geodatabase and PDFs to the DVD, and replaces the ESI, ESIP, hydro, and Hydrol data layers with updated shoreline data collected in 2003. 4. Upper coast Texas PDFs were included on this DVD release.
Supplemental_Information:
The metadata record is a collection-level record for the data contained on the DVD product. Users are encouraged to review specific metadata records developed and included by the principal investigators for each individual state to obtain specific information on data sources and processing steps.

Resource Description: NODC accession number 0064870

  1. How might this data set be cited?
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Emergency Response Division, 201005, Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Atlas, Gulf of Mexico, Upper Coast of Texas PDFs 1996, Louisiana 2003, Mississippi 2009, Alabama 2007, Florida 1995-2003 maps and geographic information systems data (NODC Accession 0064870): Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Atlas Gulf of Mexico, Upper Coast of Texas PDFs 1996, Louisiana 2003, Mississippi 2009, Alabama 2007, Florida 1995-2003 maps and geographic information systems data, NOAA National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Emergency Response Division, Seattle, Washington.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    This ESI atlas updates and consolidates data previously released on individual ESI atlases for the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. Data are available form the NOS Office of Response and Restoration and are also archived at the NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center. The product includes files for both GIS and non-GIS users.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -97.00
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -80.026
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.875
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 24.446
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 1950Beginning_Time: Unknown
    Ending_Date: 2009Ending_Time: Unknown
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: GIS DVD atlas product
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    This project was supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Hazardous Materials Response Division, Seattle, Washington in partnership with Federal, state and local agencies for individual states.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    NOS Office of Response and Response and Restoration, Office of Response and Restoration
    Lead Tech Information Specialist
    7600 Sand Point Way, N.E.
    Seattle, WA
    U.S.A.

    206-526-6400 (voice)
    206-526-6329 (FAX)
    john.kaperick@noaa.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Pacific time
    Contact_Instructions:
    Phone/Fax or e-mail the NOS Office of Response and Restoration, or see NOS/ORR website for atlas orders

Why was the data set created?

The ESI data were collected, mapped, and digitized to provide environmental data for oil spill planning and response. The Clean Water Act with amendments by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requires response plans for immediate and effective protection of sensitive resources.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: Unknown (process 1 of 1)
    Processes used to develop individual data layers vary depending on the data type presented. In general, for the ESI (Shoreline Types layers and polygon layer), depending on the type of source data, four general approaches are used for compiling the data layer: (1) hardcopy maps are digitized at their source scale; (2) digital data layers are evaluated and used 'as is' or integrated with the other data sources; (3) overflight classifications are digitized from the scanned and registered hardcopy field maps; and/or (4) classifications are interpreted from oblique GPS-referenced photography or video taken during overflights. After the initial shoreline classifications, these data are edgematched and checked for logical consistency errors. Review maps are plotted at 1:24,000 scale for verification of polygonal and linear attributes. See the Lineage section for additional information on the type of source data for this data layer. The compiled ESI, biology, and human-use data are plotted onto hardcopy draft maps. Following the delivery of draft maps to the participating resource experts, a second set of interviews is conducted to review the maps. If necessary, edits to the ESI data layer are made based on the recommendations of the resource experts, and final hardcopy maps and digital data are created. Please see the Process_Description section of specific metadata records for each state for more information. Person who carried out this activity:
    NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
    Attn: Jill Petersen
    GIS Manager
    7600 Sand Point Way, NE
    Seattle, WA
    U.S.A.

