Maps have played an important part in human history. We have developed the methodology to delineate specific habitats and even individual organisms (as long as they are stationary) by integrating aerial photography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Global Information Systems (GIS) with scientific field surveys. While the technology itself is not new, its use in gathering baseline data and use in conservation biology is very recent.
The habitat maps will surely change the world as we see it. Instead of showing a coral reef, a sea grass bed or a wetland, we are able to graphically document the diversity of the coral reef, the varying densities of the sea grass beds and can discern mangrove swamps from herbatious marshes and areas of variable saturation. Additionally, we are finally able to determine the spatial expansion of the individual components of an ecosystem with an accuracy never before possible.
For more information, please contact Barbara Brunnick, Ph.D., Director of our Research and Conservation Programs at brunnick@taras.org.

Coral Reef Mapping

Bahamas Expeditions
Available Reports