Webinar Recording Now Available: OceansMap in Action: Visualizing New Sensor Data for Smarter Planning and Response in Virginia

Watch the recording of our recent webinar, hosted with partners from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). You’ll get the chance to explore the latest updates to MARACOOS OceansMap—our interactive platform that brings together near-real-time coastal data to support smarter, faster decision-making.

This session spotlighted the new Water Level, Waves, and Webcams (WWW) network, a coordinated effort to bring low-cost, high-impact sensors to communities across the region. Learn how these tools are being deployed strategically, with a live walkthrough of sensor locations and localized, real-world examples. Learn how community partners are using water level sensors to better understand local flooding risks, and discover how webcam data is adding critical situational awareness from regional experts.

You’ll also hear about current OceansMap Insights, explore visualizations of real-time data, and get a preview of what’s coming next. Have ideas for additional insights or data layers? This is your chance to share them.

Who should watch? County and city officials, emergency managers, planners, coastal zone professionals, community advocates—and anyone working to make Mid-Atlantic communities safer and better informed.

About the speaker

Dr. Derek Loftis is a MARACOOS-funded researcher and coastal scientist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). He works with communities to deploy sensors and modeling tools that support real-time decision-making for coastal resilience. His work within the MARACOOS Water Level, Waves, and Webcams Network aims to improve flood monitoring and forecasting across the Mid-Atlantic.