    206-526-6944 (voice)
    206-526-9329 (FAX)
    Jill.Petersen@noaa.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 9-5PM Pacific Time
    Contact_Instructions: Phone, FAX, E-mail, letter, or see NOAA/ORR website
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    A multi-stage error checking process is used to verify both attribute accuracy and logical consistency throughout data production. The process includes a standardized data entry methodology, hardcopy data review by in-house and external resource experts, a final Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) process, and multiple automated logical consistency checks. Quantitative data (such as densities, counts, abundances, or concentrations) provided by resource experts for inclusion in the data set may vary widely in attribute accuracy, depending upon the methodology used to collect and compile such data. For a more detailed evaluation of source data attribute accuracy, contact the sources listed in the Lineage section of the individual metadata records included in the data for each individual state.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Alabama - The HYDRO data set was developed from pre-existing digital data and reflects the positional accuracy of these original data. The horizontal positional accuracy of the 1:24,000 USGS topographic quads should conform to National Map Accuracy Standards at scales of 1:24,000. The spatial location of the ESI shoreline was developed from pre-existing digital sources and reflects the positional accuracy of these original data. The horizontal positional accuracy of the 1:24,000 USGS topographic quads should conform to National Map Accuracy Standards at scales of 1:24,000. The minimum mapping unit (MMU) of the actual shoreline classification segments is estimated at 50 meters where mapping is conducted using 1:24,000 hardcopy field maps. Field verification has shown that the absolute positional accuracy of breaks between shoreline ESI types with a 95-percent error bound is approximately 58 meters. Spatial components for the biological data layers can come from expert interviews, hardcopy, or digital sources. Some of the spatial components of the biological data layers may have been developed using regional experts who estimate concentration areas. It is difficult to estimate the positional accuracy of such data, except to state that they are compiled on hardcopy base maps with a scale of 1:24,000. Some of the spatial components of the biological data sets are developed from pre-existing digital or hardcopy sources and reflect the positional accuracy of these original data. See the Lineage and Process_Description sections of specific metadata records for more information on the original data source and how these data were integrated or manipulated to create the final data set. Note that biological resource data by their very nature are considered 'fuzzy,' and this should be understood when considering the positional accuracy of vector digital objects representing these resources. Florida - The ESI data uses USGS 1:24,000 topographic quadrangles as the base map. It is estimated that the ESI has a minimum mapping unit of 50 feet. The biological data sets are developed primarily using regional experts who estimate concentration areas. Unlike shorelines, which maintain relative spatial stability through time, the biological data by nature migrate across the landscape. Therefore, the 1:24,000USGS quadrangles are used as a base map in gathering the data but the data have 'fuzzy' boundaries which must be understood when utilizing this information. Louisiana - For the HYDRO layer, the main source of data used to depict the hydrography for this data layer was the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf-Wide Information System hydrography layer for Louisiana. This layer was used with no modifications (please see the LINEAGE section of the specific metadata record for Louisiana for more information on the process used developing this layer. For the ESI (Environmentally Sensitive Shoreline Types) layer, the shoreline was digitized from the 1998 LOSCO/USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles (DOQQ), which meet National Map Accuracy Standards at an approximate scale of 1:12,000. The horizontal positional accuracy for the majority of shoreline lines are likely to be similar to that of the DOQQs. A known problem existed with the registration of the DOQQs representing the northern portion of the Chandaleur Islands. This was fixed with a temporary re-registration to other digital data, but horizontal positional accuracy is likely to have suffered. In some cases, shoreline lines were digitized from field sketches and oblique aerial photography. The horizontal positional accuracy of these lines is difficult to quantify, but likely to be far worse than that of the shoreline digitized from DOQQs. The minimum mapping unit (MMU) of the actual shoreline classification segments is estimated at 50 feet. See the Lineage and Process_Description sections of this state's specific metadata record for more information on the original source data and how these data were integrated or manipulated to create the final data set. The spatial components of the biological data sets were developed from pre-existing digital sources and reflect the positional accuracy of these original data. See the Lineage and Process_Description sections of specific metadata records for more information on the original source data and how these data were integrated or manipulated to create the final dataset. Note that biological resource data by their very nature are considered 'fuzzy', and this should be understood when considering the positional accuracy of vector digital objects representing these resources. Mississippi - the hydrography data set was developed from pre-existing digital data and reflects the positional accuracy of these original data. The horizontal positional accuracy of the 1:24,000 USGS topographic quads should conform to National Map Accuracy Standards at scales of 1:24,000. The spatial location of the ESI shoreline was developed from pre-existing digital sources and reflects the positional accuracy of these original data. The horizontal positional accuracy of the 1:24,000 USGS topographic quads should conform to National Map Accuracy Standards at scales of 1:24,000. The minimum mapping unit (MMU) of the actual shoreline classification segments is estimated at 50 meters where mapping is conducted using 1:24,000 hardcopy field maps. Field verification has shown that the absolute positional accuracy of breaks between shoreline ESI types with a 95-percent error bound is approximately 58 meters. See the Lineage and Process_Description sections of the specific metadata record for more information on the original source data and how these data were integrated or manipulated to create the final data set. Spatial components for the biological data layers can come from expert interviews, hardcopy, or digital sources. Some of the spatial components of the biological data layers may have been developed using regional experts who estimate concentration areas. It is difficult to estimate the positional accuracy of such data, except to state that they are compiled on hardcopy base maps with a scale of 1:24,000. Some of the spatial components of the biological data sets are developed from pre-existing digital or hardcopy sources and reflect the positional accuracy of these original data. Note that biological resource data by their very nature are considered 'fuzzy', and this should be understood when considering the positional accuracy of vector digital objects representing these resources.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Alabama GIS layers (all compiled 2006-2007)- HYDRO layer currentness dates range from 1977-2006. ESI (Shoreline Types Lines and Polygons) currentness dates range from 1977-2007. MGMT polygons currentness dates range from 1992-2006. SOCECON data currentness dates range from 1974-2006. BIRD polygons currentness dates range from 2004-2006. FISH polygon currentness dates range from 1996-2007. INVERT polygon currentness dates range from 1996-2007. REPTILES polygons currentness dates range from 2004-2006. M_MAMMAL currentness date is from 2006. T_MAMMAL currentness date is 2006. HABITATS currentness dates range from 2002-2006.East Florida - The intertidal habitats were mapped during aerial and ground surveys conducted in May, 1993. The biological and human-use resources data were compiled by regional biologists in 1995. The dates for these data vary and are documented in the Lineage section of the specific metadata for East Florida with original data ranges from 1950-1996. South Florida - The intertidal habitats were mapped during aerial and ground surveys conducted 21-25 June 1993. The biological and human-use resources data were compiled by regional biologists in 1995. The dates for these data vary and are documented in the Lineage section of the metadata for South Florida with original dates ranging from 1964 to 1996. West Florida - The intertidal habitats were mapped during aerial and ground surveys conducted from 21-25 June 1993. The biological and human use resources data were compiled by regional biologists in 1996. The dates for these data vary and are documented in the Lineage section of the metadata for these data, original data range from 1964-1995. West Peninsular Florida - The intertidal habitats were mapped during aerial and ground surveys conducted in June 1993. The biological and human-use resources data were compiled by regional biologists in 1995. The dates for these data vary and are documented in the Lineage section in the metadata record for these data and range from 1979-1996. Louisiana GIS layers- All data were compiled 2002-2003. HYDRO layer dates range from 1988-2001. ESI (Shoreline types) range from 1988-2001. INDEX data dates range from 1999-2001.ROADS (Road lines) data dates range from 1991-2001. PARISH data date is 1999. BIRDS data range from 1960-2001. NESTS data range from 1978-2001. FISH data range from 1988-2001. INVERT data range from 1988-2001. REPTILES data range from 1988-2001. T_MAMMAL data range from 1972-2001. HABITATS data range from 1988-2001. MGT (Management area polygons) data range from 1999-2000. SOCECON data range from 1998-2003.MISSISSIPPI GIS layers - All data were compiled 2008-2009. HYDRO layer data range from 1986-2008. ESI data range from 1986-2009. WETLANDS data are from 1996. INDEX polygons data is from 2009. MGT data range from 1972-2009. SOCECON data range from 1995-2009. BIRDS polygons range from 2006-2009. NESTS (Nest Points) data are from 2009. FISH data polygons are form 1997-2009. INVERT polygons are from 1997-2009. REPTILES polygons are from 2005-2009. M_MAMMAL polygons are from 2009. T_MAMMAL polygons are from 2009. HABITAT polygons are from 2005-2009.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    A multi-stage error checking process, described in the Attribute_Accuracy_Report field of this metadata record, is used to verify both attribute accuracy and logical consistency throughout data production. This process includes multiple automated logical consistency checks that test the files for missing or duplicate data, rules for proper coding, GIS topological consistencies (such as dangles, unnecessary nodes, etc.), and SQL SERVER to ARC/INFO consistencies. A final review is made by the GIS manager, where the data are written to CD-ROM/DVD and the metadata are written. After the data are delivered to NOAA, they are again subjected to a number of quality and consistency checks.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints:
None. The National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Hazardous Materials Response Division, Seattle, Washington and/or the NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center would appreciate acknowledgment as data originators and/or data source as applicable.
Use_Constraints:
DO NOT USE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES. Besides the above warning, there are no use constraints on these data. Note that the ESI database should not be used to the exclusion of other pertinent data or information held by state or federal agencies or other organizations. Likewise, information contained in the database cannot be used in place of consultations with environmental, natural resource, and cultural resource agencies, or in place of field surveys. Recognize that the information contained in the ESI database represents known concentration areas or occurrences of natural, cultural, and human-use resources, but does not necessarily represent the full distribution or range of each species or resource. This is particularly important to recognize when considering potential impacts to protected resources, such as endangered species, wetlands, etc.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    NODC User Services
    Attn: Andy Allegra or Kelly Logan
    National Oceanographic Data Center
    Silver Spring, Maryland
    U.S.A.

