NatureServe Hotspots Map

Google My Maps vs ArcGIS Explorer Desktop

Google My Maps 

Google My Maps is a free online tool that allows users to create custom Google Maps. Users can quickly and easily produce detailed maps by adding directions and color-coded location markers, labeling points of interest, and drawing lines to indicated boarders or routes. Users can also import data in a variety of formats. The information can be sorted into layers for ease of review. The finished maps can be shared via email or social media or saved to the Google Drive cloud storage and viewed on mobile devices.

ArcGIS Explorer Desktop 

ArcGIS Explorer Desktop is a free desktop viewer that allows users to explore and share GIS information. An updated version of ArcGIS Explorer Desktop was recently released and includes several new features including tools for creating and editing presentations, new text options including map text and overlay text, attribute display, improved pop-ups with the ability to be sized and positioned, advanced search options, and custom basemap gallery support. The new version also has increased portability meaning that it is not necessary to locally install the Explorer Desktop; instead this application can be run from a thumb drive.

Google My Maps vs ArcGIS Explorer Desktop 

On the surface, it appears as if Google My Maps and ArcGIS Explorer Desktop have very similar compatibles. However, from my personal experience, Google My Maps is a better tool for creating custom maps especially for new users. Google My Maps is very user-friendly and can be easily accessed online via any computer or mobile device. ArcGIS Explorer Desktop must be downloaded and is not compatible with Mac OS X. Google My Maps automatically saves new maps and edits to Google Drive and updates maps embedded on websites. ArcGIS Explorer Desktop does support a wider range of file formats including geospatial database files and shapefiles.

Monongahela National Forest: Topo Map - Google My Maps

This map of the Monongahela National Forest was created using Google My Maps.

Monongahela National Forest: General Map - Google My Maps

This map of the Monongahela National Forest was created using Google My Maps.

Introduction to Ecology

Biodiversity of the Monongahela National Forest

This blog will explore the biodiversity of the Monongahela National Forest. The Monongahela is the fourth largest National Forest in the northeast, occupying over 921,000 acres along the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains in southeastern West Virginia. The Monongahela is one of the most biodiverse National Forests due to the wide range of elevations, slopes, aspects and habitats it encompasses. The dense forest ecosystems making up the Monongahela range from high elevation red spruce forests to northern hardwood forests to drier oak-hickory and pine stands. The Monongahela stretches from 900 feet on the valley floor to 4,863 feet at the highest point in the State, Spruce Knob. The diversity of ecosystems within the Monongahela support a wide variety of flora and fauna, The Monongahela is home to at least 75 tree species, over 225 bird species, 72 fish species, over 2000 plant species including eight federally listed threatened or endangers species. Having lived and worked my entire life among the Monongahela National Forest, I have often taken its beauty and majesty for granted.

What is Biodiversity?

The Center for Biological Diversity defines biodiversity as, “the variability among living organisms on the earth, including the variability within and between species and within and between ecosystems.” Biodiversity can be viewed at three levels: 1) genetic biodiversity (i.e. variation in the genetic makeup of individuals or populations within a species), 2) species biodiversity (i.e. the variety of species within an area) and 3) ecosystem biodiversity (i.e. the variety of ecosystems in an area) (adapted from World Wildlife Fund).