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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

NOAA Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps and geographic information systems data from 1900 to 2009

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This collection comprises the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for various regions in U.S. coastal waters. ESI data characterize estuarine environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. This atlas was developed to be utilized within desktop GIS systems and contains GIS files and related D-base files. Associated files include MOSS (Multiple Overlay Statistical System) export files, .PDF maps, and detailed user guides and metadata.
  • Cite as: Iredale, Harry; Petersen, Jill; NOAA National Ocean Service; US DOC/NOAA > National Ocean Service - Seattle, WA; SEFSC - Pascagoula/Stennis Lab (2005). NOAA Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps and geographic information systems data from 1900 to 2009. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/NOS-ORR-ESI. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:NOS-ORR-ESI
Full Text · XML
Search Data
  • Granule Search (search)
    Search for data granules belonging to this collection (a granule is the smallest aggregation of data that can be independently described and retrieved).
Distribution Formats
  • ArcView Project
  • Shapefile
  • MOSS
    • File Specification: Multiple Overlay Statistical System
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1900-01-01 to 2009-12-31
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: 144.567
East: -64.065
South: -14.723
North: 72.
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2005-03-15
  • revision: 2021-10-15
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose ESI maps are useful for identifying sensitive resources before a spill occurs so that protection priorities can be established and cleanup strategies designed in advance. Using ESIs in spill response and planning reduces the environmental consequences of the spill and cleanup efforts.
Use Limitations
  • accessLevel: Public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
  • Do not use maps for navigational purposes. Note that the ESI database should not be used to the exclusion of other pertinent data or information held by state or federal agencies or other organizations. Likewise, information contained in the database cannot be used in place of consultations with environmental, natural resource, and cultural resource agencies, or in place of field surveys. Recognize that the information contained in the ESI database represents known concentration areas or occurrences of natural, cultural, and human-use resources, but does not necessarily represent the full distribution or range of each species or resource. This is particularly important to recognize when considering potential impacts to protected resources, such as endangered species, wetlands, etc.
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus
  • Geographic Information > Ecological Characterization
  • Geographic Information > Habitats
  • Geographic Information > Shorelines
  • Map Images > Environmental Sensitivity Index
CoRIS Theme Thesaurus
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Benthic Habitat
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Coastal Habitat
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Reef Habitat
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Species richness
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Vegetation > Algae > Algal Cover
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Damage Assessment > Chemical
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Damage Assessment > Natural
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Mapping > Habitat Mapping
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Vertebrates
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality > Contaminants > Chemical
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality > Hydrocarbons
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology > Habitats
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Shorelines
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Birds
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Invertebrates
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Invertebrates > Macroinvertebrates
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Mammals
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Mammals > Cetaceans
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Mammals > Pinnipeds
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Reptiles
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Reptiles > Turtles
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords NOS Data Explorer Topic Category
  • Environmental Monitoring
Originator Keywords
  • Area contingency plan
  • Bird
  • Birds
  • Coastal Resources
  • Coastal Zone Management
  • Coastal hydrography
  • Coral Reef Conservation
  • ESI
  • ESI Atlas
  • ESI Maps
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Sensitivity Index
  • Fish
  • Habitat
  • Habitats
  • Hydrography
  • Hydrology
  • Invertebrate
  • Mammals
  • Management
  • Marine Mammal
  • Natural Hazards Assessment
  • Nest
  • Nesting sites
  • Oceans
  • Oil and Chemical Spills
  • Oil spill planning
  • Reptile
  • Reptiles
  • Sensitivity maps
  • Shoreline
  • Socioeconomic
  • Terrestrial Mammal
  • Terrestrial Mammals
  • Wetlands
  • Wildlife
  • biologically sensitive area
  • invertebrates
  • mammal
  • nest sites
  • nesting
  • nests
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS CoRIS Place Thesaurus
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > Anegada > Anegada (18N064W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > Beef Island (18N064W0037)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands (18N064W0000)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > Jost Van Dyke (18N064W0078)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > Peter Island (18N064W0023)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > Tortola > Tortola (18N064W0036)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > British Overseas Territory > British Virgin Islands > Virgin Gorda > Virgin Gorda (18N064W0003)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > American Samoa > American Samoa > American Samoa (14S170W0000)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Bay County > Panama City Beach (30N085W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Broward County > Fort Lauderdale (26N080W0003)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Broward County > John U. Lloyd (26N080W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Duvall County > Jacksonville (30N081W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Hernando County > Hog Island (29N083W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Madison-Swanson Reserve (29N085W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Palm Beach County > Boynton Beach (26N080W0002)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Palm Beach County > Breakers Reef (26N080W0005)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > Palm Beach County > West Palm Beach (26N080W0004)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > St. Lucie County > Oculina Deepwater Reef (27N080W0002)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Florida > St. Lucie County > St. Lucie Nearshore Reefs (27N080W0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Guam (13N144E0000)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Hawaii > Hawaii (21N160W0000)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > U. S. Virgin Islands > St. Croix > St. Croix (17N064W0003)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > U. S. Virgin Islands > St. John > St. John (18N064W0011)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > U. S. Virgin Islands > St. Thomas > St. Thomas (18N064W0033)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > Anegada > Anegada (18N064W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands (18N064W0000)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands > Jost Van Dyke (18N064W0078)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands > Peter Island (18N064W0023)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands > Tortola (18N064W0036)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > Leeward Islands > St. Thomas (18N064W0033)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > Tortola > Beef Island (18N064W0037)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > Virgin Gorda > Virgin Gorda (18N064W0003)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > Virgin Islands > St. Croix (17N064W0003)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands > Virgin Islands > St. John (18N064W0011)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Gulf of Mexico > Florida
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Gulf of Mexico > West Florida Shelf > Madison-Swanson Reserve (29N085W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > Boynton Beach (26N080W0002)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > Breakers Reef (26N080W0005)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > Fort Lauderdale (26N080W0003)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > John U. Lloyd (26N080W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > Oculina Deepwater Reef (27N080W0002)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > St. Lucie Nearshore Reefs (27N080W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Florida Reef Tract > West Palm Beach (26N080W0004)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Hog Island (29N083W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Jacksonville (30N081W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Panama City Beach (30N085W0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > American Samoa > American Samoa (14S170W0000)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Hawaiian Islands > Hawaii > Hawaii (21N160W0000)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Guam (13N144E0000)
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords Originator Place Names
  • Atlantic coast
  • California
  • Carolina beach
  • Coastal California
  • Coastal waters of Florida
  • Coastal waters of Gulf of Mexico
  • East Florida
  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Mississippi
  • New Hampshire
  • North American Coastline - South
  • North Carolina coast
  • San Francisco Bay
  • South Carolina coast
  • Southern California
  • West Florida
Project keywords NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Iredale, Harry; Petersen, Jill; NOAA National Ocean Service; US DOC/NOAA > National Ocean Service - Seattle, WA; SEFSC - Pascagoula/Stennis Lab (2005). NOAA Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps and geographic information systems data from 1900 to 2009. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/NOS-ORR-ESI. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: series
Processing Steps
  • 2005-03-15T16:01:48Z - NCEI Accession 0002069 v1.1 was published.
