Development of a shoreline segmentation database for the coast of New Zealand

A geo-referenced shoreline segmentation database system was recently developed and applied to situations in New Zealand. It constitutes the first step in the implementation of integrated computerized response tools to gather information acquired during a spill response, such as aerial survey observations, oiled resources, and full support for the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team (SCAT) survey management through the ShoreAssessR response support system. The Oil Spill Information Management System (OSIMS) also includes a shoreline prioritization tool that considers resources and oil conditions. OSIMS incorporates information regarding accessibility, land use and presence of sensitive resources along the shoreline. The key purpose of the system is to support oil spill response operations and planning. The information from the database will also be used to support cleanup work and determine appropriate treatments. Data can be entered into the database by regional officers using their local knowledge of conditions along the shorelines, and to store high-resolution aerial photographs of the New Zealand coastlines. 11 refs., 5 tabs., 6 figs