NACIS 2016 Presentation
James E. Meacham, Department of Geography, University of Oregon
Alethea Y. Steingisser, Department of Geography, University of Oregon
Hall Sawyer, Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. Laramie, Wyoming
Emilene Ostlind, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming
William Rudd, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Matthew J Kauffman, U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
This presentation focuses on the role of cartography in wildlife migration study in Wyoming and the Greater Yellowstone Area. Representing complex scientific data in clear and meaningful ways presents major design challenges. Specifically, working with the visual interrelationship of GPS-derived migration data and the landscape setting is covered. The same points, lines, and polygons derived from the GPS data can tell different ecological stories such as migration timing, seasonality, speed, or fidelity to a particular route. This cartographic challenge is compounded by the multitude of interrelationships between the ecological behavior and the landscape. Elevation, land cover, land ownership, and special management areas can all be equally important contributors to the migration story and therefore a necessary component of the map. Maps and graphics from the in-production Atlas of Wildlife Migration: Wyoming's Ungulates will be used to illustrate these cartographic challenges and solutions.
