ShoreZone mapping for Prince William Sound, Alaska

[Missing ground-truthing and nearshore fish sampling data]

ShoreZone is a coastal habitat mapping and classification system in which georeferenced aerial imagery is collected specifically for the interpretation and integration of geological and biological features of the intertidal zone and nearshore environment. Oblique low-altitude aerial video and digital still imagery of the coastal zone is collected during summer low tides (zero tide level or lower), usually from a helicopter flying at <100 m altitude. The flight trackline is recorded at 1-second intervals using electronic navigation software and is continuously monitored in-flight to ensure all shorelines have been imaged. Video and still imagery collected are georeferenced and time-synchronized. Video imagery is accompanied by continuous, simultaneous commentary by a geologist and a biologist aboard the aircraft. The imagery and commentary are later used in the definition of discrete along-shore coastal habitat units and the "mapping" of observed physical, geomorphic, sedimentary, and biological features in those units.

This data package is an excerpt of the Exxon Valdez oil spill extent. Full Gulf of Alaska data is available online at: http://mapping.fakr.noaa.gov/szflex/ and http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/shorezone.

Publications:
Lindeberg, M. 2007. ShoreZone Mapping for Prince William Sound. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council Annual Report (070805). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Office, Alaska Regional Office.