cdiver2
Contributor
I have just found this site but not used it yet, It may be useful.
People can now log onto the web site and check water temperatures and sea life.
A project created by the University of South Florida is spreading outside the Bay area and could be launched statewide in the next five years.
USF research associate Kyle Campbell has worked on the estuary atlas since it was first created.
"The idea is to go to one location on the web and find what they are looking for," Campbell said.
The atlas was originally a tool made for Hillsborough County planners. Now, it's available online for everyone to see and use.
Boaters can check out sea grass locations, sand bars, channels and docking locations. Average beachgoers can check out information on water temperature and quality, water depth and sea life that may be present in any given area. Even detailed satellite mapping can help county administrators deal with storm water and drainage issues.
"It greatly reduces the amount of time county staff has to use in answering questions from citizens," Campbell said. "They can use the site and find the information they need quickly."
The estuary atlas has caught on in Central Florida. There are already eight counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and portions of Manatee, using the underwater map.
USF researcher Jim Griffin said this year the atlas is being launched in two new counties in south Florida. He hopes all counties are using it in the next five years.
"That's our goal here," Griffin said. "We feel this offers for the state of Florida tremendous benefits."
Graduate students play an active roll in the project by inputting data and collaborating with outside agencies to develop new features, which expands the atlas even further.
LINK http://www.tampabay.wateratlas.usf.edu/
People can now log onto the web site and check water temperatures and sea life.
A project created by the University of South Florida is spreading outside the Bay area and could be launched statewide in the next five years.
USF research associate Kyle Campbell has worked on the estuary atlas since it was first created.
"The idea is to go to one location on the web and find what they are looking for," Campbell said.
The atlas was originally a tool made for Hillsborough County planners. Now, it's available online for everyone to see and use.
Boaters can check out sea grass locations, sand bars, channels and docking locations. Average beachgoers can check out information on water temperature and quality, water depth and sea life that may be present in any given area. Even detailed satellite mapping can help county administrators deal with storm water and drainage issues.
"It greatly reduces the amount of time county staff has to use in answering questions from citizens," Campbell said. "They can use the site and find the information they need quickly."
The estuary atlas has caught on in Central Florida. There are already eight counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and portions of Manatee, using the underwater map.
USF researcher Jim Griffin said this year the atlas is being launched in two new counties in south Florida. He hopes all counties are using it in the next five years.
"That's our goal here," Griffin said. "We feel this offers for the state of Florida tremendous benefits."
Graduate students play an active roll in the project by inputting data and collaborating with outside agencies to develop new features, which expands the atlas even further.
LINK http://www.tampabay.wateratlas.usf.edu/
