Geographic Information System (GIS) Development for
Plaster Creek Watershed
Charlotte Reynolds, Annaka Scheeres, and Dr. Jason VanHorn
Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Calvin College
Introduction
The Plaster Creek Watershed is one of the most polluted
watersheds in Michigan and suffers from significant
ecological impairments, such as extremely high
concentrations of E. Coli, sedimentation, and human
environmental injustices. Yet these specific ecological
and sociological problems cannot be adequately
addressed without first developing a spatial
understanding of the watershed.
The creation and use of online GIS applications can
communicate watershed health issues to the wider
community in an accessible, relatable way. Our project
aims to update the Plaster Creek Interactive Online GIS
and create an online Story Map Journal to help
professors, students, community members, and local
policymakers better understand the Plaster Creek
Watershed’s challenges and its potential for restoration.
Methods
1. Acquired data from a variety of sources (EPA,
USGS, CDC, US Census Bureau, etc.)
2. Visualized data by creating spatial layers and maps
using ArcMap.
3. Published maps and data layers on ArcGIS Online.
4. Created an online Story Map Journal using ArcGIS
Online.
5. Filmed video footage and recorded audio for
educational videos.
6. Produced a number of educational videos using
Camtasia Studio editing software.
Figure 1. Example of new map layer to be used in the
redesign of the Plaster Creek Interactive Online GIS
Results
Objectives
1. Created various new spatial layers for the Plaster
Creek Interactive Online GIS, including:
1. Create new spatial layers exploring the complex
issues facing the watershed, to be incorporated into
the redesign of the Plaster Creek Interactive Online
GIS.
• Land use
2. Develop an online Story Map Journal that
incorporates ecological concerns, current restoration
efforts, and public health problems into Plaster
Creek Watershed’s narrative.
• Demographics (racial distribution and poverty
levels)
3. Produce a series of educational videos to help the
public better understand what is going on in the
watershed, as well as how to navigate the Plaster
Creek Interactive Online GIS.
• Impervious surfaces
• E. Coli concentrations
• Health risks (cancer, respiratory, neurological)
2. Built a Map Journal telling the story of Plaster
Creek, from its problems to restoration efforts.
3. Produced educational videos in order to help
viewers better understand what is going on in the
watershed.
Figure 2. Example page from the Plaster Creek Map Journal
Conclusions
We created a series of maps that were incorporated
into an online Story Map Journal and will ultimately
be integrated into the Plaster Creek Interactive
Online GIS. We hope the public will utilize these
resources to aid future restoration efforts.
References
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber (2008). Plaster Creek Watershed
Management Plan.