  • 2006-09-06T14:59:53Z - NCEI Accession 0002825 v1.1 was published.
  • 2006-09-06T20:12:27Z - NCEI Accession 0002827 v1.1 was published.
  • 2006-09-06T21:29:43Z - NCEI Accession 0002828 v1.1 was published.
  • 2006-09-15T20:52:41Z - NCEI Accession 0004150 v1.1 was published.
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  • 2006-09-19T14:29:46Z - NCEI Accession 0006539 v1.1 was published.
  • 2006-09-19T19:25:25Z - NCEI Accession 0006584 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-02-15T19:33:50Z - NCEI Accession 0013175 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-02-16T21:20:35Z - NCEI Accession 0013176 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-02-22T19:32:03Z - NCEI Accession 0013224 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-02-22T20:28:51Z - NCEI Accession 0013225 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-06T19:52:06Z - NCEI Accession 0013780 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-07T20:26:47Z - NCEI Accession 0013800 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-07T21:27:45Z - NCEI Accession 0013801 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-07T22:22:49Z - NCEI Accession 0013802 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-08T18:32:22Z - NCEI Accession 0013820 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-08T21:36:55Z - NCEI Accession 0013821 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-08T22:33:39Z - NCEI Accession 0013822 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-14T15:58:26Z - NCEI Accession 0013951 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-14T15:59:28Z - NCEI Accession 0013952 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-20T18:50:10Z - NCEI Accession 0014162 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-21T14:48:09Z - NCEI Accession 0014187 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-03-21T14:48:55Z - NCEI Accession 0014188 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-18T12:34:31Z - NCEI Accession 0014789 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-18T12:51:26Z - NCEI Accession 0014790 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-18T12:52:30Z - NCEI Accession 0014791 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-18T12:53:20Z - NCEI Accession 0014792 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-18T12:54:50Z - NCEI Accession 0014793 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-18T12:55:20Z - NCEI Accession 0014794 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-27T13:20:39Z - NCEI Accession 0014927 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-04-27T19:46:27Z - NCEI Accession 0014928 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-05-31T13:22:39Z - NCEI Accession 0019218 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-06-22T13:40:33Z - NCEI Accession 0020555 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-07-09T13:59:17Z - NCEI Accession 0026418 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-09-17T18:02:09Z - NCEI Accession 0033382 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-09-27T14:57:13Z - NCEI Accession 0033616 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-09-27T17:57:31Z - NCEI Accession 0033632 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-11-26T19:21:54Z - NCEI Accession 0036821 v1.1 was published.
  • 2007-11-29T20:43:16Z - NCEI Accession 0036884 v1.1 was published.
  • 2008-10-01T15:21:22Z - NCEI Accession 0046027 v1.1 was published.
  • 2008-10-01T16:20:40Z - NCEI Accession 0046028 v1.1 was published.
  • 2008-10-01T16:44:39Z - NCEI Accession 0046029 v1.1 was published.
  • 2008-10-01T17:18:43Z - NCEI Accession 0046030 v1.1 was published.
  • 2008-10-02T18:15:34Z - NCEI Accession 0046075 v1.1 was published.
  • 2008-10-02T19:46:48Z - NCEI Accession 0046089 v1.1 was published.
  • 2009-01-26T23:24:44Z - NCEI Accession 0049913 v1.1 was published.
  • 2009-01-27T19:01:27Z - NCEI Accession 0049955 v1.1 was published.
  • 2009-01-27T19:07:23Z - NCEI Accession 0049956 v1.1 was published.
  • 2009-02-03T16:50:13Z - NCEI Accession 0050372 v1.1 was published.
  • 2009-04-15T18:25:28Z - NCEI Accession 0052935 was revised and v2.2 was published.
  • 2010-06-07T17:58:30Z - NCEI Accession 0064870 v1.1 was published.
  • 2021-10-15T02:35:24Z - NCEI Accession 0052935 v1.1 was published.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • photograph
  • visual analysis
  • visual estimate
  • visual observation
Last Modified: 2024-03-02T15:15:25Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov