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Local Edge Radio Interview with Drew 10/09 – 880 am The Revolution, Asheville NC
Click image to play interview
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ GeoEye
Case Study: Mangrove and Coral Reef Atoll: Establishing Baseline Data with Satellite Imagery in Belize
Approximately fifty miles east of the Central American coast lies Lighthouse Reef. Part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, it provides an extremely unique environment, one that enables assessment of the global influence of climate change and other factors on reefs and terrestrial ecology. Lighthouse Reef is without the influence of local or point-source pollution, which other parts of the Mesoamerican reef system are exposed to.
GeoEye Foundation recipient Drew Stephens of The GIS Institute was granted IKONOS satellite imagery of Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef in Belize. He is pairing the imagery with field-collected GPS and existing landowner data in order to assess current reef conditions. The atoll, one of only four in the western hemisphere, is approximately 300 square kilometers (27mi long, by 3mi wide) and features small cayes, or islands, built on the surface of the coral reefs lining the seafloor over 3,000 feet below. Mangrove ranges also populate the reef.
Drew and his team are dedicated to providing a GIS and image-based assessment and monitoring current conditions in both the marine and terrestrial systems on the reef. On land (Long Caye), the team is establishing land cover, land use, ownership and many other GIS factors to establish and delineate the Long Caye Preserve. On the submarine surface of the atoll, they are mapping bottom conditions (coral, sand, turtle grass, etc.) in order to begin site selection for long-term monitoring.
In the fall of 2009, detailed bathymetric mapping will begin as part of the GIS-based training workshops to be held on Lighthouse Reef. The training program is being designed to incorporate and promote teamwork amongst Belizean and international students as they learn about Geo-technology and what it reveals about reef and mangrove systems.