Data and Mapping
Increasingly ecologists and advisers collect lots of information about the distribution of plants and animals and the physical environment that affects their distribution (e.g. soil, water levels, air quality). This information is needed in order to make informed decisions about what action to take to protect and enhance nature.
Data analysts and mappers take all the information that has been collected, analyse it and present it in ways that are easy to understand, often as maps showing the distribution (and possibly condition or abundance) of different habitats and species. They can also use information to model different scenarios and show what the effects of different ways of managing the area might do to the animals and plants that live there.
Data analysts and mappers are crucial in efforts to help nature recover from decades of habitat loss. Whilst they may have done an ecology or environmental management degree they are more likely to have a strong IT background and be good at using different types of software.
Data analysts and mappers typically work in the private or public sector or for industry. Find out more below.