An information systems approach to the preservation of biological diversity |
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| Authors: | FRANK W. DAVIS DAVID M. STOMS JOHN E. ESTES JOSEPH SCEPAN J. MICHAEL SCOTT |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Geography , University of California , Santa Barbara , California , 93106 , U.S.A;2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit , College of Forestry, University of Idaho , Moscow , Idaho , 83843 , U.S.A |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Although biological diversity has emerged in the 1980s as a major scientific and political issue, efforts at scientific assessment have been hampered by the lack of cohesive sets of data. We describe, in concept, a comprehensive national diversity information system, using geographical information system (GIS) techniques to organize existing data and improve spatial aspects of the assessment. One potential GIS analysis, to identify gaps in the network of nature reserves for California, is discussed in greater detail. By employing an information systems approach, available data can be used more effectively and better management strategies can be formulated. |
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