Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Atlas: Northern California maps and geographic information systems data (NODC Accession 0013175)

This data set comprises the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps for the shoreline of northern California which were designed to be utilized in desktop GIS systems. ESI data characterize coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats; sensitive biological resources; and human-use resources. This Atlas was compiled from geographical and biological data with multiple dates; the intertidal habitats were mapped during aerial and ground surveys conducted from 20-26 October 1992, and biological and human-use resources data were compiled by regional biologists in 1994. The dates for the original data and methodology are completely documented in within the included FGDC metadata file "METADATA.PDF" and document "INTRO.PDF". A set of associated .PDF maps are also included.