A GIS Approach to Mapping Oil Spills in the Marine Environment

Geographic information systems (GIS) can significantly contribute to correct interpretation of the slick signatures visible on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. Initially GIS is proven to be an excellent management tool for resource assessment, oil spill response, planning and damage assessment. GIS approach to a problem of oil spill mapping includes integration of the geographical, remote sensing, oil & gas production/infrastructure data and slick signatures, detected by SAR, in GIS. Compiled from data of several sources including nautical maps, geodatabases, ground truth and remote sensing data, GIS allows retrieval of key information, i.e. predict spill locations, reveal offshore/onshore sources and estimate intensity of oil pollution. SAR and GIS technologies can significantly improve identification or even classification of oil spills allowing making the final product - oil spill distribution maps. This approach has been applied to oil spill mapping in Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf. Conclusion is done that combination of GIS to be an ideal solution to understand spatial/temporal distribution of oil spills in the marine environment and is considered as a core of oil spill monitoring system.