Ogeechee Story Map Unveiled

By Meaghan Walsh Gerard Communications and Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper

In honor of Earth Day this year, Ogeechee Riverkeeper unveiled a new interactive story map highlighting the watershed it protects. Using ArcGIS technology, the web-based platform integrates data, narrative, maps, and graphics to tell the story of the Ogeechee River basin and the Riverkeeper organization. The result is an interactive experience for the user. With the Ogeechee River and its main tributary, the Canoochee at 402 miles long, the Ogeechee River basin encompasses more than 5,500 square miles across 22 Georgia counties. And with evidence of at least 10,000 years of human habitation, that’s a lot of story to tell. The story map touches on early history of the area as well as more recent changes like population growth. A side-by-side map shows just how quickly the density has changed in the past four decades. The interactive platform also summarizes some of the main threats to the health of the Ogeechee basin and how people can get help Ogeechee Riverkeeper in its mission to protect, preserve, and improve water quality.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper enlisted the expertise of locally owned Transport Studio to help design the story map. Using data points collected from various sources, it was built on an ESRI platform. The software allows the programmers to layer maps and data in new and interesting ways.

“We are in awe of the commitment of Ogeechee Riverkeeper to protect our shared river basin,” said Whitney Shephard, owner of Transport Studio. “Most of Chatham County thinks of the Savannah River, but in reality, 76% of the county is in the Ogeechee watershed. Whether you’re paddling, drinking clean water, or appreciating the deep heritage, the river is a tremendous

resource to our community and upstream communities alike.”

The map is accessible via the Ogeechee Riverkeeper website. Users are encouraged to explore the story map and find a graphic “canoe guy” for a chance to win prizes.