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What is NatureMapping?
NatureMapping is a system of documenting the location of wildlife observations on a state and national level. The observations are then used in natural resource management, scientific studies and environmental education.
Through participation in NatureMapping, students, community members and natural resource professionals can become more aware of their surroundings and develop an increased appreciation of nature. Documentation of, and repeated visits to, the same sites increases our sense of responsibility and accountability for what we see.
The emphasis of NatureMapping is community participation and the documentation of species location information by non-professionals, but observation from experts is encouraged as well.The data collected in NatureMapping can be used for scientific inquiry and to teach biological concepts such as species distributions and habitat associations. Additionally, collecting and analyzing NatureMapping data allows students to use technology such as Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital photography and web based education, as well as increase their understanding of Idaho's Natural History.
