About
EDDMapS is a comprehensive early detection and distribution mapping platform designed to combat invasive species through collaborative data collection and expert verification. Developed by the University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, the platform connects field reporters with a national network of expert verifiers to ensure data accuracy and reliability. Users can report invasive species sightings via the web or mobile apps for iOS and Android, upload bulk data files, and access a robust suite of mapping and analytics tools. The platform's mapping suite includes county- and state-level data visualization, the EDDMapS Studio for creating custom interactive maps, a Species Locator for generating location-based distribution maps, and an Advanced Query tool for downloading verified datasets. Beyond reporting and mapping, EDDMapS offers predictive modeling through the EDDMapS Predictor, which forecasts potential species range changes. Species information pages provide taxonomy, descriptions, images, and distribution histories. A searchable directory helps users locate verifiers, expert reporters, and testing labs. EDDMapS is widely used by researchers, conservationists, land managers, government agencies, and citizen scientists. It supports collaborative projects, alert notifications for new county or state-level detections, and integrates with partner platforms such as Wild Spotter, Invasive.org, and Bugwood. The platform is free to use and represents one of the most extensive invasive species databases in North America.
Key Features
- Citizen Science Reporting: Users can report invasive species sightings via the web or iOS/Android apps, which are then routed to a national network of expert verifiers for validation.
- Interactive Mapping Suite: Visualize invasive species distribution at the county, state, or individual population level using EDDMapS Studio and the Species Locator tool.
- Advanced Data Query & Download: Filter, search, and download verified species sighting data and maps using customizable criteria through the EDDMapS Query tool.
- Predictive Species Modeling: EDDMapS Predictor uses modeling tools to forecast potential range changes for invasive species, aiding proactive management strategies.
- Alert & Notification System: Users can sign up for alerts when invasive species are detected for the first time in a county or state, enabling rapid response.
Use Cases
- Citizen scientists and volunteers reporting invasive plant or animal sightings in their local area to contribute to national monitoring efforts.
- State and federal land managers tracking the spread of invasive species across counties and states to inform rapid response and management decisions.
- University researchers and ecologists downloading verified distribution data to conduct spatial analysis, biodiversity studies, or species range modeling.
- Conservation organizations and NGOs using predictive modeling tools to identify areas at risk of future invasive species establishment.
- Government agencies and extension services training verifiers and building regional invasive species watch programs using EDDMapS partner tools.
Pros
- Completely Free to Use: EDDMapS is a free platform developed by a public university, making it accessible to researchers, agencies, and citizen scientists without cost.
- Expert Verification Network: All reports are reviewed by expert verifiers, ensuring a high standard of data accuracy that makes the dataset reliable for scientific and policy use.
- Extensive Species Database: The platform hosts one of North America's most comprehensive databases of invasive species distribution data, spanning thousands of species and millions of records.
- Mobile & Web Access: Native iOS and Android apps allow field reporters to log sightings on the go, broadening participation and real-time data collection.
Cons
- Limited AI or Automation Features: EDDMapS relies heavily on manual reporting and human expert verification rather than automated AI-based species identification or data processing.
- Niche Use Case: The platform is highly specialized for invasive species monitoring, limiting its applicability outside conservation and ecosystem management contexts.
- Data Coverage Varies by Region: Reporting density depends on volunteer participation, so rural or less-covered regions may have sparse or incomplete data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EDDMapS?
EDDMapS (Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System) is a free, web-based platform for reporting and mapping invasive species sightings. It was developed by the University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
Who can report sightings on EDDMapS?
Anyone can register and submit invasive species sightings through the website or mobile apps. Reports are reviewed by a network of expert verifiers before being added to the verified dataset.
Is EDDMapS free to use?
Yes, EDDMapS is completely free for all users, including individuals, researchers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Does EDDMapS have a mobile app?
Yes, EDDMapS offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, enabling users to report invasive species sightings directly from the field.
Can I download invasive species data from EDDMapS?
Yes, verified data can be downloaded using the EDDMapS Query tool, which allows advanced filtering by species, location, date, and other criteria.
