Toward Measuring Tool Impact: What can environmental planners learn from log and usage analysis?

 Toward Measuring Tool Impact: What can environmental planners learn from log and usage analysis?

Analyzing user behavior with computer science methods is common in commercial website design, where a subfield called web analytics uses electronically gathered quantitative data to gain insights about user behavior. Commercial companies use this information for a variety of purposes, from improving search engine performance and customizing a user’s experience to targeting ads in ways that may seem unnerving. What can be done with the information depends on two key factors: (1) what and how information is collected (2) laws, polices, and norms governing the use of information.

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The Impacts of Using a GeoSpatial Tool: Results from evaluations of SeaSketch’s predecessor published

 The Impacts of Using a GeoSpatial Tool: Results from evaluations of SeaSketch’s predecessor published

Why should we invest in geospatial tools? What makes them so valuable in science-based participatory process? In light of exciting progress toward the U.S. National Ocean Policy and marine spatial planning goals globally, and the proliferation of mapping portals and tools to support this work, we share this critical examination of MarineMap, the award-winning mapping platform that supported California's Marine Life Protection Act Initiative. From 2012 to 2014, the McClintock lab collaborated with Amanda Cravens, to investigate MarineMap, the predecessor to SeaSketch. Apaper describing part of the results of that research was recently published, and we have boiled down the key lessons learned in this post.

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Mapping with Stakeholders in Curaçao

Mapping with Stakeholders in Curaçao

A seemingly improbable blend of Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese influences, Curaçao, formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, is as colorful on land as the marine life found just off its shores. Home to white sand beaches, colorful Dutch architecture, and the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, it’s of little surprise that this Caribbean island attracts large numbers of tourists. Numerous dive shops provide tourists the chance to view resplendent coral communities and marine wildlife. Curaçao’s rich coastline also supports a contingent of fishermen that catch marine fish for themselves and to sell to the community and local restaurants.

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SeaSketch for the Santa Barbara Channel

SeaSketch for the Santa Barbara Channel

Right in our own backyard, the McClintock Lab has found a critical need for thoughtful marine spatial planning. The Santa Barbara Channel is home to diverse marine life, including protected species of whales, as well as a variety of human uses. For the past year the SeaSketch team has been immersed in supporting a special working group, convened by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) focused on effective management, research and outreach surrounding one of these key human uses: marine shipping.

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Tools Training for EBM Practitioners

Tools Training for EBM Practitioners

The McClintock Lab sent lab member Grace Goldberg to San Juan, PR to speak about implementing marine spatial planning (MSP) using novel tools as part of the Caribbean Coastal-Marine EBM Tools Workshop Training, put on by the EBM Tools Network and NatureServe. She spoke about MSP process, from prioritizing objectives, to data gathering, to iterative design - emphasizing the role of a wide range of tools that provide a scientific underpinning for planning, and tools that enable effective stakeholder engagement, highlighting key resources for the participants.

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