Planning efforts rely on many sources of information to help find and evaluate new restoration opportunities. Some are technical and computer-based, such as the use of geographic information systems (GIS), while others are basic, common sense approaches that tap the knowledge of local area officials, organizations, and residents. Combined with on-the-ground field assessments, these sources can generate a comprehensive picture of potential restoration sites within a study area.

The Mount Hope Bay Tidal Restriction Atlas provides a detailed explanation of typical methods used to identify and assess tidal restrictions for a coastal area restoration plan. Click here (PDF 245 KB) to view the Atlas Methodology section.

GIS is a powerful planning tool that helps to locate and gather information about altered wetlands. In particular, the comparison of current and historic maps, aerial images, and other spatial information can quickly identify important restoration opportunities over large geographic regions. Click the image (left) to view an interactive simulation of GIS and its use for restoration planning.