My Maps In the past, I've used mapping tools like Google Maps and Earth, but I have never had the opportunity to use  ArcGIS Explorer. Since I'm using a Mac, I was limited to the online format of ArcGIS. But first I'll share my, MyMaps experience. The layout of MyMaps is pretty simplistic. I marked 3 areas which can be classified Beaked Sedge Fen Communities (BSFC). One frustrating aspect of MyMaps is when an area is created (the darker section) and one is attempting to move around inside the area--when panning, the created section moves not the map. This can be annoying when searching for specific areas within the darkened section. ArcGIS Between the ArcGIS and MyMaps, there's really no comparison. The depth of database within ArcGIS is astounding. I'm not a professional cartographer and I'm sure the possibilities with ArcGIS are much wider than I explored but, two baselayers I added to my study area are land cover and intact habitat. The land co

DEFINING BIODIVESITY Considering this course is based upon biodiversity, it's paramount we have a collective understanding of what the term means. Dr.  Egenrieder has tasked the class to free write our definition of biodiversity first without research and then again after reviewing supporting material. Below is my first attempt to define the term. Biodiversity The concept of recognizing the ecological benefit of varying species inhabiting a shared ecosystem. After researching a bit more of defining biodiversity, I think I’ll keep my free write version. AREA OF STUDY The second task given, is to select an area of study which will serve as the basis of each of our case studies. The area of study I’m choosing for the sake of this course is Canaan Valley, West Virginia. The area is a National Wildlife Refuge. The map below gives a better visual of the location of the refuge. As a child, my family and I spent most autumns in Canaan. After living in a few di