Abstract

iMapInvasives, A Collaborative GIS-based Online tool for Invasive Species Management.
Track: Forestry and Wildlife Management
Authors: Brent Kinal

Invasive species are non-native organisms which thrive outside of their natural range, often resulting in negative ecological or economic impacts. These organisms don't observe jurisdictional boundaries; however most organizations concerned about invasives only maintain data for their region of interest. Lack of a centralized invasive species database prevents land managers from understanding the distribution of invasives, adversely affecting management decisions. iMapInvasives is an all-taxa, web-based GIS database designed to collect invasive species data from both invasive species professionals and citizen scientists, providing organizations with tools for acquiring and managing invasive species data. iMapInvasives provides a user-friendly platform to view/query map and tabular data showing invasive species distribution, assessment and treatment; facilitating quick action through early-detection email alerts notifying land managers when a new invasive approaches their area of interest. This presentation will highlight how iMapInvasives' web and mobile interfaces provide a collaborative venue for the exchange of invasive species data.