Implementation of a spatially referenced information system on a "watershed-coastal zone" in support of a research project

Abstract

This work was carried out in support of LITEAU project (Cemagref, Ifremer, Bordeaux I university) developed with the aim to study the coupling between land-use and coastal lagoon processes in the Arcachon Basin and its catchment area. Macroalgal blooming as a result of eutrophication has been observed during the last twenty years in the area. A spatial information system was designed in order to compute nitrogen mass balances at relevant spatial and time scales. An inventory of existing data was made in various fields: land-use and human activities, climate, soil, hydrology, vegetation~Functional conceptual sub-units were defined in the Arcachon Bay and its catchment area as well as relevant time scales. An UML (Unified Modelling Language) model was built and a database prototype (using ArcView® and Microsoft Access®) designed for setting thematic and spatial queries. This information system linked with hydrological and hydrodynamic models can be helpful to understand changes in the lagoon (primary producers) upon changing nutrient loadings at different key periods.