—Christa Gunn, office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects
Mapping is the first step in exploration, which leads to economic expansion and the arctic region is not well mapped. There is not a consistent, standard set of maps detailing the natural gas pipeline route. The Office of Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects (OFC) is creating a Geographical Information System (GIS) prototype along a 20-mile stretch of the proposed natural gas pipeline route at Atigun Pass, which may be expanded for the entire route to provide a consistent and integrated source of information and mapping for the pipeline project. This GIS system, utilizing ArcGIS, will act as the organizing element for multiple otherwise disparate data sets. The authoritative base map will use Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and incorporate existing agency data. The system will aid in expediting permitting, public understanding, and transparency of the project. Federal agencies will have the ability to access the basemap and use ArcGIS to manipulate the dataset and import their agency GIS layers and historic documentation. Each agency has data pertinent to their mission, however sharing that data and incorporating into one uthoritative base map is instrumental to expedite permitting and recordkeeping. The authoritative base map will aid agency decision making, reduce duplicate data costs, and remove inconsistencies by providing agencies the same baseline data set on seismic fault and landslide hazard detection, permafrost detection, wetland delineation, climate change, and water crossings to lay a foundation for streamlining permitting activities and aid land and resource management. The web browser application provides transparent public access to the dataset. Data can be selected to be displayed depending on levels of confidentiality. For example one may click on a stream crossing and pull up a photo, or we can pull up properties of the stream crossing such as essential fish habitat. Congress directed the OFC to manage the activities of more than 20 federal agencies, Canadian authorities, the State of Alaska and private stakeholders to expedite the regulatory process for making this crucial natural gas supply available to domestic markets.