Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System: CZM's Online Mapping Tool

MORIS, the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System, is an online mapping tool created by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), the Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), SeaPlan, Applied Science Associates (ASA), Charlton Galvarino, and PeopleGIS. MORIS can be used to search and display spatial data pertaining to the Massachusetts coastal zone. Users can interactively view various data layers (e.g., tide gauge stations, marine protected areas, access points, eelgrass beds, etc.) over a backdrop of aerial photographs, political boundaries, natural resources, human uses, bathymetry, or other data including Google base maps. Users can quickly create and share maps and download the actual data for use in a Geographic Information System (GIS). While designed for coastal management professionals, MORIS can be used by anyone interested in these data and maps.

Purpose of MORIS

MORIS is designed to:

• Provide spatial data that are, to the extent possible, accurate, scientifically sound, and credible.
• Provide information to decision makers, planners, and the general public that can be used to strengthen environmental policy and guide management decisions.
• Use a collaborative, interactive process that involves a variety of partners and data sources.
• Ensure that the data are available in an easily accessible and useful manner.

What Do I Need to Run MORIS?

MORIS is run through a web browser. At this time, the application fully works in Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The latest versions of these browsers are recommended. Currently Google Chrome 16, Internet Explorer 9, Mozilla Firefox 9, and Safari 5 have been thoroughly tested, but the application also works in older versions of these browsers.

The Technology Behind MORIS

MORIS is a JavaScript web application that utilizes various components of GeoExt, a JavaScript toolkit for rich mapping applications. The application is run through a client-side web browser.

MORIS pulls data through the GeoServer mapping software. GeoServer is a free, open-source, map-serving platform that serves data using Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC) WMS and WFS formats, among others. OGC is a nonprofit, international, voluntary consensus standards organization that is leading the development of standards for geospatial- and location-based services. The GeoServer project continues to evolve and MORIS will benefit from future enhancements and bug fixes. Side Note: An advantage of serving the datalayers through GeoServer is that in addition to supplying the MORIS client, the datalayers are available to be consumed by other clients including ArcMap and Google Earth.

Please Report Problems

To assist CZM in the maintenance of these data, users are encouraged to report errors or omissions. To report a data error, please contact CZM's GIS/Data Manager at daniel.sampson@state.ma.us. To report a bug or suggest an enhancement to MORIS, please contact MassGIS's Web Mapping Services Manager at aleda.freeman@state.ma.us.

DISCLAIMER - Read Thoroughly and Agree to Terms Before Proceeding to MORIS

This online mapping tool is a public resource of general information provided by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. CZM does not guarantee the accuracy, current status, or completeness of the material contained herein and is not responsible for any misuse or misrepresentation of this information or its derivatives. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these data, errors and conditions originating from physical sources used to develop these data may be reflected in the data supplied. The user must be aware of data conditions and bear responsibility for the appropriate use of the information with respect to possible errors, original map scale, collection methodology, currency of data, and other conditions specific to certain data. No warranty, representation, or guarantee is made or implied regarding the content, sequence, accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the data provided. In no event shall CZM be liable for any damages, whether general, special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of your use of these data. Your sole remedy for damages is to stop using the data. You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless CZM and its employees against any claim, loss, liability, or expense, including attorneys' fees, resulting from loss of or damage to property or the injury to or death of any person arising out of the use of the data.

CZM data are prepared for reference purposes only and should not be used for, and are not intended for, survey and engineering purposes. The data layers do not take the place of a legal survey or other primary source documentation.

Some of the data contained in MORIS are provided and maintained by various individuals representing agencies external to CZM, including but not limited to academia, not-for-profit 501(3)(c) organizations, other Commonwealth of Massachusetts agencies, municipal governments, and federal agencies. No guarantee is given as to the accuracy or currency of any of these data.

When using CZM data on maps or in digital applications, source credit should be stated as: "Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs."

Select YES if you accept and agree to these terms and would like to view the online maps. Select NO if you do not accept these terms.

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