The Arizona Electronic Atlas: A Dynamic Resource for Soil, Water and Environmental Data

Christine Kollen
Library, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Jeanne Pfander
Library, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Abstract

The University of Arizona Library in partnership with the Arizona State Cartographers Office and the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records is creating the Arizona Electronic Atlas. This dynamic web-based interactive atlas will integrate disparate and distinct data sources from both the social sciences and sciences; allow users to create, manipulate, and download accurate and current maps and data; meet the educational and research needs of the users; and provide an innovative tool for improving geographic literacy. Some of the soil and water data that will be available include soil types, streams, lakes, springs, surface water basins, groundwater basins, riparian areas and wetlands. Some of the environmental data will include water quality data and sources of water and soil pollution such as location of EPA superfund sites, underground storage tanks, and solid waste landfills. This poster session will show the origination and development of the project; importance of partnerships in crafting Web-products successfully; identification and selection of soil, water, and environmental data to include in the atlas including the involvement of faculty and other interested parties; and the development of functional specifications for the atlas. We will discuss some of the issues and challenges we have faced and what our next steps are.