Mapping is Management with Ray Valley from Biobasemaps

Stormwater World Episode 036: Mapping is Management with Ray Valley from Biobasemaps.

 

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Key Points Discussed

[00:00:00] Introduction

• Host's welcome and background on GIS and mapping.

• Introduction of Ray Valley and Biobasemaps.

[00:02:30] Defining "Mapping is Managing"

• Quote: "You can't protect what you don't measure. You can't restore what you don't measure." – Ray Valley

• How mapping enables effective resource management.

[00:06:00] Applications in Stormwater Management

• Use of Biobasemaps for detention ponds and stormwater assessment.

• Quote: "Most communities don’t even know how much storage is left in their ponds." – Ray Valley

[00:09:45] Leveraging Consumer Technology

• Use of sonar and GPS for affordable and scalable mapping.

• Steps for data collection, processing, and visualization.

• Quote: "You can put an intern on that boat, and they’ll get the exact same output as a hydrographer with 20 years of experience." – Ray Valley

[00:17:30] Fit-for-Purpose Mapping

• Discussion on selecting the right methods for different projects.

• Applications and limitations of Biobasemaps for stormwater ponds.

[00:29:45] Customer Support and Training

• Insights into Biobasemaps’ commitment to user education and support.

 

Notable Quotes:

"Mapping is not the end goal; it’s the means to an end." – Ray Valley

"We can determine a lot of things when we can see the data." – Ty Garmon

"For mapping your community’s stormwater ponds, this is perfect. You could knock out 50 ponds in a summer." – Ray Valley

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon speaks with Ray Valley, aquatic ecologist and founder of Biobasemaps, to explore the transformative role of mapping in water resource management. Ray emphasizes that effective management begins with accurate measurement, explaining how Biobasemaps leverages consumer sonar and GPS technology to create affordable, scalable bathymetric maps for stormwater detention ponds, lakes, and other water bodies. He discusses the concept of "fit-for-purpose" mapping, showcasing how this approach delivers practical, cost-effective solutions for communities managing stormwater infrastructure. Ray also highlights the importance of visualization in decision-making and shares Biobasemaps’ commitment to user training and support, making advanced mapping accessible to professionals and beginners alike.

 

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Ray Valley: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-valley-0016944b/

BioBase LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/biobasemaps/posts/?feedView=all

Website: https://www.biobasemaps.com/

 

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP: 

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygar