Chesapeake Bay Program Data

The Chesapeake Bay Program Data hub serves as a central repository for extensive environmental information within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It provides access to various data types, allowing users to query databases based on specific geographic regions and date ranges. Query results are provided in downloadable, delimited text files, compatible with programs like SAS, Excel, and Access for in-depth analysis.

Key data programs include Modeling, which utilizes environmental simulations to predict ecosystem changes from management actions, and Monitoring, a cooperative effort that tracks environmental changes, improves understanding, and reveals long-term trends. The site also features a Resource Lands Assessment (RLA) that uses GIS models to identify and value critical resource lands, guiding conservation strategies and informing land trusts.

The Chesapeake Bay Program maintains a Quality Assurance Program to ensure the accuracy of its data, which covers a broad spectrum of environmental parameters. These include pollutants, water quality, land use, algae, fish, crabs, and submerged aquatic vegetation, all vital for understanding and managing the health of the Chesapeake Bay.