Assessing data accessibility and quality: predicting the effect of impervious surfaces on water quality in urban centres on the west coast of Lake Superior

Abstract

This research will critically examine the difference in data quality and accessibility between two cities through an analysis of predicting the effect of impervious surfaces on water quality. Through using the Impervious Surface Analysis Tool (ISAT) provided by the NOAA Office for Coastal Management, a basic analysis will be completed to compare data quality, accessibility and the application of the data. The results of the analysis indicate that insufficient data quality hinders the understanding of effects of impervious surfaces on water quality. Thus, showing the requirement for producing and providing high quality data in Canada to allow water resource managers to make appropriate decisions to mitigate, minimize or avoid impacts on the local hydrology of the area.