OKI developed and launched the Environmental Mitigation Suitability Modeler (EMSM) in 2021, an interactive modeling tool that helps identify and prioritize potential areas for mitigation and further conservation efforts across the region.
The innovative tool provides users with a free online device that performs complex suitability modeling without software limitations. EMSM is non-prescriptive so that users can choose which data layers and weights to include in their unique model.
Due to national interest, EMSM has been presented at several workshops and is being used to help develop a greenspace plan and support environmental mitigation.
In March 2021, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited staff to demonstrate this tool to the Federal Eco-Logical Program Signatory Agencies, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, and representatives from the Volpe National Transportation Center (VOLPE).
Other OKI Annual Report Highlights
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program to Aid Data Gathering for OKI
OKI’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program continued to gain momentum during 2022.
GIS Highlights: Freight Plan Update, Urban Tree Canopy
Providing detailed, up-to-date Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, analysis and web mapping applications for OKI’s many programs was a leading focus for our GIS Department during 2022.
Phase One of Freight Plan Complete, Phase Two Initiated
In 2022, OKI’s staff completed the first phase of a new regional freight plan.