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In recognition of World Ocean Day, Governor Martin O’Malley released Maryland’s Coastal Atlas, an online mapping and planning tool that allows users to visually analyze and explore data for coastal and ocean planning activities, including renewable offshore energy exploration.
“The Gulf Oil spill is a stark reminder that we need the tools and information to protect our ocean resources and the jobs that depend on them, from even the most severe disaster,” said Governor O’Malley. “By having a real understanding of where resources are located and what they provide to us, the Coastal Atlas will help us balance the many commercial and recreational demands they face.”
The Coastal Atlas provides direct access to available information needed for coastal and ocean planning efforts. Whether finding the best location for renewable energy projects, locating sand resources needed for beach replenishment or helping local communities identify areas vulnerable to sea level rise and erosion – the Coastal Atlas will identify potential conflicts so that they can then be avoided early in the planning process.
To help concerned citizens address specific coastal issues, the Coastal Atlas offers several mapping applications that examine Maryland’s ocean, shorelines, bays and streams. The State will offer training opportunities to help citizens make the most of the data and tools found on the Coastal Atlas.
The Coastal Atlas is relatively easy to manipulate. Using the Shoreline Statistics tool to look at bulkhead coverage it was easy to discover that Anne Arundel County has 108.65 miles of bulkhead shoreline or 52.8% of the total shoreline.
Harford County has 52.7% of bulkheads along its shoreline and Kent County has only 26.5% of its shoreline in bulkhead.
The State is interested in receiving comments on the Coastal Atlas as well as feedback on the data and tools needed to help users address specific coastal issues. For questions, additional information or to view Maryland’s Coastal Atlas, visit: www.dnr.maryland.gov/ccp/coastalatlas
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