Wednesday 29 June 2016

Bat data and GIS

There is still some way to go with seamless integration of GPS data and sound capture data, but the new release of Map-a-Bat Pro goes some way to addressing that. Many detectors now either have built-in GPS or GPS as an optional add-on, and being able to extract that data and map it allows you to locate and map your bat contacts. Not only does this help with surveys, but by using the data with free GIS tools such as Google Maps and Quantum GIS can help you to identify flight lines, important habitat patches and better understand species' habitat preferences.

The workflow for extracting GPS information can sometimes be a little challenging (Google Earth can be a bit annoying in this respect) but the rewards are great, and a little time investment in understanding how to process the data can save a lot of time in the future and add great value to project reports.



From map-a-bat promo material from Wildwood Ecology.

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