GIS Center

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis offer powerful tools for synthesizing data, evaluating scientific hypotheses, and making decisions on environmental management. For example, much of our work aims to prioritize restoration based on location-specific measures of potential benefits, costs, and limitations to success (click thumbnails for larger images).

Visualizing spatial data for hypothesis development

Spatial analysis - proximity and co-occurrence

Spatial statistics and hypothesis testing

Data Visualization

Arctic sediment samples reveal the abundance and species richness of bottom sediments. Changes through time of benthic animal communities are shown on the map in the upper right hand corner, including changes in the abundance of marine worms (yellow), arctic clams (brown), amphipods (pink), brittle stars (green), and peanut worms (purple). Water and sediment characteristics are also mapped to understand potential sources of variability in animal communities in the Chukchi and Bering Sea. This work is also contributing to understanding baseline conditions in the Chukchi Sea (northwest of Alaska) before planned oil and natural gas extraction starts. This research is supported by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

More information about this Arctic scientific research