GIS Support and Spatial Analysis Support for the Louisiana Division of Administration, State Land Office
The Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) first implemented geographic information systems (GIS) in 1980 to assist in monitoring the nature and extent of wetland habitat changes. The geospatial capabilities at the Coastal Restoration Assessment Branch (CRAB), in part, grew out of that initial effort and now use GIS, remote sensing, and other computer based technologies to address a wide range of natural resource related issues.
![State-Claimed Red River Near Gahagan Cut Off](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/IP-072397_Fischer1.png?itok=2kVLmLLJ)
Science Issue and Relevance: The Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) first implemented geographic information systems (GIS) in 1980 to assist in monitoring the nature and extent of wetland habitat changes. The geospatial capabilities at the Coastal Restoration Assessment Branch (CRAB), in part, grew out of that initial effort and now use GIS, remote sensing, and other computer based technologies to address a wide range of natural resource related issues. CRAB often applies this technology in cooperative ventures with other federal agencies, state and local government, and the private sector. Specifically, CRAB has provided the Louisiana Division of Administration’s (DOA), State Land Office (SLO) geospatial and database support since 2005.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: Geographers and support staff create, maintain, and utilize various databases and data layers for restoration efforts in Louisiana. WARC staff is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a database for storage of data no State-owned water bottoms. This database is used by various other entities. For example, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) uses it to aid with other mineral rights databases and leasing information; Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) agencies use it during project selection to aid in determining land rights in the vicinity of a proposed project; and the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority (CPRA) of Louisiana uses it in Master Plan project selection and other restoration efforts undertaken by the state. In addition to planning tools, databases created and maintained for other partners are incorporated onto CRMS, lacoast.gov, SONRIS, and CIMS websites.
![Review of the Gahagan Cut Off Area on the Red River](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/IP-072397_Fischer2.png?itok=VXAGZxIn)
Future Steps: These databases are updated in coordination with the State Land Office surveyors with every new high resolution aerial photography acquisition in the state.
The Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) first implemented geographic information systems (GIS) in 1980 to assist in monitoring the nature and extent of wetland habitat changes. The geospatial capabilities at the Coastal Restoration Assessment Branch (CRAB), in part, grew out of that initial effort and now use GIS, remote sensing, and other computer based technologies to address a wide range of natural resource related issues.
![State-Claimed Red River Near Gahagan Cut Off](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/IP-072397_Fischer1.png?itok=2kVLmLLJ)
Science Issue and Relevance: The Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) first implemented geographic information systems (GIS) in 1980 to assist in monitoring the nature and extent of wetland habitat changes. The geospatial capabilities at the Coastal Restoration Assessment Branch (CRAB), in part, grew out of that initial effort and now use GIS, remote sensing, and other computer based technologies to address a wide range of natural resource related issues. CRAB often applies this technology in cooperative ventures with other federal agencies, state and local government, and the private sector. Specifically, CRAB has provided the Louisiana Division of Administration’s (DOA), State Land Office (SLO) geospatial and database support since 2005.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: Geographers and support staff create, maintain, and utilize various databases and data layers for restoration efforts in Louisiana. WARC staff is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a database for storage of data no State-owned water bottoms. This database is used by various other entities. For example, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) uses it to aid with other mineral rights databases and leasing information; Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) agencies use it during project selection to aid in determining land rights in the vicinity of a proposed project; and the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority (CPRA) of Louisiana uses it in Master Plan project selection and other restoration efforts undertaken by the state. In addition to planning tools, databases created and maintained for other partners are incorporated onto CRMS, lacoast.gov, SONRIS, and CIMS websites.
![Review of the Gahagan Cut Off Area on the Red River](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/IP-072397_Fischer2.png?itok=VXAGZxIn)
Future Steps: These databases are updated in coordination with the State Land Office surveyors with every new high resolution aerial photography acquisition in the state.