Authors: Charles T. Bargeron and David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia

Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System

The University of Georgia’s Bugwood Network has developed an Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System, or EDDMapS, to provide a more accurate picture of the distribution of invasive species across the United States. EDDMapS will allow land managers, agencies and others to set priorities for early detection and rapid response (EDRR), as well as formulate overall invasive plant management action plans.

It was designed as a tool to develop more complete local, state and regional level distribution data of invasive species, identify “leading edge” ranges of new invasive threats, provide a means of implementing EDRR, and help corroborate threats and refine invasive species lists and management priorities. EDDMapS has been implemented for use by both the Southeast and the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Councils.

EDDMapS started by importing county distribution data from the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database to develop species distribution maps and identify gaps in the records. At present, Bugwood is working with the following regional projects to incorporate their data into EDDMapS and share the EDDMapS data back to the cooperators:

Invasive Plant Atlas of the Mid-South (Mississippi State University).
USGS National Biological Information Infrastructure
USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis
Princeton Invasive Species Mapping Program
MN Department of Agriculture Early Detection Program (info link, interactive map)

EDDMapS Technical Details

Internet Mapping Software

The Bugwood Network worked closely with the Flashmaps Geospatial Company to customize their product for EDDMapS which is one of their featured/showcase solutions. The Flashmaps Area Selector product (www.flashmaps.com) is used to display state and county level distribution maps. EDDMapS uses Google Maps to display point data (latitude and longitude) for species, and for users without access to a GPS device to select and preview their location on a map. Google Maps allows users to search street maps and satellite imagery of the entire United States. The combination of Flashmaps and Google Maps API allows users of EDDMapS a quick and easy to use web mapping solution currently unique to the EDDMapS product.

Technical enhancements to EDDMapS currently under development include:

Integration with ESRI ArcIMS to output shape files directly to ArcGIS Desktop software.
Batch uploading of records from GPS units, Nature Conservancy’s WIMS and ArcGIS.
Ability for users to update/edit past records.

Using EDDMapS

The Bugwood Network developed this tool for use by the state EPPC’s. A state coordinator has been appointed by each EPPC to review and verify data and, as appropriate, notify regulatory agencies if there is a new report of a federal noxious weed. State EPPC’s are encouraged to train members in species identification, mapping standards and reporting protocols. An EPPC may decide to focus mapping on specific target species on state EPPC lists or to map all invasives.

Data Entry

Logon to the EDDMapS site and create a user name and password. This will provide state coordinators with your contact information if there is a question regarding the occurrence. Complete the data entry form for each point collected. Upload the corresponding images if available. If and the corresponding GPS coordinates. Whether you enter GPS coordinates or choose the location from Google Maps, you should always click the “Preview Location” button to verify that the site location on the map is displayed correctly. Once the record is submitted, an e-mail is sent to the state coordinator and the point is displayed on the species distribution map. This record is listed as “unverified” until the state coordinator reviews and verifies it. If required, certain data elements can be made “Private” by contacting the EDDMapS site administrator. This is to accommodate any confidentially issues associated with public display of exact locations of certain regulated species.

Implementing EDDMapS at the State Level

A regional EDDMapS train-the-trainer workshop was held for SE-EPPC members in Chattanooga, TN in June,2007. Participants were encouraged to return to their home state to set up training workshops for their membership and begin contributing state EPPC data to the system. EDDMapS currently contains data from several sources in each of the SE-EPPC states.

An important link with EDDMapS is to the national efforts for Early Detection and Rapid Response promoted by Dr.Randy Westbrooks with USGS. In the EDRR efforts, each state EPPC is encouraged to develop EDRR lists of target species of concern. Survey points for these species can be entered into EDDMapS for reporting to the EDRR network of state agencies and individuals. This, in combination with the vast information and image library provided by Invasive.org, could be the backbone for a national invasive species atlas.

Participation by the state EPPCs in EDDMapS will result in a more complete and thus more useful product for invasive species EDRR and management in the United States. The Bugwood Network will continue to promote, enhance and expand EDDMapS into additional areas and regions.

Creating a Region-Specific Reporting Page

In cooperation with EDDMaps and Chuck Bargeron, Mike Dolbow at the MN Department of Agriculture has created a Reporting Page that focuses on the Upper Midwest and a handful of "species of concern". The page consumes JSON feeds from EDDMaps in order to display markers or clusters of community-observed invasive weed species. The map provides a quick, focused overview of the situation for a region given a small number of species. When the user clicks on a marker, they get a link to EDDMaps' detailed record about the observation. Sample code is available on Mike's user page to implement this solution in other states or regions.

If you are interested in using EDDMapS in a project, or submitting data you currently have, please contact Chuck Bargeron at cbargero@uga.edu or at (229)386-3298.