Research Planning

Founded in 1977, Research Planning, Inc. (RPI) is a science-technology consulting firm that combines the natural science disciplines with geospatial and quantitative analysis to address unique challenges in coastal and environmental management. We take pride in delivering science-based solutions to our clients in government, industry, and non-profit organizations.

Services

RPI offers a wide range of services in the fields of ecological and environmental consulting, emergency response and planning, spatial analysis and mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS). Our services include:

• *Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis:* RPI has been providing mapping, spatial analysis, and GIS support for natural resource management to state and federal agencies, private industry, and international organizations since 1989. Our team of experts has advanced geospatial analytics and remote sensing capabilities, allowing us to analyze the right data to answer the right questions.

• *Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA):* RPI has extensive experience in assessing and quantifying injuries to natural resources resulting from oil spills and other hazards. Our team of experts has the knowledge and expertise to assess and restore damaged resources, ensuring that they are returned to their baseline condition.

• *Spill Response and Planning:* RPI's rapid response team is able to respond to oil and chemical spills anywhere in the world. Our team has the expertise and resources to assess the situation, develop a plan of action, and implement it to minimize the impact on the environment.

• *Environmental and Coastal Resources Management:* RPI has a strong track record in managing and protecting coastal and environmental resources. Our team of experts has the knowledge and expertise to develop and implement management plans that are based on sound scientific principles.

• *Database/Application:* RPI offers a variety of database and application development services, allowing our clients to manage and analyze their data in a more efficient and effective manner.

Data & Products

RPI offers an assortment of courses, data, and software products to assist our clients in understanding and managing natural resources. Our products include:

• *ESI Data:* RPI has mapped the shoreline habitats and biological resources of most of the shoreline of the US, as well as a variety of international areas. This extensive digital dataset allows us to predict the potential impacts of hazards such as oil spills, sea level rise, and storm surges.

• *ESRI Software Products:* As an ESRI Authorized Business Partner since 1998, RPI is pleased to offer the following ESRI software for resale. We also offer customized application development and support for these and other products.

• *Pandion Books:* Pandion Books is a publisher of general-interest scientific and technical books in the fields of eco-tourism, coastal science, and environmental protection (e.g., oil-spill response).

RPI also offers customized training courses for clients who wish to learn more about natural resource management, coastal science, and environmental protection.

Projects

RPI has extensive experience in successfully executing a wide range of projects for our clients. Recent case studies include:

• *Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Mapping:* RPI has been mapping the shoreline habitats and biological resources of most of the shoreline of the US, as well as a variety of international areas, since the 1990s.

• *NOAA Spill Response Support:* RPI has been providing support for spill response efforts for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since the late 1990s.

• *Deepwater Horizon / MC252 Response:* RPI was a key member of the response team for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Our team provided support in the areas of natural resource damage assessment, shoreline assessment, and mapping.

• *Kalamazoo River Oil Spill - Net Environmental Benefit Analysis:* RPI was contracted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) for the Kalamazoo River oil spill in Michigan.