Spatial Information
Maps provide a wealth of information on the world around us. They provide reference information such as the location of roads and political boundaries as well as a way to observe geographic patterns over time. Mapping applications are becoming increasingly sophisticated as computers are being used to perform complex analyses through the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
GIS is a tool to visualize and analyze the surrounding environment. It can be used to assess interactions between human uses and the environment, to make comparisons between historic and current land and resource use, and to identify areas most in need of protection for environmental, cultural, or spiritual purposes. There are numerous uses for GIS beyond natural resource applications – it is used in law enforcement, maintenance of utility and transportation networks, urban and regional planning, and many other industries.
A customized GIS has been created for the Wai‘anae region, called the Wai‘anae Ecological Characterization (WEC) GIS. Due to large file sizes, some of the components of the GIS, including the data and tutorials, are only available on CD-ROM. This Web site includes information on all of the GIS components available on the CD-ROM, as well as the printable static maps. Follow the links below to access the static maps and to learn more about the WEC GIS:
- an introductory discussion called, "What is GIS?"
- an overview of the WEC GIS and an inventory of the data included in it
- map files that can be used with desktop GIS software to help you understand the applications of GIS in watershed and coastal resource management
- tutorials for learning basic GIS skills and how to work with the WEC data
- static maps of the Wai‘anae region for viewing and printing
- a spatial decision support tool for evaluating coastal water quality in the Wai‘anae region.
To order a copy of the WEC CD-ROM, please complete an online request form.
It is hoped that through the use of the GIS and other information contained in the WEC GIS government agencies, private organizations, and the public will gain a greater understanding of the issues and challenges facing Wai‘anae.
