Keeping tabs on where one's favorite animal is hanging out or ensuring that one's chosen hiking trail isn't ripe with predators is easily achievable with the Map of Life.
Operating on a Google Maps platform, the online atlas locates and lists all of the species that reside in the area chosen by the user.
So far, there are two searchable options and users can either click on a specific region and receive data on the wildlife residing there, or they can seek out a particular animal and have the program generate their habitats online.
The virtual database was compiled from a collection of sources including observations from scientific research as well as museums and regional checklists. While the features are limited at present, and does not include a complete listing of all the Earth's species, plans are in the works to expand in the future.
Species Documenting Cartography
The Map of Life Highlights Where Certain Animals Live in the World
Trend Themes
1. Species Tracking - The Map of Life highlights the trend of using technology to track and map the habitats of various species, providing opportunities for developing more advanced tracking and monitoring systems.
2. Interactive Wildlife Mapping - The Map of Life showcases the trend of interactive online atlas platforms that allow users to explore and discover information about the wildlife in specific regions, creating opportunities for gamification and educational experiences.
3. Data Integration - The Map of Life demonstrates the trend of integrating various sources of data, such as scientific research and museum collections, to create comprehensive databases, suggesting opportunities for data analysis and collaboration across industries.
Industry Implications
1. Ecotourism - The Map of Life provides ecotourism companies with an opportunity to create personalized guides and itineraries based on the habitats of different species, enhancing the wildlife viewing experiences of tourists.
2. Wildlife Conservation - The Map of Life offers wildlife conservation organizations an innovative tool to monitor and protect endangered species in specific regions, enabling them to make more informed conservation decisions.
3. Education - The Map of Life presents educational institutions with a platform to engage students in interactive learning about biodiversity, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.