The purpose of this project is to simulate a formal GIS study conducted in support of a fisheries management project, where we want to identify suitable habitat for a protected benthic fish species off the coast of California. This project represents a mock case-study illustrating industry standard approaches towards solving an environmental agency problem set using GIS, while applying the skills learned over time.
In this scenario, you need to apply binary and ranking models that produce output showing suitable habitat for a rare benthic species of fish, which we will call Firaticus foo. Then later, using the result of our ranking suitability model, construct an index habitat suitability model (HSI) for our species. Using the Bathymetry and Rugosity datasets provided on Canvas, here is what you know about the habitats it occupies:
It only lives where the ocean floor has a slope of at least 8 percent
It only lives where the rugosity of the ocean floor is at least 1.2
It only lives where the aspect of the ocean floor is 135-200 degrees.
