gov.noaa.nodc:0277985 eng utf8 model NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NOAA Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information custodian 2025-12-16T13:14:13Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) NCCOS Assessment: A Wind Energy Siting Analysis for the Gulf of Mexico Call Area, 1993-01-01 to 2022-03-04 (NCEI Accession 0277985) 2023-05-12 publication 2023-05-08 creation International DOI Foundation (IDF) 10.25921/7epv-xh75 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0277985 NCEI Archive Management System 0277985 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information publisher NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information resourceProvider James Morris Jr. NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) james.morris@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information principalInvestigator NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) NCCOS Data Manager nccos.data@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information pointOfContact James Morris Jr. NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) james.morris@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information pointOfContact Jossart, Jonathan A. author Randall, Alyssa L. author Morris Jr., James NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science james.morris@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information author Matthews, Tershara Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Steen, Mariana Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Boube, Idrissa Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Stradley, Shane Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Del Rio, Ross Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Inzinna, Dana Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Oos, Christopher Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Coats, Leonard Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Shin, Gregory Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator Griffith, Craig Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) http://www.boem.gov/ HTTP Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) website Institution web page information collaborator NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information contributor tableDigital This data collection contains geospatial data from models predicting the suitability of Wind Energy Areas (WEA) for the Gulf of Mexico Call Area. It includes a constraints shapefile created using 18 data layers that represent conflicts for offshore wind development. Also included is a final suitability shapefile, created using 53 data layers. The geometric mean of the six submodels (i.e., national security, industry, and operation, natural and cultural resources, fisheries, logistics, and economics) was used to calculate an overall suitability score. The geometric mean was chosen because it grants equal importance to each variable (Bovee 1986; Longdill et al. 2008; Silva et al. 2011; Muñoz-Mas et al. 2012). Furthermore, all submodels had equal weight within the suitability model. The resulting suitability score is for general offshore wind spatial planning, with scores approaching 0 representing low suitability and 1 representing high suitability relative to the other grid cells. Any grid that contained a data layer with a 0 score (i.e., constraints data layer) was deemed unsuitable for offshore wind development. Planning and siting for Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) requires thorough synthesis and spatial analyses of critical environmental data and ocean space use conflicts (Kapetsky et al. 2013). This dataset is to aid with visualization of Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) suitability model in the Gulf of Mexico. A gridded relative suitability analysis, commonly used in a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), was performed to identify the grid cells with the highest suitability for offshore wind development in the Call Area (Longdill et al. 2008; Radiarta et al. 2008; Gimpel et al. 2015; Bwadi et al. 2019). Spatial data layers included in the suitability analysis identify space-use conflicts and environmental constraints such as active national security areas, maritime navigation, ocean industries, and natural resource management. We utilized a submodel structure to capture ocean use and conservation concerns including national security, natural and cultural resources, industry and operations, fisheries, logistics, and economics. Data layers with no compatibility with offshore wind development (e.g., shipping fairways) were captured in the list of incompatible constraints and removed from further analysis due to known incompatibility with offshore wind. This model structure ensures that each submodel is given equal representation in the overall suitability model regardless of how many data layers are present in each submodel. Funding Agency: US DOI; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Funding Agency: NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science NCCOS Partners: US DOI; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) completed historicalArchive NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact asNeeded https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/gfx?id=gov.noaa.nodc:0277985 Preview graphic PNG 0277985 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2023-05-05 publication biological data MARINE SPECIES INVENTORY POSITION - GEOGRAPHIC WIND FORCE theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS visual analysis instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS model output theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Gulf of Mexico place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication DOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS > National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Marine spatial planning Offshore wind Wind energy areas project NCCOS Project Names EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Marine Spatial Ecology > Offshore Wind theme NCCOS Research Areas Derived Data Product Geospatial Model theme NCCOS Research Data Types Offshore Wind Energy Areas Final Suitability Index (GIS shapefiles) theme Provider Keywords GIS analysis instrument Provider Instruments OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF AMERICA OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF MEXICO place Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian U.S. States and Territories > Louisiana U.S. States and Territories > Texas Waterbodies > Gulf of Mexico place NCCOS Regions of Study 4XKJXC Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions Cite as: Jossart, Jonathan A.; Randall, Alyssa L.; Morris Jr., James (2023). NCCOS Assessment: A Wind Energy Siting Analysis for the Gulf of Mexico Call Area, 1993-01-01 to 2022-03-04 (NCEI Accession 0277985). