Project Information
1. High-Level Summary
Our project addresses the challenge of understanding how physical geography impacts at-risk species across Canada. We developed an interactive map integrating open-source datasets, including priority species ranges, protected areas, wildfire hotspots, vegetation zones, and critical habitats. By layering this information spatially, we can visualize how factors like habitat fragmentation, human activity, and climate change threaten biodiversity. This project is important because it offers a powerful tool for conservationists, policymakers, and communities to identify critical habitats and prioritize areas for protection. By leveraging GIS technology and open data, we provide valuable insights into the geographic and environmental challenges species face, ultimately supporting efforts to protect Canada’s biodiversity
2. Project Details
Imagine an application that not only provides essential information about biodiversity but also engages users through interactive maps and collaborative features. This is where BioTrack comes in. Our story began with a passion for environmental conservation and a realization that many people lack access to critical data about Canada’s ecosystems. We noticed that while various datasets exist, they are often fragmented and difficult to navigate. We wanted to create a tool that empowers individuals and communities to understand and act on biodiversity issues. This frustration led to the birth of our project—a solution that bridges the gap between data and public awareness.
3. What It Does
BioTrack is an interactive web application designed to enhance public awareness and understanding of biodiversity conservation efforts in Canada. The application leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize crucial environmental data in an accessible and engaging way. Users can explore interactive maps showcasing protected species, critical habitats, vegetation zones, wildfire hotspots, and designated protected regions. Additionally, the platform includes a collaborative blogging feature where users can share insights and discuss important environmental issues, fostering a community-driven approach to conservation.
4. Challenges We Ran Into
The development process presented several challenges. One significant hurdle was ensuring that the data we integrated was accurate and up-to-date, necessitating extensive research and verification. We also faced difficulties in designing an interface that was both engaging and user-friendly, requiring multiple iterations and user testing. Additionally, we encountered technical challenges related to the integration of different datasets, necessitating custom solutions to harmonize the data formats and ensure seamless functionality.
5. Biggest Accomplishments
Despite the challenges, we take immense pride in what we’ve accomplished with BioTrack. Seeing the application come to life—users engaging with the maps, sharing insights through the blog, and understanding the critical environmental issues—has been a rewarding experience. The positive feedback from our peers and mentors has reinforced our belief in the importance of making biodiversity data accessible to everyone.
6. What We Learned
Through this project, we learned about the significance of collaboration and community engagement in environmental conservation. We discovered the value of user-centered design, ensuring that our application meets the needs of its users. We gained insights into GIS technologies, data management, and the challenges of visualizing complex information effectively. Most importantly, we learned that a dedicated team can overcome obstacles and create impactful solutions for pressing environmental issues.
7. What's Next?
Our journey is just beginning. We have ambitious plans for the future, including enhancing the application’s features with real-time data updates, expanding the dataset to include more regions and species, and developing additional tools for user engagement, such as educational resources and community challenges. Our ultimate goal is to transform the way individuals and communities understand and interact with biodiversity conservation, fostering a more informed and proactive approach to environmental stewardship. The possibilities are endless, and we are excited to see where BioTrack will lead us next.
8. Use of Artificial Intelligence
We used AI tools like Bing Image Generator to create our team logo, which helped us develop a unique and visually appealing design that aligned with our project’s focus on biodiversity and mapping, allowing us to save time for other important tasks. Additionally, we utilized AI coding assistants like ChatGPT during UI – backend integration to troubleshoot and debug our code, making it easier to quickly identify and fix issues, enhance our workflow, and improve the overall performance of our app, ultimately making our GIS mapping features more user-friendly.
