A Customization of the Arc Marine Data Model to Support Whale Tracking via Satellite Telemetry

Here, Lord-Castillo tailors a multi-dimensional ocean data model to be compatible with satellite telemetry tagging program through Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute. This paper exemplifies the development of data sharing within ArcGIS with the intention that its associated analytical tools can be utilized by different shareholders. Here, authors developed non-spatial object classes and feature classes specific to Arc Marine, which was a data model originally written using Microsoft Visio software. Within this customization study, they found two concepts to help improve future uses of Arc Marine for animal tracking: increased multidimensionality and creating an expandable platform.

This concept is integral to improving spatial data storage, management, and analysis with the goal of investigating animal movements and implementing conservation strategies given migratory patterns and behaviors. This is similar to the data I am working with which incorporates point locations, genotypes, sex, telemetry tracks, and a host of other environmental variables that can be extracted using GIS.

Lord-Castillo, Brett K., et al. “A Customization of the Arc Marine Data Model to Support Whale Tracking via Satellite Telemetry.” Transactions in GIS, vol. 13, no. s1, 2009, pp. 63–83. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9671.2009.01159.x.