Conservation Data Center (CDC)

The University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) and the Nature Conservation (TNC) have undertaken the challenge of developing a Conservation Data Center (CDC) as part of a Natural Resources Identification and long-term conservation plan for the Territory.

The CDC compiles, analyzes, and disseminates natural resource and socioeconomic data. The data being collected are stored in a Geographic Information System (GIS)—a computerized system that links maps to data.

The CDC also provides training in GIS. The CDC helps to identify and evaluate threats to the natural areas and provides the tools for decision-makers addressing these threats.

Geographic databases we are building include:

• Endangered species
• Political, economical,
• and social resources

Geographic databases available include:

• Natural marine communities
• Terrestrial vegetation types
• Digital photographic imagery
• National wildlife refuge
• Census demographic
• Coral reefs and road names (etc.)

Aerial Photo

Aerial photos are taken from the air at regular, spatial intervals, and used in photo interpretation to provide much information about forests and land forms. ;