Project Design and Review: How Will My Data Be Used?

Distribution maps are one way that my data will be shared with the rest of the world. By simply clicking on a species name, the user is taken to a map of New England with specific locations of where it may be found. I believe this is the most useful feature of the app: public connectivity allows conservation managers to understand where invasive species may be present in order to combat them. Here is a screen capture of the prevalence of the common reed (Phragmites australis) in Massachusetts!

The compilation of data from citizen scientists throughout New England can be found at the link below:

https://www.eddmaps.org/ipane/distribution/

My biggest complaint with the application is that is not updated frequently enough with the distribution maps on the Edd Maps website. Despite having tabs for wildlife and plant diseases, there are no entries into any tab besides plants. Better connectivity would be a useful tool for citizen scientists to see the hard work of others identifying invasive fauna.

Despite my complaints, it seems that a more updated, connected app will be available in the Spring that also includes the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England under the Edd Maps umbrella. Soon enough, I will be able to view my own data on the Edd Maps website. This will likely solve the lack of fauna issue as well.