GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM STANDARDS FOR U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S OIL SPILL PROGRAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Oil Program Center at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters is developing geographic information system (GIS) standards to aid EPA's 10 regions in developing and implementing GIS. GIS can support spill response, contingency planning, risk analysis, training and exercises, inspections and enforcement actions, reporting, incident analysis, cost recovery, and outreach. By developing and promoting standards, the Oil Program Center hopes to ensure that GIS development is targeted at the broadest practical user base and considers all aspects of EPA's oil program. In addition, GIS standards will promote consistency between EPA regions, promote data sharing, reduce duplication of effort, and focus attention on using GIS as an analytical tool rather than just as a mapping tool. The standards also may promote greater consistency between the Oil Program Center and other offices within EPA; for example, standards promote watershed-based analysis, which is consistent with other offices' use of watersheds as units of analysis. The standards address the following issues: Minimum essential data elements Data verification and accuracy standards Standard symbols and icons System design and data structure Because the specific needs of regions differ, the GIS tools that they develop will reflect these differences. GIS data standards, however, will promote compatibility across the regions to facilitate collaboration and expand prevention, preparedness, response, and outreach capabilities.