Mapping (ecology)
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A mapping in ecology is a recording of the inventory of landscape and species groups in a defined area. A number of mappings are distinguished according to method and goal.
- Biotope mapping records the habitats in a certain area in orderto evaluate them interms of their importance for the natural balance . Biotope mapping is usually carried out on behalf of authorities, but also byprivate individualsinterestedin nature conservation , for example in nature conservation associations or as part of research work.
- faunistic and floristic mapping (breeding bird mapping , vegetation mapping , etc.)
methodology
A number of methods are used to get an overall ecological picture. Geographic information systems (GIS) are mainly used for the presentation, collection and evaluation of spatial data . Since the non-military availability of satellite navigation systems (especially GPS) and their relatively simple availability, position data are easier to determine , especially in vegetation mapping.
With the built-in GPS receiver, smartphones now enable relatively precise positioning and at the same time make databases available (in German-speaking countries, for example, the “Artenfinder” app of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Environment Ministry (MUFV)). Together with the location coordinates, the information on the respective species can be sent to a central database.
The raster mapping
The method of grid mapping (sometimes also called grid field mapping ) is the most common of all methods used to record biological species in a certain area (population-recording mapping). The cartographic and methodological bases of the respective mapping still vary regionally and internationally despite many efforts to standardize them. Likewise, usually the subsequent presentation of the results.
The transect mapping
A transect can be chosen according to different scales, mostly along an environmental gradient (contour line, vegetation boundary, etc.). As a rule, a transect is linear. Measurement or observation points are set on it. The advantage of transect mapping is its repeatability and standardization, even in difficult terrain. Transect mapping is often used as an alternative to more complex raster mapping .
Transects can be from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers long. You can use z. B. measured by GPS or escape poles and marketed by means of markings (e.g. cords, rods, buried magnets) for better retrieval. Transect mapping is mainly used for species that are true to their location or for species with a relatively small radius of action ( insects , amphibians , reptiles ). Transect examinations are well suited for long-term studies because of their easy repeatability.