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/7epv-xh75. Accessed [date]. Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives. otherRestrictions Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose. BOEM Project Page 2023 publication https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities HTTPS NOAA/BOEM Technical Report: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities BOEM Project Page information crossReference NCCOS Project Page 2022 publication https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities HTTPS NCCOS Project Page: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/models-identify-areas-in-gulf-of-mexico-with-potential-for-wind-energy NCCOS Project Page information crossReference NCCOS Offshore Wind Energy: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/offshore-wind-energy/ 2023 publication https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/offshore-wind-energy/ HTTPS NCCOS Offshore Wind Energy: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/offshore-wind-energy/ NCCOS Offshore Wind Energy information crossReference NCCOS Coastal and Marine Planning: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/coastal-and-marine-planning/ 2023 publication https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/coastal-and-marine-planning/ HTTPS NCCOS Coastal and Marine Planning: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/coastal-and-marine-planning NCCOS Coastal and Marine Planning information crossReference Bovee, K. D. (1986). Development and Evaluation of Habitat Suitability Criteria for Use in the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology. United States: National Ecology Center, Division of Wildlife and Contaminant Research, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. 1986 publication https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/88pBfPKB-cAC?hl=en HTTPS https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/88pBfPKB-cAC?hl=en Cited Publications information Bovee, KD. author U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publisher Instream Flow Information Paper 21, Report 86(7) crossReference Bwadi, B. E., Mustafa, F. B., Ali, M. L., & Bhassu, S. (2018). Spatial analysis of water quality and its suitability in farming giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in Negeri Sembilan region, Peninsular Malaysia. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 40(1), 71–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12250 2018-07-10 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12250 https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12250 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12250 Cited Publication information Bwadi, Benjamin Ezekiel Department of Geography University of Malaya Malaysia author Mustafa, Firuza Begham Department of Geography University of Malaya Malaysia author Ali, Mohammad Lokman Institute of Biological Science, Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology and Centre of Biotechnology for Agriculture, CEBAR University of Malaya Malaysia author Bhassu, Subha Institute of Biological Science, Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology and Centre of Biotechnology for Agriculture, CEBAR University of Malaya Malaysia author Wiley publisher documentDigital Singap J Trop Geogr 40(1) ISSN 0129-7619, ISSN 1467-9493, pp. 71-91 crossReference Gimpel, A., Stelzenmüller, V., Töpsch, S., Galparsoro, I., Gubbins, M., Miller, D., Murillas, A., Murray, A. G., Pınarbaşı, K., Roca, G., & Watret, R. (2018). A GIS-based tool for an integrated assessment of spatial planning trade-offs with aquaculture. Science of The Total Environment, 627, 1644–1655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.133 2018-06 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.133 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.133 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.133 Cited Publications information Gimpel, Antje author Stelzenmüller, Vanessa author Töpsch, Sandra author Galparsoro, Ibon author Gubbins, Matthew author Miller, David author Murillas, Arantza author Murray, Alexander G. author Pınarbaşı, Kemal author Roca, Guillem author Watret, Robert author Elsevier BV publisher documentDigital Science of The Total Environment 627 ISSN 0048-9697, pp. 1644-1655 crossReference sciencePaper Aguilar-Manjarrez, J., Kapetsky, J. M. D., & Jenness, J. (2013). A global assessment of potential for offshore mariculture development from a spatial perspective. FAO. https://doi.org/10.13140/rg.2.1.3513.4803 2013 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.13140/rg.2.1.3513.4803 https://doi.org/10.13140/rg.2.1.3513.4803 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.13140/rg.2.1.3513.4803 Cited Publications information Aguilar-Manjarrez, Jose author Kapetsky, James McDaid author Jenness, Jeff author FAO publisher documentDigital crossReference sciencePaper Longdill, P. C., Healy, T. R., & Black, K. P. (2008). An integrated GIS approach for sustainable aquaculture management area site selection. Ocean & Coastal Management, 51(8–9), 612–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.06.010 2008-01 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.06.010 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.06.010 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2008.06.010 Cited Publications information Longdill, Peter C. author Healy, Terry R. author Black, Kerry P. author Elsevier BV publisher documentDigital Ocean & Coastal Management 51(8-9) ISSN 0964-5691, pp. 612-624 crossReference sciencePaper Muñoz-Mas, R., Martínez-Capel, F., Schneider, M., & Mouton, A. M. (2012). Assessment of brown trout habitat suitability in the Jucar River Basin (SPAIN): Comparison of data-driven approaches with fuzzy-logic models and univariate suitability curves. Science of The Total Environment, 440, 123–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.074 2012-12 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.074 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.074 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.074 Cited Publication information Muñoz-Mas, Rafael author Martínez-Capel, Francisco author Schneider, Matthias author Mouton, Ans M. author Elsevier BV publisher documentDigital Science of The Total Environment 440 ISSN 0048-9697, pp. 123-131 crossReference sciencePaper Silva, C., Ferreira, J. G., Bricker, S. B., DelValls, T. A., Martín-Díaz, M. L., & Yáñez, E. (2011). Site selection for shellfish aquaculture by means of GIS and farm-scale models, with an emphasis on data-poor environments. Aquaculture, 318(3–4), 444–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2011.05.033 2011-08 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2011.05.033 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2011.05.033 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2011.05.033 Cited Publication information Silva, C. author Ferreira, J.G. author Bricker, S.B. author DelValls, T.A. author Martín-Díaz, M.L. author Yáñez, E. author Elsevier BV publisher documentDigital Aquaculture 318(3-4) ISSN 0044-8486, pp. 444-457 crossReference sciencePaper Radiarta, I. N., Saitoh, S.