Maps and Spatial Data/Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA)

ERMA Image

Here, ERMA displays sampling locations in the Gulf of Mexico for the NOAA Mussel Watch Program, which monitored contaminant levels from mussels before and after the Macondo well blow-out in 2010 (well site shown in yellow). Source: NOAA.

Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA)

ERMA^® is an online mapping tool that integrates both static and real-time data, such as Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps, ship locations, weather, and ocean currents, in a centralized, easy-to-use format for environmental responders and decision makers.

ERMA enables a user to quickly and securely upload, manipulate, export, and display spatial data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) map.

Developed by NOAA and the University of New Hampshire with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Interior, ERMA provides environmental resource managers with the data necessary to make informed decisions for environmental response.

Technical Information about ERMA Learn more about how NOAA and its partners developed ERMA using open-source software.	Arctic ERMA Find out how NOAA is helping the Arctic region prepare for climate change and possible oil spills using ERMA.
Atlantic ERMA In the fall of 2012, Atlantic ERMA was employed as the Common Operational Picture for the U.S. Coast Guard's pollution response to Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey waters.	Caribbean ERMA Caribbean ERMA has been used to visualize environmental response data during a regional oil spill drill, to map small vessel groundings near coral reefs, and to assist in identifying resources affected by the 2009 fire at an oil storage facility in Puerto Rico.
ERMA Deepwater Gulf Response This online mapping tool for the Gulf of Mexico integrates static and real time response data from the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill.	New England ERMA In 2007, ERMA began as a pilot project in Portsmouth, N.H. It was eventually expanded to all New England states, where it has been used to assist response efforts during Hurricane Irene in 2011 and the Spill of National Significance exercise in 2010.
Pacific Islands ERMA Pacific Islands ERMA covers the Hawaiian Islands and outlying territories. It is primarily focused on impacts from coastal storms and marine debris, including data for the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami response.	Gulf of Mexico ERMA Gulf of Mexico ERMA integrates key information to support environmental and severe-weather responses in the Gulf of Mexico, for example, during the Hurricane Isaac response in 2012. It does not include data related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill, which instead can be accessed via the ERMA Gulf Response site.
Pacific Northwest ERMA NOAA initially developed Pacific Northwest ERMA with funding for its CAPRI program in Washington's Puget Sound, which looks at environmental vulnerability due to forecast climate change conditions.	Southwest ERMA Southwest ERMA contains data used in an oil spill drill in the coastal California region in order to help responders prepare for impacts from potential spills.