    301-713-3277 (voice)
    301-713-3302 (FAX)
    NODC.Services@noaa.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8:30-5:00 PM, EST
    Contact_Instructions: Phone/Fax/E-mail/Letter
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by NOAA regarding the utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. NOAA warrants the delivery of this product in computer-readable format, and will offer a replacement copy of the product when the product is determined unreadable by computer input peripherals, or when the physical medium is delivered in damaged condition.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
  5. Is there some other way to get the data?
    Please contact NODC User Services for custom order requests.
  6. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser, FTP capability. In addition, for these data users minimally require the ability to read PDF documents. Full usage of these files requires access to and knowledge of GIS software.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 16-Mar-2025
Last Reviewed: 23-Jun-2010
To be reviewed: 15-Jul-2011
Metadata author:
Sheri Phillips
NOAA/NODC
Oceanographer
1315 East-West Highway, E/OC1, SSMC3, 4th Floor
Silver Spring, MD
U.S.A.

301-713-3280 x127 (voice)
301-713-3302 (FAX)
sheri.phillips@noaa.gov
Hours_of_Service: 9:30 AM - 6 PM Monday-Thursday
Contact_Instructions: E-mail, phone, FAX, mail
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Generated by mp version 2.9.44 on Fri Apr 25 20:54:25 2025