ONRR staff currently rely on multiple GIS applications with inconsistent interfaces, toolsets, and layer availability, leading to workflow inefficiencies, incomplete data access, and the risk of overlooking critical information during natural resource damage (NRD) assessments and restoration planning/management. Additionally, the sensitive nature of NRD litigation limits ONRR’s ability to use existing GIS platforms to create/publish layers for ONRR use only, as shared platforms risk exposing confidential data.
The proposed custom GIS application addresses these problems by centralizing all necessary GIS data, tools, and imagery into a single, secure platform.

This proposal outlines the need for developing a custom GIS web application for the Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR). The integration of a custom web application into ONRR’s workflow will enable more thorough and comprehensive natural resource damage (NRD) assessments, improve site selection/planning for restoration projects, help manage existing restoration projects, among other critical office functions.
ONRR staff currently access multiple GIS applications through various methods each with differing interfaces and tool functions, and different pre-populated layer lists, with some layers inaccessible on certain platforms, leading to inefficiencies in workflow and overlooked data. In addition, due to the confidential nature of NRD litigation, ONRR office cannot fully utilize GIS capabilities, as any published layers would be accessible to other DEP staff, potentially compromising sensitive information that must remain internal to the office.
A custom GIS application for ONRR will centralize all necessary GIS layers/imagery/tools for staff thereby streamlining ONRR’s workflow and improving access to critical data, ultimately enhancing NRD assessments, decision-making, and restoration project management. The app will also support the creation of ONRR-specific layers for internal use, such as potential NRD cases or cases that are currently in litigation, and potential restoration sites.