The Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has released a new Web-based coastal mapping tool that provides detailed geographic data used for ocean planning, renewable energy development, transportation planning and marine environmental protection.
Upgraded from an existing tool known as the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System (MORIS), this new integrated system of coastal infrastructure and ecological data is targeted for use by municipalities, businesses, researchers and state environmental officials charged with coastal planning and development.
Although it is designed for coastal management professionals, the new MORIS can be used by anyone interested in these data and maps. Data on existing ocean infrastructure, seafloor features and wildlife habitat are also available to support renewable energy project siting and permitting.
The new MORIS features increased speed on both the front end and the back end, and can display base maps, such as Google and OpenStreetMaps.
The project was made possible by funding from the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership, a nonprofit organization that has worked with the EEA to advance coastal and marine spatial planning in Massachusetts state waters.
SOURCE: Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs
