<i>gene<scp>GIS</scp></i>: Geoanalytical Tools and Arc Marine Customization for Individual‐Based Genetic Records

Abstract To improve understanding of population structure, ecosystem relationships and predictive models of human impact in cetaceans and other marine megafauna, we developed gene GIS , a suite of GIS tools and a customized A rc M arine data model to facilitate visual exploration and spatial analyses of individual‐based records from DNA profiles and photo‐identification records. We used the open source programming language P ython 2.7 and A rc GIS 10.1 software to create a user‐friendly, menu‐driven toolbar linked to a P ython T oolbox containing customized geoprocessing scripts. For ease of sharing and installation, we compiled the gene GIS program into an A rc GIS P ython A dd‐ I n, freely available for download from the website http://genegis.org . We used the L ord‐ C astillo et al. (2009) A rc M arine data model customization as the starting point for our work and retained nine key base A rc M arine classes. We demonstrate the utility of gene GIS using an integrated database of more than 18,000 records of humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) in the N orth P acific collected during the S tructure of P opulations, L evels of A bundance and S tatus of H umpback W hales in the N orth P acific ( SPLASH ) program. These records represent more than 8,000 naturally marked individuals and 2,700 associated DNA profiles, including 10 biparentally inherited microsatellite loci, maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA , and genetic sex.