-I., & Miyazono, A. (2008). GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation models for identifying suitable sites for Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) aquaculture in Funka Bay, southwestern Hokkaido, Japan. Aquaculture, 284(1–4), 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.07.048 2008-11 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.07.048 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.07.048 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.07.048 Cited Publication information Radiarta, I Nyoman author Saitoh, Sei-Ichi author Miyazono, Akira author Elsevier BV publisher documentDigital Aquaculture 284(1-4) ISSN 0044-8486, pp. 127-135 crossReference sciencePaper NOAA NCEI Coastal Relief Model (CRM) 2023 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/coastal-relief-model HTTPS Coastal Relief Model Data Source information NOAA NCEI publisher crossReference program NOAA NCEI Deep-Sea Coral & Sponge Map Portal 2023 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/deep-sea-corals/mapSites.htm HTTPS NOAA NCEI Deep-Sea Coral & Sponge Map Portal Data Sources information NOAA NCEI publisher crossReference program Marine Cadastre 2023 publication https://marinecadastre.gov/data/ HTTPS Marine Cadastre Data Source information Marine Cadastre publisher crossReference program BOEM Oil & Gas Mapping and Data 2023 publication https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/mapping-and-data HTTPS BOEM Oil & Gas Mapping and Data Data Source information Bureau of Ocean Energy Management: BOEM publisher crossReference program NCEI NEXRAD Data Archive, Inventory and Access 2023 publication https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/nexradinv/ HTTPS https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/nexradinv/ Data Source information NOAA NCEI publisher crossReference program eng; USA utf8 environment oceans climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere biota -97.1978246 -89.7518065 25.9666634 29.5849942 1993-01-01 2022-03-04 Methods: 1. Study area polygons with a 4.05 ha (10 ac) hexagonal grid was created using the extent of BOEM’s Gulf of Mexico Call Area. 2. Each data layer was scored on a 0 to 1 scale, with scores approaching 0 representing low suitability and 1 representing high suitability relative to the other grid cells for offshore wind. Any grid that contained a data layer with a 0 score (i.e., constraints data layer) was deemed unsuitable for offshore wind, and not considered further in the analysis. Next, an overall suitability score was calculated for each submodel (i.e., national security, industry and operations, natural and cultural resources, fisheries, logistics, and economics) by taking the geometric mean of all scores within each grid cell. The geometric mean of the six submodels was used to calculate an overall suitability score. 3. Suitability scores are presented as categories (“Unsuitable,” “Low,” “Moderately Low”, “Moderate,” “Moderately High”, “High”) grouped by quantiles of the calculated scores, with all scores of 0 being in the “Unsuitable” category and represented by the color red. Within the suitability submodel and overall model maps, standardized colors were used to depict categories, with orange representing “Low,” yellow “Moderately Low,” light green “Moderate”, medium green “Moderately High”, and forest green “High” suitability and coinciding with each proportion of quantile values. With all suitability maps, relative categories still represent values ranging from 0 to 1, with the “Low” category representing the lowest quantile of the data, “Moderate” the middle quantile, and “High” the upper quantile. Presenting categories rather than actual suitability scores simplified interpretation of results and provided optimal contrast among categories. Further, distribution of scores varies among the suitability submodels (e.g. number of data layers, score range of data distribution depicted); for example, in one submodel a score of 0.5 could be classified as “High,” while in another submodel or region a score of 0.5 could be “Low” because the scores are relative. Thus, suitability scores among the different submodels should not be compared, as the score is unique to each submodel. File Information: Total File Size: 18 files in 1 folder, 30.2 MB unzipped, 8.02 MB zipped NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 ncei.info@noaa.gov pointOfContact In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media. Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions. Shapefile 9.276 https://doi.org/10.25921/7epv-xh75 HTTPS Web browser NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/oas/277985 HTTPS Web browser Descriptive Information Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/download/277985 HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/nodc/archive/arc0212/0277985/ FTP Any FTP client FTP These data are available through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is no longer supported by most internet browsers. You may copy and paste the FTP link to the data into an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP). download dataset NCEI Accession 0277985 v1.1 was published. 2023-05-12T21:14:31Z NCEI Accession 0277985 v1.1 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0277985/1.1 HTTPS NCEI Accession 0277985 v1.1 published 2023-05-12T21:14:31Z download model Parameter or Variable: Offshore Wind Energy Areas Final Suitability Index (GIS shapefiles) (measured); Units: variable (for ~ 50 datasets); Observation Category: model output; Sampling Instrument: GIS analysis; Sampling and Analyzing Method: See methods for data processing above. Individual methods vary by dataset. For Detailed methodology, refer to the follow publication: https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renewable-energy/state-activities/GOM-WEA-Modeling-Report-Combined.pdf; Data Quality Method: Only best available, authoritative data were used. All data were QA/QC’d before use. Detailed methodology, refer to the follow publication: https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renewable-energy/state-activities/GOM-WEA-Modeling-Report-Combined.pdf asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian visual analysis visual analysis visual analysis and measurement of sample materials use visual analysis with observation types of visual estimate and/or visual observation