A Secret Map

I spent most of this week at the lab preparing a draft report of the results of our ecosystem model runs. We are working with the team to put together all draft components shortly so that we can combine the parts into one cohesive narrative about how spillway operations affect the hydrodynamics of the Mississippi Sound and how changes to the environmental conditions affect the oysters in the area. As we wrap up this project we are starting to work toward our next project, which is similar in scope but not in detail. Our next project, which will likely be a short project, is to evaluate how the MidBreton Sediment Diversion and its associated changes to the Mississippi Sound hydrodynamics affect the health of fish, shellfish, and their fisheries. For this project, Kim and I will be working in Ecospace, so integrating the time and space components of the model. The prospect of working with Ecospace is exciting because the models run differently compared to Ecosim. For Ecosim, every time I wanted to update the environmental variables, I would need to copy and paste the new variables into the associated locations. For Ecospace, however, we create a folder of maps that include the mapped environmental variables for each month, and once the model reaches the appropriate month, it grabs a new map from the folder. 

Speaking of maps, this week I also worked on a secret map for my own research. While I am working with Kim on all the ecosystem modeling projects, I also am completing my research on oyster mortality in the sound based on field monitoring data. For this project, I created a new map this week for a feature that I can't discuss at this time. I will say that I am really enjoying learning how to use ArcGIS - our spatial analysis and mapping program - to troubleshoot problems and create solutions. This new map would not have been possible without this program. I have a few more items to investigate for this project, and the end is in sight. The goal is to present a finished research project at the upcoming CERF meeting in November and I know that's feasible even while working on it in conjunction with our lab's other priority tasks and projects.

Stay tuned for more updates, including an upcoming extended feature on the BlueBoat which we purchased and will be receiving in the coming weeks.