Millions of invasive species and pest records have been reported to EDDMapS. Those records help build a better picture of where species have been found and can provide valuable information for management, research, education, and planning.
EDDMapS Query gives you a way to work with that data and find the records that are useful to you.
EDDMapS Query
Advanced search and filter tool to download verified data and maps based on specified criteria
What is a Query?
A query is simply a way of asking the database for a particular set of information.
Think of it as saying, “Show me the EDDMapS records that match what I am looking for.”
Instead of working with all of the data in EDDMapS, you select criteria to narrow the results. Your question might be broad, such as looking at reports across a region, or much more focused, such as looking for records of a particular species in a particular area between a date range.
The Query tool does the work of finding the EDDMapS records that match those choices.
What Does the EDDMapS Query Do?
EDDMapS Query allows you to search and filter reviewed and publicly available EDDMapS data for viewing, download, and saving for either later use or for creating a data set for the EDDMapS Pro app.
You can start with the Simple query options for commonly used filters or use the Advanced options when you need to narrow your search further.
As you build a query, you can review the results and continue adjusting your selections until you have a dataset that fits your needs.
Depending on your need, you can then explore the results on a map, download the data to continue working with it, and/or save the query parameters for later reuse or to generate data sets in the EDDMapS Pro app.
Why Would I Build a Query?
There isn’t one “right” way to use EDDMapS data. It depends on the question you are trying to answer.
You might use a query to:
- Explore where an invasive species has been reported.
- Find records within an area you manage or study.
- Help plan surveys or invasive species management activities.
- Look at reports from a particular period of time.
- Explore invasive species data for education or outreach.
- Create a dataset for additional mapping, analysis, or research.
- Get a better understanding of what has—and has not—been reported in an area.
A query can be simple or detailed. The important part is starting with the question you want the data to help answer.
From Observations to Useful Information
Every report submitted to EDDMapS adds to our knowledge of invasive species and pest distribution.
EDDMapS Query provides a way to take that collected information and put it to work.
A single observation tells us something about a particular place and time. Looking at many records together can help us see a bigger picture—where a species has been reported, how widely records are distributed, where management may be taking place, or where additional information may be needed.
That makes querying an important part of working with EDDMapS.
Start Building Your Own Query
The best way to become familiar with EDDMapS Query is to try it.
Start with a question you would like EDDMapS data to help answer. Build a simple query, look at the results, and then adjust your selections as needed.
You don’t have to use every available option. Start simple and add more criteria when you need them.
EDDMapS Query Resources
