Imms, E.

The goal of this user manual is to enable park managers to efficiently and accurately work with the GIS data recently collated as part of the DCNA Geographical Data Development Project.

The software used to work with the GIS data in this manual is ArcGIS10. A training manual also exists for working with Google Earth: Workbook_Google_EarthMaps_Training.pdf.

The manual is structured as follows:

• Chapter 1 and Appendix 1: An introduction to the DCNA Geographical Data Development project and overview of

  DCNA data layers, their properties and notes on application

• Chapter 2 and Appendix 2: An introduction to key GIS concepts, tools and resources
• Chapter 3: Guidelines to using DCNA geographical data layers
• Chapter 4: Guidelines to editing and modifying DCNA geographical data layers
• Chapter 5: Guidelines to creating new geographical data layers in DCNA style and format

Aruba National Parks, created from coastline and traced from image files.

Ramsar sites map of Aruba(GIS). Smoothed to 100m. 'The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.' See convention description for more details.

Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) map of Aruba (GIS).

Reference map of Aruba.

Bathymetry (underwater depth) map for the seas surrounding Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (GIS).

Important Bird Areas of Curacao according to birdlife international.

Seasonally restricted lobster fishing, fish reserves and marine reserves.

The populations of sharks worldwide are in sharp decline and therefore in urgent need of protection from illegal fishing and fisheries by-catch.The establishment of this Sanctuary for sharks, as well as marine mammals, was at the request of the Governments of Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius.The local nature conservation and fisheries organizations are involved in the protection. The name of the Sanctuary “Yarari” is a Taíno Indian word, meaning ‘a fine place’.

Yarari sanctuary GIS data can be found at:

• Bonaire: Exclusive Economic Zone
• Saba and St.Eustatius: Exclusive Economic Zone