Delmarva GIS 2024 Conference

Using GIS in Terrapin Conservation Efforts: The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin) is an iconic species of turtle, and the only species of turtle to inhabit estuarine environments full time. Several adaptations allow them to do this; thick skin to withstand saltwater and adapted lacrimal glands (tear ducts) to secrete any excess salt in their bodies. They are a keystone species which keep small invertebrates in check by helping the salt marshes and wetlands they live in from being over grazed. Diamondback Terrapin populations have been in decline due to sandy beaches they depend on for nesting being turned into housing, facilities, or roads, endangering pregnant female terrapins seeking out these grounds to lay their eggs. In order to keep tabs on the population, environmental organizations host Diamondback Terrapin counts, with the assistance of local communities. I used ArcGIS to provide an efficient way of surveying these creatures for the Center of Inland Bays.

DDD Story Map: This is a story map I created for the Delaware State Housing Authority for their DDD program. It includes a master map with different sections dedicated to each DDD district located in various parts of Delaware. This map represents housing projects both small and large that are intended to strengthen housing neighborhoods and improve downtown areas.

Survey123 Assists in Storm Damage Assessment, Talbot County, MD: Severe weather impacts citizens and communities every day. Weather hazards are extremely dangerous and cause destructive damage in our communities. With GIS technology, new innovative damage assessment workflows are available. At approximately 18:44 on July 3rd, 2023, a strong line of storms traveled across the Chesapeake Bay. The storm created substantial damage to Tilghman Island. Following the storm, county personnel from the Department of Emergency Services were able to utilize Esri’s Survey123 mobile GIS application to quickly document the damage from the storm. The data was sent to the National Weather Service (NWS) just hours later. The GIS technology allowed us to receive a report back from the NWS in record time. This successful implementation of GIS software in an emergency certified our new GIS abilities as a public safety agency. As a result, the Department of Emergency Services was able to adjust standard workflows to better utilize GIS in an emergency.