Case 1- Overlay- Methods
In the first case, data on coastal hazards (risk and vulnerability of human communities) are combined with data on Biodiversity (coastal wetlands). These data or maps are overlaid through GIS to identify where there are wetlands closest (within 5 miles) to the human communities most at risk and vulnerable to coastal hazards.

The overlay or GIS intersection of these data sets identifies wetlands that have some of the highest potential value for mitigating coastal hazards. Just identifying these wetlands, i.e., Case 1, may be sufficient for putting biodiversity and hazard objectives together for some management purposes. These wetlands can also become an input in a next step, Case 2.

Case 2- Marxan- Methods
In a second step, the Wetlands identified in Case 1 are included as a factor or target in Case 2 and put together with other target information compiled as part of regional assessments for biodiversity. This information is used as input in Marxan to identify a set of natural areas that may most efficiently meet objectives for conserving biodiversity and mitigating coastal hazards.