EVS-Islands: Thinking Out Loud: Enhanced Vector Shorelines

WVS and GSHHS - The Most Detailed Worldwide Map Files (1:250,000)

I am a long time user of both WVS (World Vector Shorelines) and GSHHS (Global Self-consistent, Hierarchical, High-resolution Shoreline) vector map files. They are both drawn at a scale of 1:250,000. I had used 1:1,000,000 scale vector files from DCW (Digital Chart of the World). Initially, I found this scale to be satisfactory for most of my projects. However, as I began to work with small islands my satisfaction lessened. I then discovered WVS and GSHHS map files. Worldwide coverage at 1:250,000 and free! I was in mapper heaven.

Beginning with WVS map files over 4-years ago, I quickly ran into frustrations as I attempted to convert vector lines into vector polygons. WVS has many inherent issues that make this transformation difficult. I learned of GSHHS and set about to replace my WVS map files. However, GSHHS requires a conversion into ARC Ungenerate format (the format Marplot can import). I managed to have the file converted and I started working with GSHHS map files. I appreciated the fact that I had the "best" free worldwide vector map coverage. But something was missing. Using Space Shuttle imagery, I found that GSHHS was quite often too coarse and Shuttle imagery was difficult to georectify.

Landsat ETM+2000 Mosaics - The World Below 1:100,000

I then discovered Landsat ETM+2000 mosaics. I produced my first vector map from it and compared it to GSHHS shorelines. The difference was dramatic.

EVS Compared to GSHHS

After that experience, I now use GSHHS produced maps only for broad area coverage, 1:250,000 and above. I've seen the promised land and I can't settle for anything less!

Enhanced Vector Shoreline (EVS) World Map - A Map Waiting To Happen

My quest is to produce an Enhanced Vector Shoreline (EVS) World Map using a collaborative approach consisting of a trained team of 100+ map makers. They will be trained to digitize shorelines following a

How To Make An EVS Map

rigorous protocol, to include all features unique to this highly dynamic environment. Each individual will be responsible for either a portion, single or multiple ETM+ mosaic(s). They will digitize all assigned shorelines found on their Landsat mosaic, using a carefully developed criteria and procedure. Their finished vector map files will be evaluated and corrected by a quality assurance team of professional geographers (volunteers). Finally, the finished product (1:100,00 scale and better) will be compiled and made available to all potential users at no cost.

The construction of the EVS Worldwide map will be done as a non-profit project. The cost of development, implementation and final product support will be covered by donations of cash, software and computer hardware from both public and private organizations and/or grants that will enable my team to:

1) Introduce the project to the target group of potential participants - highly motivated high school and college students from the America's, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia/Oceania.

2) Select and train the team of digitizers/mapmakers.

3) Develop and implement the communication system to move Landsat mosaic images, transfer digitized pre-processed vector map files, provide for daily contact and easily facilitate the processing of a completed Enhanced Vector Shoreline map file.

4) To take all of the processed vector map files and combine them into a single world map product.

EVS World Map - A World of Map Makers

Ideally, this project will have worldwide participation. It should be a mapping effort by a worldwide community of dedicated mappers. Each participant, upon completion of their assigned portion of the project, will receive a laptop computer loaded with GIS software as tangible compensation for their efforts. The same one they used to compile their respective parts of the project. More importantly, they will have received consistent, quality training and practical experience in the "gentle" art of map making. From this group will come the next generation of map makers, trained and experienced.

EVS World Map - Layers, Layers and More Layers

This project will take from one to two years to finish. As the completed EVS World Map is broadly disseminated new layers of information will be required. This is where the project is transformed into a for-profit enterprise as these desired layers will be completed at a fair market cost. And what team better to accomplish this next phase then the original members of the EVS team (highly motivated, highly trained and experienced map makers). The creation and integration of additional layers of useful information will engage this team in a highly profitable enterprise for many years to come.

EVS will be the default worldwide map for years to come.

Mine is the vision. Now, I need the team and the funding. Any takers?