Harnessing GIS for Carbon Sequestration Mapping Application
- NexGen Technologies
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Background
The U.S. Geological Survey embarked on an effort to identify optimal geologic sites for carbon sequestration across federally managed lands. The goal was to integrate multiple datasets—geological, environmental, historical, and cultural—to ensure that prospective sites for reducing carbon emissions would not jeopardize conservation priorities or disturb culturally significant areas.
Challenge
Bringing together such diverse and complex data posed several obstacles:
Fragmented Geospatial Datasets: Information on land ownership, resource designations, and subsurface mineral estates existed in disconnected systems with varying formats and attribute definitions.
High Stakeholder Involvement: The project needed input from multiple federal agencies and local experts, each with unique data standards and regulatory considerations.
Preserving Sensitive Sites: The potential for overlapping protected areas required careful mapping to protect cultural and environmental resources.
Limited 3D Data Representation: Many subsurface datasets had a three-dimensional component—such as varying formation thicknesses or overlapping layers—that were either not captured or oversimplified in 2D geospatial platforms. Accurate modeling would require advanced software capable of handling spatial-temporal interactions.
Approximate Geologic Boundaries: Features like aquifers and geologic formations were often defined by approximate boundaries. This introduced uncertainty into spatial analyses, where operations like intersects or overlays should ideally account for probabilistic rather than absolute spatial relationships.
Restricted and Generalized Data Access: At times, key datasets were either unavailable or highly generalized. Sensitive cultural information, including some datasets from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), required special access requests, limiting the ability to conduct fully informed analyses.
Solution
NexGen Technologies developed the BLM/USGS Carbon Sequestration Map App to address these challenges:
Data Integration & Visualization
Consolidated Geospatial Layers: We merged geologic, cultural, and environmental datasets into a single GIS environment, ensuring consistency and compatibility.
FAIR Principles: By making the data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, stakeholders could easily view and leverage critical information in real time.
Advanced Analysis & 3D Modeling
Focus Point Identification: Using overlapping data layers, we pinpointed areas suitable for possible detailed 3D modeling. This analysis identified optimal sequestration zones while flagging locations requiring additional environmental or cultural review.
Streamlined Workflows: Automated processes minimized manual data manipulation, enabling efficient updates and reducing errors during complex spatial analyses.
Collaborative Project Management
Multidisciplinary Coordination: We aligned multiple agency goals by emphasizing clear communication channels, shared milestones, and transparent progress tracking.
Regulatory Compliance: Throughout the development cycle, NexGen adhered to federal environmental standards and best practices to ensure both safety and cultural preservation.
Conclusion
The BLM/USGS Carbon Sequestration Map App serves as a testament to how robust GIS solutions can drive climate initiatives while respecting environmental and cultural values. By consolidating diverse datasets into an intuitive, high-performing application, the project empowers decision-makers to balance carbon reduction strategies with responsible land use, an essential step toward building a more sustainable future
About NexGen:
NexGen Technologies (NexGen) provides the people, processes, and solutions that help make innovative IT transformation possible across your systems and applications.
We specialize in delivering top-tier IT support services, specifically tailored for the unique needs of the federal government. Our dedicated team combines cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise to ensure your projects meet the highest standards of quality and security.
For more information, please contact NexGen at info@nexgeninc.com or (720) 377-1800.
