GIS Analysis & Modeling
Knowing “where” in biodiversity conservation is as important as knowing “what.” CNHP uses GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software along with other tools and methods for analyzing and displaying spatial data. Our work facilitates the identification of important biodiversity areas , threat and mitigation analysis, predictive models of species distributions, and the ecological effects of climate change .
Featured Topics
Species Distribution Modeling
CNHP has used a variety of modeling algorithms to produce predictive distribution models, or models of suitable habitat for dozens of plant and animal species, as well as for major ecosystem types in Colorado.
Visit the Species Distribution Modeling Page
Treeline Monitoring in the San Juan Mountains
As part of efforts to track the effects of warming temperatures for tree growth at high elevations, CNHP used historic and recent aerial photos to map and analyze change in treeline level over a 60-year period between 1951 and 2011.
Visit the Treeline Monitoring in the San Juan Mountains Page
Measuring Success
CNHP, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, has developed a prototype analysis of the status of Colorado’s biodiversity, using a “scorecard” approach. We evaluated ecological systems, animals, and rare plants to determine the effectiveness of current conservation. GIS analysis was used extensively in evaluating the health, threats to, and protection levels of Colorado’s rare plants, animals and ecosystems.
Visit the Measuring Success Page
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments
CNHP has evaluated vulnerability to climate change for ecosystems, animals, and rare plants of concern to help partners understand the risks posed to Colorado's biodiversity by climate change.
Visit the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments Page
Transportation Planning
CNHP has helped to develop GIS-based methods and tools for improving impact assessments and advance mitigation planning in the context of long-range transportation planning.
Visit the Transportation Planning Page
