Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps!

Environmental Sensitivity Index maps (ESI maps) are useful for determining what kind of resources are available at a glance. ESI maps are used to chart things from plants to animals and are overlain on top of topographic maps of the area of interest. In the world, people like engineers and environmental groups can utilize ESI maps to view what types of animals or plants that can be impacted from events such as oil spills. By utilizing ESI maps, cleanup crews can reduce the impact a spill or other event can have on the environment by targeting the most important areas rather than wasting time on areas that are not as species dense. Below is an example of an ESI map of the Caribbean.