Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia
EDDMapS' primary goal is to discover the existing range and leading edge of invasive species while documenting vital information about the species and habitat using standardized data collection protocols. EDDMapS allows for data from many organizations and groups to be combined into one database to show a better map of the range of an invasive species. Goals of the current project include: integration of existing regional datasets, increase search options on EDDMapS website, and coordinate with local, state and regional organizations to develop early detection networks. After nine years of development of EDDMapS, it has become clear that these local organizations are key to developing a successful early detection and rapid response network. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health has released 15 smartphone apps to support data entry into EDDMapS. EDDMapS has been implemented in 40 states and 4 provinces. EDDMapS is built upon the NAISMA Mapping Standards and this presentation will discuss the updates to the standards and the tools that have been built based on them.