Data and Maps

Invasive Species

Data and MapsModelingData NetworksSpecies Occurrence DataSpecies Distribution MapsStandards and Protocols

NASA's Invasive Species Forecasting

Predicted spatial map of number of exotic plants (1 meter squared plot size) with mapping units of 15 meters at Cerro Grande Wildfire site, New Mexico, USA. NASA

The NASA Office of Earth Science and the US Geological Survey are working together to develop a National Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) for the early detection, remediation, management, and control of invasive species on Department of Interior and adjacent lands.

The forecasting system will provide a framework for using USGS's early detection and monitoring protocols and predictive models to process NASA and commercial data and create on-demand, regional-scale assessments of invasive species patterns and vulnerable habitats.

When fully implemented, the forecasting system will provide adynamic and flexible mechanism for generating electronic and paper maps of hotspots for potential exotic species invasions.

Invasive Species Modeling

wizard looking into a crystal ball

There are many tools that can be used to predict the invasion potential of a species, and where that species is likely to invade or establish a viable, reproductive population. Some researchers map species in their native habitat, and use that information to develop models of other areas that the species might invade because the other areas have the same types of habitat.

Invasive species sightings submitted through reporting systems can be used to generate geographic information systems (GIS), maps and models that can indicate the likely spread of a species along a pathway, such as a river that carries the seeds of the salt cedar tree to new locations downstream.

Invasive species distributions can also be predicted by looking at where the species are in relation to a place or habitat you want to protect. Alerts, watch lists, and listservs allow researchers and members of the public to receive and exchange information about new species sightings. This helps us protect habitats from the spread of invasive species.

Resources on Invasive Species Modeling

Showing 16 Results

Cerro Grande Wildfire Site
Description: "We are using remotely sensed data, field-sampled data, and geostatistical modeling to describe landscape-scale patterns of plant diversity and exotic invasions on the Cerro Grande Wildfire Site, Los Alamos, New Mexico."
Resource Type: Case Studies, Issue Overviews
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)