Ecological Science Atlas
The UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association partnered with Nova Scotia Community College Centre for Geographic Sciences to create a dynamic tool providing access to scientific information for educators, students, researchers, land managers and the public.
We invite you to explore the evolving “Nova Scotia Ecological Science Atlas” that features a wide range of ecological topics:
climate
geology
topography
freshwater
coastal/marine
forests
biodiversity
protected / special areas
agriculture
community
culture/history
How to use the Ecological Science Atlas:
Try zooming maps to see distinct levels of information and hyperlinked point data. Also check out ‘research’, ‘monitoring’ and ‘Inspire’ tabs for different ecological chapters.
Education:
If you are an educator, student or concerned property owner, and wonder about climate change monitoring activities and community response planning, the information is available using the Atlas.
Searchable university research thesis topics, maps and data prepared by governments and volunteer organizations can be explored to help understand ecological dynamics and study needs to support sound resource management.
Turtle Island, Artwork by Mi’kmaq artist Lorne Julien for Ecological Science Atlas.
The Atlas introduction features a Mi’kmaq perspective using the theme of “Learning” that complements the scientific research and amazing state of the art programming developed by a team of COGS faculty, students, and volunteers.
Enjoy exploring ecological science in Nova Scotia!
Nova Scotia Ecological Science Atlas LITE
“Atlas Lite” enables smartphones and laptop computers, with geolocation capability, to explore selected Nova Scotia maps.
For example, interested in seeing what forest types and tree species occur in your area?
How to use “Atlas Lite”:
using top right tab, select ‘imagery’ as the base map.
select the second right tab, to choose “forests” from several layer options available.
the third tab shows the layer’s legend, if applicable.
then on the left tab, select the geolocation compass button to zoom to your location.
navigate the map using the touch screen to see forest stand descriptions.
Other thematic map layers include drainage basins and Crown Lands.
The pilot “Atlas Lite” application was developed at the NS Center of Geographic Sciences as part of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association Ecological Science Atlas project. Funding was provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables and western Nova Scotia municipalities.