More topics

Mapping Methods

Last updated on March 21, 2022

The B.C. Conservation Data Centre (CDC) follows NatureServe mapping methodology. Element occurrences (species and ecosystem) are represented as map polygons. An element occurrence may also reflect the uncertainty about the mapped location of the element occurrence, which can come from:

  • Imprecise data collection (e.g. inaccurate or older GPS devices)
  • Vague location descriptions

Element occurrences based on newer data are generally more precise. Often historic and older mapped element occurrences appear as large polygons due to greater uncertainty. The CDC is working on reducing these larger polygons to define areas that better represent the location of an element occurrence.

What Does "Element Occurrence" Mean?

An element occurrence can be any area of land or water where a species or ecosystem is found. Each element occurrence is evaluated on the probability of persistence of the element at a particular location. Based on this, each occurrence is assigned an element occurrence rank.

Standards for Mapping

Organization Standard
NatureServe Element Occurrence Data Standard
Core Methodology
Ministry of Environment

Terrestrial Ecosystems - Ecology

CDC logo

Use the CDC iMap theme to view and print data about known locations of species and ecosystems at risk.

Data about species and ecosystems in B.C. can be found using the BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer.

The Conservation Data Centre uses the term "ecological community" in its data to capture the full range of ecosystems in B.C. at a variety of levels.

Contact information

Please contact the Conservation Data Centre for more information.

Office
250-356-0928
Email
cdcdata@gov.bc.ca