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Delta GIS
The Sacramento-San Joaquin delta region often presents
challenges to individuals with it's combination of sheer size and diverse
issue complexities. To better assist policymakers, engineers, stakeholders,
and the many other parties interested in Delta water resources in understanding
the region, cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems tools are being developed.
Geographic datasets are being compiled from local, state, and federal
agencies to serve the data needs of these tools. These spatial data
layers include basemaps, elevation & bathymetry, hydrography, soils, landuse,
wateruse, flood control, climate, satellite imagery, economic data,land ownership,
infrastructure, shipwrecks, political boundaries, and data specific to DWR
Delta Levees projects. In addition, to meet the program goal of net
habitat improvements and losses, habitat assessments are being conducted in
each of the SB 34/AB 360 Delta Reclamation Districts. The resulting data
are being digitized into the GIS.
A comprehensive spatial data library is now available from DWR staff. The library includes a wide range of thematic data layers describing levees,
soils, landuse, projects, and much more. Furthermore, the library is expanding continually and undergoing revision on a daily basis. Current projects include
revision of reclamation district boundaries, compilation of all available levee habitat data, digitizing historical datasets, a projects database, and an orthophoto collaboration.
To find about about what data are available, contact DWR Delta Levees Program staff.
The most common use of GIS, of course, is to use the data to produce maps. For example, several separate layers were combined by branch staff to generate a map for emergency response
personnel and command staff. Or maps may be generated to enhance project design,
such as at Decker Island. Visualization can go beyond even mapping to include 3D visualization of phenomenon of many varieties, such as subsidence at Bradford Island. Whatever
the application, these maps are as powerful as the data they contain. Program staff are working to verify and improve the quality
of all GIS data at our disposal.
The real utility of these datasets goes beyond mapping to include serving as a platform for
advanced GIS analysis. Four primary GIS tools are currently planned. These
include a Delta-wide program assessment/planning guide, a Suisun Marsh planning
tool, a Delta subsidence model, and a project-specific model for siting levee
breaches in habitat restoration efforts. These tools are being designed
to be used by both flood control engineers and by ecological restoration scientists,
regardless of whether or not they are considered "GIS savvy". By tapping
this expert knowledge with seamless GIS integration, the heterogeneous nature
of this large and complex landscape can be used as an advantage, instead of
a difficulty, in meeting Delta Levee program goals.
If you have any questions about the database or analysis tools please contact
Joel Dudas at (916) 651-7002.
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