Protecting the Florida Keys: An Internet GIS/IMS strategy for benthic habitat management.

摘要

Technological advancements in the Internet particularly in multimedia and other visualization approaches generally pose great potential for Geographic Information Science (GISci). This potential brings with it both conceptual and operational issues that require consideration and collective, long-range planning in order to effectively implement the developing technologies. The relevant issues surrounding this adoption in the area of benthic habitat management are examined.; The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), and specifically Conch Reef, are used as the case study for this work with particular attention to geographic information systems, multimedia and Internet map servers, management issues, logistical requirements, data access and data dissemination. Throughout, the emphasis of this work is not on the aesthetics or detailed content of Web or multimedia design, but rather on conceptual and technical issues related to enhancing GISci usage as a decision-making tool for benthic habitat management.