The Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States

Google My Maps - A Brief Review I'm a pretty experienced cartographer, and I've been using ArcMap desktop since 2012, and ArcPro since about 2019. I was interested to hear about Google's new mapping tool, Google My Maps, and was intrigued to give it a try. Specifically I wanted to find out whether or not it would be something I'd find useful at work for making quick maps. The interface is really user friendly, and for anyone who has even a little experience with Google Maps or Google Earth - using it comes rather naturally. I like a few things about this tool.  First, I like how quickly you can open it and get your map started. Unlike ArcPro, it's easy to make a new map without having to go through the whole "start a new project" process. I also like that you can tie your points of interest to photos easily - easier than in ArcMap in my opinion, and I like the functionality when you click on your point; just like in Google Maps/Earth, you see your descript...

So I put together a quick set of slides to introduce the basics of ecology. Enjoy!

Biodiversity: What it is... and why we should care Biodiversity describes the variety of living organisms on Earth, their genetic makeup within and between populations, and the intricate web of interactions between them that sustains life across ecosystems, regions, landscapes, and oceans. -Adapted from the National Research Council (US) Committee on Noneconomic and Economic Value of Biodiversity and the World Wildlife Fund's definitions of Biodiversity - intermingled with my own understanding.  So, why does it matter?  Biodiversity is vitally important. It's key to the proper functioning of an ecosystem. Each species has a role to play - a niche to fill. When we lose those characters, we lose their contribution to the system, and that leaves an open space for non-native, and often times invasive species, to fill. When this happens it can throw off the balance of the entire ecosystem and the intricate ways in which the plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria interact to maintai...

I've decided to explore the Southeastern United States. I chose this area because it's my home, it's my assigned work region, and because it holds globally significant biodiversity within its distinctive ecosystems.   Since I grew up in the southeast - vacationing, exploring, and just living life - I like to think have an almost intrinsic understanding of its landscapes and ecosystems. At the very least, it's familiar to me - it's home. I've spent countless hours exploring the swamps, beaches, estuaries, creeks, meadows, and mountains across the southeast to various extents; and that time has given me a deep appreciation for the local flora and fauna that occur in the region. Furthermore, my job focus (my region) is the southeast, so I'll be able to leverage my professional experience and resources, and use what I learn toward projects or publications I'm working on for work. Most importantly, however, is the southeast's status as a global biodiversi...