AUGUSTA, ME - NGI is working in conjunction with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) to develop an Internet mapping project for the Border Region of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. This educational project involves collaborative research between several organizations including the Loughs Agency in Londonderry and the Monaghan County Council in the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Geomantics is developing the mapping website so primary and secondary schools on both sides of the border can upload, view and compare environmental data, fostering an interest in and understanding of each other.

The web site includes base maps showing roads, rivers, and loughs, along with political boundaries, town names, and other features, which all serve as a backdrop for data submitted by students.

This site is based on an existing site developed for the Gulf of Maine Research Institute called Vital Signs. Vital Signs, an innovative aquatic information-gathering program developed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, allows students, fishermen and scientists to assemble records or information that include location data, water temperature data, anecdotal observations, and digital imagery describing their local aquatic environments. Vital Signs users collect information and upload their findings to a database-driven, mapping-enabled ArcIMS website.