New technology and wide access to the Internet have provided unprecedented opportunities for getting science to audiences rapidly and innovatively. Over 10 years ago, EPA began development of EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas), aiming to be on the forefront of using web-based approaches to provide easy access to geospatial data on ecosystem services. Have these efforts been successful? In 2020, EnviroAtlas is a data-rich, web-based decision support tool that combines maps, analysis tools, downloadable data, and informational resources. The purpose of EnviroAtlas is to provide access to consistently derived ecosystem and socio-economic data, facilitating effective decision-making while providing data to the research and education community. With a computer and an Internet connection, users can tap into a wealth of information and data through two flagship tools, the Interactive Map and Eco-Health Relationship Browser. No GIS skills are required to use the Interactive Map which provides access to over 500 geospatial data layers and multiple built-in analysis tools. The data are available for multiple extents for the U.S., from very fine-scale data for individual municipalities to national datasets. The Browser is an easy-to-use application that demonstrates connections between human health and ecosystem services and is backed by over 700 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles.
Results/Conclusions
EnviroAtlas resources have been used in a range of research and planning projects, including community Health Impact Assessments, green infrastructure projects, conservation and restoration planning, and brownfield redevelopment. Since its release in 2014, EnviroAtlas has evolved to include new functionality, tools, and data. To help users understand how EnviroAtlas resources may be used in different contexts, we have developed guides, example use cases highlighting real-world scenarios, and educational modules for K-undergraduate classrooms. Since 2017, we have conducted the educational modules with over 5,000 participants.
Through developing EnviroAtlas and interacting with user communities - from community decision makers, to regional conservation planners, to educators – we have learned much about the challenges and opportunities associated with providing widely available web tools. Here we present an overview of EnviroAtlas tools and resources, as well as lessons learned thus far. We also present use cases for how our tools and data have been used to address prevalent issues, allowing practitioners and students and alike to discover potential data that can be used to tackle a range of challenges. This abstract has been reviewed and approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Agency.